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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Delivers Live, Interactive Zoo Experience to Remote Schools Using Cisco Wireless Network
Cisco Wireless Mesh Helps Zoo Broadcast Real-Time Videoconferencing Programs From Its Animal Exhibit Areas
| Source: Cisco Systems, Inc.
LAS VEGAS, NV -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 5, 2007 -- CISCO PARTNER SUMMIT 2007 -- Cleveland
Metroparks Zoo is making a trip to the zoo an entirely new experience for
school kids around the country.
The zoo is now providing video learning programs from many of its animal
exhibits throughout the 168-acre park using Cisco® (NASDAQ : CSCO )
wireless mesh technology provided by Total Systems Integration, Inc. TSI is
a Cisco Premier Certified Partner, Advanced Wireless, and Wireless Mesh
Authorized Technology Provider (ATP).
Prior to the implementation of wireless technology, Cleveland Metroparks
Zoo would broadcast animal education programs from within the walls of its
two media centers. This meant that program presenters had to show animals
in their zoo exhibits through the use of pictures and videos. Today, a
program about orangutans, for example, can be broadcast from the actual
viewing area where the primates reside.
"For those children who may not be able to easily visit a zoo and learn
about these wonderful animals, this is really the best possible
alternative," said Cathy Ryan, education specialist and distance-learning
coordinator for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. "When children can see the
animals from their exhibits in vivid detail, and interact with the program
presenters, the result is a much richer learning experience. Our return on
investment is the excitement on the students' faces."
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo currently offers more than 30 program titles free
of charge, available to any K-12 school across the country throughout the
year. The response thus far from participating schools has been very
positive. "This program allows the students to learn not just by hearing,
but by seeing, doing, and being a part of the activity," said Dianne
Keller, librarian and high school technology coordinator for the Gladewater
Independent School District in Texas. "This has been a very effective way
for our students to learn about animals."
To enable interactive video feeds from animal exhibit areas, TSI crafted a
mobile video studio that is housed on a rolling cart. It can be easily
transported to many areas around the Zoo for distance-learning programs. As
the zoo's strategic technology advisor, TSI also designed, deployed and
supports the wireless network. The outdoor wireless network comprises 20
Cisco Aironet® 1500 Series lightweight outdoor mesh access points and
wireless LAN controller, which provide wireless connectivity to the mobile
studio.
"Given the variety of terrain and structures at the zoo, wireless mesh was
the best technology available to create high-performing and low-latency
coverage areas for video," said Bob Lynch, director of sales and marketing
for TSI. "Cleveland Metroparks Zoo can now share its great knowledge of
animals and conservation efforts with people anywhere in the world. We're
excited to be able to deliver a leading-edge communications solution that
is changing the zoo experience for students across the country."
Internet connectivity to the zoo is provided by OneCommunity, a non-profit
organization that provides broadband network access to educational,
government, research, arts, and cultural, non-profit and healthcare
organizations.
About Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to
over 3,000 animals representing more than 600 species, including the
largest collection of primate species in North America. The Zoo is an
accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and participates
in more than 50 Species Survival Plans. The mission of Cleveland Metroparks
Zoo is to improve the future for wildlife by exhibiting animals and plants
and providing education and conservation programs which encourage respect
and stewardship of the natural world and a better understanding of our
place within it.
About Total Systems Integration, Inc.
TSI is a design, engineering,
integration and consulting firm that specializes in the design of
fiber-optic and wireless networks, structured wiring systems,
enterprise-wide infrastructures and information technologies. The company
is a leader in designing integrated learning and communications systems for
rural and large K-12 Districts and Higher Education environments.
About Cisco Systems
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