Every day The British Library receives between two and four thousand visitors and is committed to providing services that meet the needs of its various user groups. This means that advanced technology solutions inevitably play an important role. With a staggering 86% of its visitors owning laptops and many of them wanting to access the Internet while they work, The British Library commissioned a survey to understand visitors' needs for wireless (WiFi) connectivity. The results showed an overwhelming demand for the service. Consequently, The British Library recently launched a wireless Internet connectivity service, principally to meet users' requirements to access emails from their laptops while they work.
To develop the service, The British Library engaged Building Zones Limited, a leader in wireless services. "This project has set the standard for what can be achieved in public buildings in terms of meeting visitor needs", said George Bartley, managing director of Building Zones Limited. ProCurve Networking by HP was selected as the main technology platform.
As prime contractor, Building Zones designed the service and the system architecture, with ICM Computer Group responsible for implementation and The Cloud for Internet network services. The hardware installed included 17
ProCurve Wireless Access Points 420wl, which are connected to an
ProCurve Switch 2650-PWR, providing Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) functionality. Initially available in the café-restaurant area and conference centre, the service is now being extended to all public spaces.
Progressive organisation
The superior capabilities of ProCurve technology translate into a better service for library users. Uniquely, the access points allow simultaneous access for IEEE 802.11b and faster 802.11g wireless devices without any degradation in performance for the latter. Also, the exceptional reliability of the products maximises availability of the service.
"A survey of users at the end of the trial period showed a high level of satisfaction with the service, which was commended for its ease-of-use and excellent performance," commented de Lucy.
The ProCurve solution is also exceptionally cost-effective. Its Power-over-Ethernet capabilities reduce installation costs dramatically because there is no need to install additional power points. In addition, the ProCurve next-day advance replacement warranty significantly reduces cost of ownership. To recover some of its costs, the library is now offering the service to users on a commercial basis, with considerable success.
Finally, the strength of the ProCurve product portfolio ensures that The British Library's needs will be met both today and in the future.
"As well as being a success in its own right, the WiFi service helps reinforce The British Library's image as a progressive, technologically aware organisation. With the help of HP's technology, we shall continue to build on this service," concluded de Lucy.
Challenge
- Provide services that meet the needs of all user groups
- Introduce advanced technology solutions where there is a demand
- Launch a wireless Internet connectivity service
Solution
- Engage Building Zones Limited to develop and install a WiFi solution
- Base the solution on ProCurve Networking technology
- Install 17 ProCurve Wireless Access Points 420wl, each connected to an ProCurve Switch 2650-PWR, providing Power-over-Ethernet functionality
Results
- Superior technology benefits library users, who have commended the service for its ease-of-use and excellent performance.
- Simultaneous access is provided for 802.11b and faster 802.11g wireless devices without any degradation in performance for the latter.
- The solution is exceptionally cost-effective due to its Power-over-Ethernet capabilities combined with the ProCurve warranty.
- The strength of the ProCurve portfolio ensures that current and future needs can be met.
Why HP?
- World-class brand
- Support for open standards
- Technically advanced products
- Superior price/performance
Partner
Company: Building Zones Ltd
Headquarters: Kingston-upon-Thames, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8977 8920
Business: Provider of wireless access solutions in corporate and public buildings.
Products: CONNECT portfolio of services: Reception CONNECT, Conference CONNECT, Meeting CONNECT
Technology highlights
Hardware
Software
- Lifetime warranty with next-business-day advance replacement (available in most countries) on most products for as long as the customer owns it *
- Telephone support available during normal business hours
- Technical product support available via e-mail
- Comprehensive network design and configuration services offered at no extra charge
For more information
When you are ready to explore the benefits a ProCurve Networking solution can offer you, call HP at 1-800-975-7682.
To learn more about ProCurve Networking's Adaptive EDGE Architecture™ solutions, visit our home page.
Purchase: In the US, HP business solutions, products, and supplies can be purchased at your local HP partner, or bought directly from HP either online or by calling 800-613-2222.
Finance: HP finance plans provide all the benefits of new technology without the risk or cost of ownership. For details, call 888-999-4783.
Accessibility: HP is committed to providing products and services that are accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, please visit the HP Accessibility web site or call 888-259-5707.
♦
For as long as you own the product, with next-business-day advance replacement (available in most countries). The following hardware products and their related series modules have a one-year hardware warranty with extensions available: HP ProCurve Routing Switch 9300m series, HP ProCurve Switch 8100fl series, HP ProCurve Network Access Controller 800, and HP ProCurve DCM Controller. The following hardware mobility products have a one-year hardware warranty with extensions available: HP ProCurve M111 Client Bridge, HP ProCurve MSM3xx-R Access Points, HP ProCurve MSM7xx Mobility and Access Controllers, HP ProCurve RF Manager IDS/IPS Systems, HP ProCurve MSM Power Supplies, HP ProCurve 1 Port Power Injector, and HP ProCurve CNMS Appliances. Disk drives in the HP ProCurve ONE Services zl modules, HP ProCurve Threat Mgmt Services zl module, and HP ProCurve MSM765zl Mobility Controller have a five year hardware warranty. Standalone software, upgrades, or licenses may have a different warranty duration. For details, refer to the ProCurve Software License, Warranty, and Support booklet at
www.hp.com/networking/warranty.
