NetPlanner Systems, Inc., a leading provider of IT-based solutions to K-12 schools across the Southeast, has completed a major wireless network upgrade for Muscogee County School District (MCSD) in Columbus, Georgia. With the completion of the project, the 58-location school district and its faculty and 30,000 students now enjoy ubiquitous, high-speed wireless over 100% Cisco networks at every facility.

The project's impetus came from an initiative to replace antiquated wireless equipment and infrastructure and support the increasingly digital environment of MCSD's busy, growing schools and alternative education centers. In addition to the extensive scope of the project, the work had an aggressive completion target of eight to 12 months.

According to MCSD Senior Network Engineer Paul Morgan, MCSD had done business with NetPlanner before, but this was the largest project yet. Nevertheless, his familiarity with the firm put him at ease. Morgan says, "They took the time to show us their people were qualified. The level of expertise—project leads with Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certifications and other qualifications—was impressive."

The initial project goal was two schools every week and a half; a timeline that was accelerated to three schools every week and a half after the initial kinks were worked out. The expedited timeline enabled MCSD to order additional work within its budget. "We performed a WAN switch upgrade at all of our middle schools and high schools, upgrading the main switch and the closets from a one-gig to a 10-gig connection," Morgan notes. "NetPlanner planned the upgrade so each school could get back online the next day."

During the effort, Morgan says, NetPlanner techs went beyond the project scope several times to deliver the most complete, high-quality job possible. The project made its completion target, at which time NetPlanner delivered complete network diagrams and all the related hardware documentation—another "extra" that impressed Morgan.

"The project went more smoothly than any I have ever worked on," said Morgan. "NetPlanner has a great team, with extensive knowledge, and they really care about their work. I would recommend them, any day, any time. They are incredible to deal with."