Recommended suppliers for cabling and switches
The Ministry has identified a group of "recognised and reputable" cabling and switch equipment suppliers. These suppliers have confirmed their compliance with the Ministry standards and requirements. The cabling equipment manufacturers and switch suppliers listed below are able to offer professional switching and cabling system design services or recommend other organisations which can provide these services.
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Recommended cabling suppliers
The cabling suppliers (manufacturers) listed on this website meet the following requirements:
Standards compliance
Cabling systems, when installed by an installer who is certified by the manufacturer, are guaranteed by the manufacturer to deliver an installation which fully meets the level of performance required by the Ministry's cabling standards for schools in New Zealand.
Manufacturers have provided to the Ministry a copy of their Certificate of Compliance from a recognised independent testing laboratory for all products to be used in schools.
Manufacturer performance warranty
The manufacturers offer a minimum 20 year performance warranty covering application assurance, product, cable, and labour for installations performed by certified installers in a registered cabling system using the manufacturer's approved connecting hardware and cable.
Manufacturers will, at their own expense, replace or repair systems or components which fail to meet the specified performance standards at any time during the warranty period. Actions or events beyond their control such as fair "wear and tear", unauthorised alterations, and malicious damage are excluded.
Testing and certification process
The testing and certification procedure for cabling systems, when installed by an installer certified by the manufacturer, ensures that:
- the cabling system design is to industry best practice;
- cabling system installation includes testing, calling for manufacturer inspections at appropriate stages of the installation, and provision of documentation; and
- the cabling system will be constructed with products approved by the manufacturer.
View a list of recommended cabling suppliers.
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Recommended switch suppliers
All Ethernet switch suppliers (distributors) and resellers listed on this web site meet the following requirements:
Standards compliance
Switch distributors and resellers guarantee to supply switches which comply with the Ministry's switching standards for schools in New Zealand.
The distributors further guarantee that switching systems, designed and installed by system architects and installers certified by them, fully comply with current best practice generally and meet the level of performance claimed by the manufacturer for such systems.
Specified warranty and replacement
Switch distributors and resellers provide a 3 year warranty on the switch and associated hardware. Warranty provisions include same day courier dispatch for replacement of faulty equipment. The distributor holds sufficient replacement stock in New Zealand to deliver a replacement unit to any school suffering a failure. A free-call number for support services should be provided.
The distributor also provides software support for the switch and free access to firmware upgrades.
Testing and certification process
The testing and certification procedure for switches, when installed by an installer certified by the manufacturer, ensures that switches will be tested prior to delivery, configured, installed and appropriate training and documentation provided.
View a list of recommended switch suppliers.
If you have any further questions regarding upgrading your school network infrastructure or ICT funding for school information networks please email network.upgrades@minedu.govt.nz [no spam].