Bangkok University Spends Bt25 Million on New Cisco Network to Enhance Learning Environment

Thursday 12 January 2006 13:49
Bangkok--Jan 12--PC & Associates Consulting
Datacraft Selected to Deploy High-speed Advanced IP Networks in Bangkok University’s Two Campuses
Bangkok University has spent Bt25 million on high-speed, advanced IP (Internet Protocol) networks at both its City Campus and Rungsit Campus. Deployed by Datacraft and utilizing industry-leading networking equipment from Cisco Systems, the new networks will enhance the university’s management, computing performance, and 24x7 networking services, under “e-University” policy.
Dr. Thanu Kulachol, President of Bangkok University, said the university has realized the importance of IT in education development, so it has decided to spend Bt25 million deploying a new network in both City Campus and Rungsit Campus by collaborating with Cisco (Thailand) Ltd. and Datacraft (Thailand) Ltd.
This investment will provide four key benefits to Bangkok University. Firstly, the university will obtain reliable infrastructure to accommodate 24x7 services, demanding users and growing data volumes. Secondly, the new network will support online services for day-to-day operation as well as HR and student management. Thirdly, the university will be able to increase efficiency in managing and controlling all kinds of contents. Finally, the network will effectively accommodate e-learning and video on demand, with stronger and more comprehensive security.
“Bangkok University will gain a lot of benefits from this technology investment, including the introduction of 24x7 online services for management and operation tasks, as well as next-generation Internet applications through the university’s web site by using network technology “Gigabit Ethernet” and connecting internet by 100 Megabit Bandwidth. In the future, we will implement business intelligence (BI) to improve decision-making processes.”
The university will leverage the new network for following initiatives:
1. An e-Flow system that includes the use of electronic documents with tracking and digital signature capabilities, as well as the use of smart cards for staff and students.
2. Improving the university’s Digital Library by providing a wide range of online magazines, books and databases for study and research.
3. Enhancing the e-learning system to provide supplementary online courses in addition to classroom sessions; the e-learning system will incorporate multimedia and video on demand capabilities and can be connected through wired and wireless networks in each campus.
4. Connecting all classrooms to the network, including computer labs, Internet rooms, Self-study Language Center, specialized computer labs, and the upcoming Incubation Center.
Mr. Asawin Kangvolkij, Managing Director, Cisco (Thailand) Ltd., said Cisco has been working with Datacraft (Thailand) Ltd. to deploy Cisco Catalyst 6500, Cisco Catalyst 3750 and Cisco Catalyst 2950 switches to meet the university’s current demand and allow transition to 10 Gigabit Ethernet in the future. In addition, we have deployed Cisco IOS Advanced Security that enables IPv6 and QoS, along with Cisco Catalyst Integrated Security that prevents internal attacks such as Broadcast Storm, Unauthorized STP Attached, MAC Address Flooding, DHCP Spoofing, DHCP Rouge Server, IP Spoofing and IP Conflict.
“The new network will eliminate the geographic limitations that previously separated staff and students at City Campus and Rungsit Campus. Everybody will be able to connect and communicate each other efficiently and seamlessly.”
Mr. Somchart Kanha, General Manager , Datacraft (Thailand) Ltd., added that Bangkok University is a leading private university that leverages information technology to improve its learning and teaching processes and related services and stay ahead of the competition. Datacraft has offered IP network that connects both campuses, providing the freedom of communication and the conveniences of centralized management. This new network also incorporates security that enables smooth delivery of services.
To create such network, Datacraft has deployed Cisco’s networking devices including four backbone switches, two for each campus. These switches will provide load balancing and backup services to ease workloads and improve network availability. Moreover, Layer 3 switches have been installed in buildings and computer labs in each campus, with a link to both backbone switches. When problems occur to one connection line, the traffic will be transferred to the other line automatically.
About Bangkok University
Bangkok University was officially founded in Bangkok on December 25, 1962 by Mr.Surat and Mrs.Pongtip Osathanugrah. Mr.Surat Osathanugrah is one of Thailand' s most prominent businessmen, a former Deputy Minister of Interior, a former Minister of Commerce and a former member of the House of Representatives, representing Khon Kaen province.
The university was originally known as the Thai Polytechnic Institute until 1965 when it became Bangkok College, the first private college in Thailand. On October 25, 1984, the college was granted university status by the Ministry of University Affairs and has hence been known as Bangkok University.
Bangkok University is a private, non-profit co-educational institution under the patronage of the Bangkok University Foundation. The inspiration for the establishment of this university came from the founders' desire to establish a tertiary educational institution to train students in theoretical and practical experiments, and academic ability.
Bangkok University offers courses both in English and Thai. The Thai program leading to bachelor's degrees is available in Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Communication Arts, Humanities, Laws, Science majoring in Computer Science, Fine and Applied Arts and Engineering.
The international program, wholely taught in English, is available in Bangkok University International College (BUIC) offering courses in the Schools of Business administration, Communication Arts, Accounting, and Humanities. The international program is well received by those students who want to better their English and prepare themselves for the international business world or for their future studies abroad.
In 1985, Bangkok University's Graduate School began to offer courses toward the MBA Degree. The medium of instruction is English. This graduate program is fully accredited by the Ministry of University Affairs, the only accreditation authority in Thailand. In 1989,the second graduated program in Master of Arts in communication Arts (MACA) was launched. The program is also taught entirely in English and is welcomed by many of those who pursue careers in the world of communication. This has brought about the extension of the program to many other Thais who are not daily users of English, and the Master's Degree in Communication Arts taught in Thai, as a result, started in 1991.
An Alumni Association was officially established on August 26, 1974. The main purpose of the association is to enable former students of this institution to remain in contact with the University and to nurture the friendship of their years at Bangkok University. Several University alumni have become successful business executives, owners of advising agencies, journalists, writers and social workers, all prominent positions that contribute to the development of the nation. (http://www.bu.ac.th)
Bangkok University Rangsit Campus
City Campus 9/1 Moo 5 Paholyothin Rd.
Bangkok University Rama 4 Road, Tambon Klong Nung, Amphur Klong Luang
Klong-Toey, Bangkok Thailand 10110 Patum Thanee Thailand 12120
Telephone number (662) 350-3500 Telephone number (662) 902-0250
Fax numbers (662) 240-1819 Fax number (662) 516-8553
About Cisco Systems
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About Datacraft (Thailand)
Datacraft (Thailand), a subsidiary company of Datacraft Asia, is established in 1989. With our experienced specialists, combining with state-of-the-art technology, we are able to provide innovative solutions to the communications needs of customers. The most significant projects undertaken by Datacraft (Thailand) includes the design and installation of sophisticated Ethernet/Token Ring LAN and Digital data network for organizations both in government and private sectors. The company also obtained an ISO 9002 since May 1997.
For more information, please contact: News Release issue by:
Suchitra Kovitwanichkanont. Utsanee Ua-ariyasup
Cisco Systems (Thailand) Ltd. PC & Associates Consulting Co., Ltd.
Tel: 0 2263 7055 (Direct) Tel: 0 2971 3711
Fax: 0 2253 8440 Fax: 0-2521 9030
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] End.