Kilkenny Castle is a 12th Century castle set in beautiful parklands. Previously, it was networked with Cat2 cabling, which is incapable of transmitting data at fast speeds. Staff could not communicate with other wings in the castle or the outside world, which was becoming a problem. The team therefore decided to implement a new network.

“It was a very tricky situation. Productivity was starting to suffer because of our lack of modern communications. Wireless seemed like the perfect option,” said Paul Smith, project manager, OPW.

Dimension Network Systems installed a secure wireless Local Area Network (LAN) using the Motorola WS5100 wireless switch, 802.11b/g access ports and several PTP100 wireless canopy products to provide wireless coverage.

The Motorola solution is now enabling the 60 staff onsite to access their email, use the Internet and carry out print and file-sharing tasks.

“Although it’s difficult to quantify the benefits of such essential technology, there have been a number of specific instances. The ground staff can look up details on plants and pests online, rather than consulting a physical library, which is much quicker and more up-to-date,” concluded Smith “The solution has really brought us out of medieval times and into the 21st Century.”