Affordable D-Link IP surveillance — plus on-site D-Link planning and expertise — offer a smart, practical and proactive approach to campus security.

Key D-Link Purchase Drivers

• High price-to-performance value D-Link IP surveillance equipment met the high price-to-performance standards demanded by trusted VAR, Abacus Computers, Inc.
  
  
• Flexibility D-Link wired and wireless cameras and lenses provided the light sensitivity, high resolution and fields of view needed for full coverage. Plus, flexible storage, search and remote web viewing allowed principals and superintendent customized real-time viewing.
  
  
• Superior local support prior to installation, D-Link and its certified local VAR conducted a comprehensive site survey throughout all six Colorado ISD buildings to ensure a seamless security solution.

The Vision
Securing the now, foreseeing the future

From an IT perspective, Colorado ISD has made excellent progress in its quest to promote a 21st century education through advanced technology. Spread over five square miles, its campuses are tied through a gigabit fiber network. While many students have no computers or Internet access at home, here they enjoy the benefits of rich web-based scholastic content, Smart Boards for more exciting classroom instruction, and laptops for mobile learning.

But despite its classroom successes and small-town status, the district has not had the luxury of avoiding security issues. While hardly in a high crime area, they have recorded occasional break-ins and acts of vandalism. There’s a state prison nearby. And looming above it all is a more wary worldview based on local, regional and national security concerns. “In our post-911 world, and in keeping with Unified School Safety Standards for Texas Schools, we’ve strived to create a ‘master plan’ to keep our campuses and kids safe,” said Pam Alvarez, Colorado ISD Technology Director.

A complete IP surveillance system became “the eyes” of that plan, based on a comprehensive D-Link site survey, and founded on a network of versatile D-Link network cameras and NVRs (network video recorders).

The advantages of an IP-based solution over a traditional analog system were easy to envision:

• Automation of security routines and alerts
• Higher resolution images for accurate identification
• Easy to search storage

“In our post-911 world, and considering Unified School Safety Standards for Texas Schools, we’ve strived to create a ‘master plan’ to keep our campuses and kids safe.” 
—Pam Alvarez, Colorado ISD Technology Director

The Solution
Building a blueprint for better security

In establishing their security network, Colorado ISD leveraged their relationship with D-Link VAR, Abacus Computers Inc. in Midland, Texas. With the help of Education Sales Consultant Patrick Watson, the district carefully weighed competing products and quickly selected D-Link. Superior price-to-performance value, flexibility of installation, plus dedication and local site survey support were all major factors in the decision. Watson and their local D-Link representative then performed a complete walk-through of each of five campuses, and ultimately provided a comprehensive network diagram and bill of materials as a project blueprint.

For the final solution, the team installed a series of wired and wireless D-Link IP cameras. These were linked to an array of DNS-726-4 SecureCenter™ Two-Bay NVRs supported by various D-Link switches and wireless access points. And while there was AC power for the middle school gym, running ethernet cable was impractical there; so the team chose the DCS-3420 Wireless Day and Night Network Camera.

“After a noticeable calming in the hallways, and catching thieves stealing in the gym, the D-Link surveillance system has given everyone tremendous peace of mind.”
—Pam Alvarez, Colorado ISD Technology Director

Employing DVC-20 2X 4-8mm Varifocal Lenses, D-Link was not only able to provide broad coverage of common areas, hallways and more, but tailor the focus and field of view for each location so images were clear no matter where the camera was located.

Both Colorado ISD and Abacus were pleased with the ease of installation, seamless integration into the existing network and an image quality far beyond anyone’s expectations. Initial reservations about surveillance from teachers were soon allayed after seeing a significant calming in the hallways.