Q-KON helps connect top Malawi school

As a distributor Q-KON's was ideally positioned to supply Alvarion solutions that connected to the school's introduction of iPads for classroom use. Bishop Mackenzie International School (BMIS) is an IB World School offering PYP, MYP (Candidate) and Diploma Programmes to its students aged 5-18.

As part of this truly international education, the school's vision is to provide appropriate access to technology in the classrooms across the whole school and underpinning this is a need to improve wireless connectivity.

"A year ago an ambitious development plan was devised which included campus-wide wireless access and iPad technology in the classrooms. BMIS entered into dialogue with Skyband, the leading internet provider in Malawi, as to the most effective way to install and manage such a project," explained Nik Bishop, director at BMIS.

Optimised wireless broadband solutions

BMIS was looking for a robust wireless network that would allow for any and all students to be able to access the internet and network wirelessly, but also in a way which can be carefully monitored to ensure the system is not abused.

Whilst there is a plethora of wireless network equipment available, all at varying costs, BMIS opted for Alvarion's solution based on their robustness and reliability Bishop confirmed.

These are optimised wireless broadband solutions that are designed to address the connectivity, coverage and capacity challenges of telecom operators, smart cities, security, and enterprise customers. The innovative solutions are based on multiple technologies across unlicensed spectrums.

Juan Prinsloo, senior executive: Products of Q-KON, says there are a number of benefits associated with Wi-Fi that makes the technology ideal for application within the education environment.

"For a start there is extensive coverage and Wi-Fi can be accessed in a radius of up to 250m outdoors and 100m indoors. Each base station can accommodate up to 238 users, which means fewer installation challenges, operating and maintenance expenses and less pressure on power supply resource which is better for the environment," says Prinsloo.

There is less impact by noise or interference on wireless technology as a result of bi-directional beam forming it requires minimal installation and less equipment, and offers continuous, uniform coverage.

Alvarion's Wi-Fi solution, supplied by Q-KON to BMIS, was installed by Malawi-based internet service provider, Skyband.

Skyband's commercial director, David Pinto says the ISP is delighted to be part of this important initiative and infrastructure installation.

Learners can achieve a great deal

"We are pleased to have installed this infrastructure for the school. Wireless infrastructure, particularly Wi-Fi, can help learners achieve a great deal by providing reliable, cost effective and available connectivity," says Pinto.

Iftach Hechter, sales director at Alvarion Ltd. Africa, adds that the partnership with Q-KON has very positive implications for connectivity across the continent and application with the continent's education sector is just one example of how Wi-Fi is making a difference in people's lives.

"Alvarion offers complete Wi-Fi coverage for an entire educational campus, simultaneously supporting several hundred students, and utilizing a minimum number of base stations. Education in the 21st century has grown to be far more interactive, with computer usage and online access having become an everyday requirement, rather than a nice-to-have option. The increased availability of mobile computers in education, and the online curriculum have resulted in an augmented need for stable, consistent and safe Wi-Fi for every student in the school," says Hechter.