Santa Fe Public Schools Deploys Tellabs Optical LAN Technology

SANTA FE, NM - Adopting advanced technology to prepare students for the future, Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) is deploying a new type of local area network (LAN) that uses fiber optics. Tellabs Optical LAN provides gigabit speeds to students, teachers and classrooms to augment digital learning.

The SFPS Board of Education's goal is to ensure efficient and effective IT systems and operations, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure to support student achievement. The new Tellabs Optical LAN at Ramirez Thomas Elementary School represents a major step towards this goal.

In Phase I, during the 2013-2014 school year, SFPS deployed 1:1 devices for approximately 227 students at Ramirez Thomas Elementary School. Optical LAN enabled SFPS to deploy eight drops per classroom, while saving enough money to cover an average teacher's salary. Following the success of Phase I, SFPS plans to deploy Optical LAN in six more schools by the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year.

Optical LAN is simple, secure, stable, scalable and sustainable. By simplifying the electronics and cabling, Optical LAN streamlines installation, reduces maintenance needs, consolidates and centralizes LAN management. Optical LAN also eliminates the need for wiring closets and HVAC systems inside the school.

Optical LAN Reaches Farther from Central Hub than Copper
Ultimately, Optical LAN provides faster connections and saves the school district money. Since Optical LAN reaches much farther – 20 to 30 kilometers (12.5 to 18.6 miles) from its central hub, compared with only 100 meters (328 feet) for copper – additional schools can be served from one central hub. IT Connect, an IT system integrator, installed Tellabs Optical LAN to deliver gigabit speeds to students and teachers at Ramirez Thomas Elementary School.

"Optical LAN requires fewer electronics and less cabling, compared with legacy copper-based LANs," said Elias Bernardino, executive director of information technology for SFPS. "It eliminates the need for telecommunication closets, enabling the school district to increase space for classroom. It reduces the electronics, power consumption, power backup, ventilation and air conditioning required. Optical LAN is easier to install and easier to maintain, too."

Tellabs Optical LAN, using the Tellabs 120W Mini ONT and Tellabs 728GP ONT, provides scalability by supporting gigabit speeds, future technologies and network convergence over a fiber infrastructure, according to Tom Ruvarac, Tellabs director-product management.

Purpose-built for high-capacity, high-performance LANs, Tellabs Optical LAN replaces conventional copper-based LANs. It simplifies network infrastructure and operations, getting the job done with fewer network elements by using passive optical networking technology. Tellabs Optical LAN can save up to 70% in the cost of ownership, lower energy consumption by up to 80% and reduce space needs by up to 90%.

Tellabs Optical LAN converges all of a building's wired and wireless communications networks into one ̶ handling Wi-Fi, data, voice, CATV, security, building automation networks and more. Optical LAN eliminates the need for future re-cabling and tightens security.