About the client
The client is an independent operator and builder of market leading care homes throughout the UK. They pride themselves in providing exceptional care to residents and therefore extra thought is given to every aspect of their welfare. Our client identified that in 2018 among all adults, 78% used smartphones to access the internet. These were the most popular devices across most age groups, apart from those aged 65 and over, who reported a tablet computer as the most popular device used. Maintaining independence for their residents is important for their well-being so keeping them connected to family and friends is a must.
The objectives
DTX Network Services were tasked with:
- Providing wired and wireless internet access throughout the building, not just common areas
- Creating several secure wi-fi networks to allow staff, residents and visitors different levels of access.
- Installing an efficient IP compatible telephone system which gives each resident their own personal line and telephone number in each of the bedrooms whilst providing staff with fixed and cordless handsets.
- Providing onsite billing software whereby the care home can re-bill residents for call charges incurred during their stay.
- Providing a fully scalable, future proof internet connection.
The solution
Wi-Fi
We installed Cisco Meraki Enterprise access points throughout the home giving full coverage with secure multilevel access for staff, residents & visitors alike. The Cisco Meraki access points are a fully cloud managed solution with easy deployment and management capabilities. With rich analytics, it makes it easy to manage clients and identify any issues on the wi-fi network.
Telephony
The Alcatel OXO Connect solution was a perfect fit that provided up to date SIP connectivity whilst providing easy to use features. This encompassed a line and direct dial for every resident bedroom, feature rich desk phones for all staff members and voice over wireless LAN (VoWLAN) cordless handsets to ensure staff are contactable 24/7 wherever they may be in the building. These cordless handsets also prove invaluable in an emergency ensuring staff have access to the emergency services at their fingertips. The VoWLAN handsets utilise the already installed wi-fi network.
This solution teamed with the Tri-Line TIM billing software enabled the care home to simply raise detailed monthly bills for residents call usage. This fits into the client’s business model as they’re able to cover overheads whilst providing an essential service to its residents.
Fixed Residents Network
With the evolution in smart TV’s it was essential that all the resident’s bedrooms and common areas had a fixed wired internet outlet for the easy connection of a smart TV. This was achieved by providing a separate wired LAN with bandwidth control.
Internet Connectivity
After an audit on the clients previous ADSL/FTTC connections it was identified that over a 5-year period the average data usage for the care homes had gone from approx. 10Gb per month to over 200Gb per week. We installed a scalable future proof 1Gb fibre leased line. This was initially installed with 100mb bandwidth, which can be easily increased as demand dictates, without the need for replacing costly infrastructure. The leased line is a converged circuit which means as well as
data traffic it also carries all the sites voice traffic, so no need for extra costly telephone lines.
