Latymer School is a selective grammar school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18. Established from 1624, the school aims to provide a broad and stimulating educational experience with very high standards.
Situated in Hammersmith, West London, UK, the prestigious school features many listed buildings and includes a Great Hall and state-of-the-art technology, science and specialist ICT rooms.
High security requirements
With the very highest educational standards, Latymer School required a high security solution to control access to the school site and building. Having installed a state-of-the-art fibre optic network, the school required a complete IP access control solution to complement existing infrastructure.
To meet this requirement Tom Fisher, the facilities manager at Latymer School, opted to install the industry renowned CEM AC2000 SE (Standard Edition) security management system from CEM Systems. A complete IP solution was provided with the AC2000 SE security system design including the innovative CEM DIU 220 (Power over Ethernet Door Interface Units), CEM IP intelligent MiFare card readers and smart cards. The system was successfully installed by ADT.
Advanced IP card readers
CEM EtherProx readers are the industry's smallest intelligent Ethernet card readers. With a keypad for optional PIN security, an LCD display to display reader outcome messages and an internal database for offline card validation, the readers uniquely offer intelligent decision-making at the door, even in the unforeseen event of communication being lost to the AC2000 host server. The IP readers used by Latymer feature MiFare smart card technology and ensure the highest possible level of security as they uniquely continue to operate at all times.
Complete IP solution
Using CEM EtherProx card readers and the CEM DIU 220 (Door Interface Units) within the security system CEM EtherProx readers are the industry's smallest intelligent Ethernet card readersdesign offered Latymer School a complete IP solution. The DIU 220 takes advantage of PoE Plus technology and combines Ethernet communications and sufficient power to reliably support a complete door set, including an In/Out EtherProx reader and a standard 650mA maglock, over a single Cat 5 cable. This eliminated the expense of bringing mains power to the door and allowed Latymer IT department to simply allocate an IP address for the Ethernet card readers.
Taking advantage of connectivity via Power over Ethernet allowed comms & power from the DIU 220 to connect directly to the central communications room. With the DIU 220 also allowing the use of the schools existing fibre optic network, this eradicated the requirement for unsightly cabling that would detract from the "look and feel" of the schools prestigious listed buildings. Furthermore, with the DIU 220 installation classed as low voltage the school was also spared the expense of an electrical contractor. Two key areas where the school benefits from access control are the facilities manager's office and the IT room. With the specialist ICT suite containing over 200 modern PCs, the access control functionality has the benefit of not only protecting staff and students but also vitally protecting the school from the rising threat of theft and vandalism.
Innovative security for innovative school
The CEM AC2000 SE system using DIU 220 offered Latymer School an innovative solution. Having also opted for MiFare smart cards, the school has embraced the increasing trend towards a smartcard system with a "one-card" identity solution for both access control and school management, such as cashless vending.
