As per the technical requirements outlined in the standards, educational institutions are mandated to equip their network switches with '2 power supplies', one of which must be a minimum of one UPS system (uninterruptible power supply). Make sure your school or college has proper network switches and switching infrastructure for reliability, security and resilience. This standard is one of the 6 core standards. It is to be read in conjunction with the Generic Design Brief (GDB) and the School-specific Brief (SSB). Who is this publication for? This document is for. Data network cabinets are required to house and connect the incoming broadband connection for your school, with your school IT network and the associated equipment. However, many schools feel perplexed by the guidance and are in need of support to understand why the standards matter. In January 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) updated their guidance on digital and technology standards for schools and colleges.
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What are the network cabling standards?
The DfE has set out 3 key Network Cabling Standards that your school or college needs to meet. You should aim to meet this standard when you look to replace your current underperforming or unsupported solution. Category 6A cabling provides greater data capacity than previous copper cabling standards.
These guidelines highlight the network standards your school or college should meet, from wireless networks, through to cabling and switches. Your network allows students and staff to access the internet and other learning resources from anywhere in and around your education campus, so it's vital to ensure its secure and reliable.
What are digital and technology standards for schools & colleges?
In January 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) updated their guidance on digital and technology standards for schools and colleges. These guidelines highlight the network standards your school or college should meet, from wireless networks, through to cabling and switches.
You can find the DfE's standards in full by following the link: Network Cabling Standards for Schools and Colleges. We provide data cabling services for upgrades and new builds. We meet the standards recommended by the DfE and can help to design and deploy network cabling as a one-off project or part of a wider infrastructure deployment.