There's been a lot of talk in the marketplace about network convergence, the idea that data, voice and video traffic will one day travel over a single network.
Several organisations have been laying the foundation for a converged network, while others are already at implementation stage.
In this special report, we look at how Mount Erin Secondary College's converged network is driving a learning revolution by enabling new forms of collaboration among 1600 students on two campuses.
Although the two campuses aren't geographically far apart, the idiosyncrasies of Telstra's network infrastructure meant it was impossible to get a direct fibre connection between Frankston South and Somerville. Instead, Mt Erin ended up installing a 100Mbps microwave service between the two sites to provide a seamless Ethernet link that would carry voice and general network traffic. Both sites were configured with an ISDN failover service to ensure continuity of phone service in the event of a network outage.
The new network has provided Mt Erin with an easily manageable, full featured phone system that spans the two campuses and has relieved the considerable frustration staff experienced with the previous system.
AFL premiers the West Coast Eagles have no plans for a converged network yet but after embracing IP telephony, the stage has been set.
With Brownlow medallists amongst its ranks and 16 finals campaigns, the club had no choice but to upgrade an ageing telephony system to meet the needs of fans and members.
The system is still a work in progress but one that has won the hearts of club members, fans and employees.
