Georgetown International Academy

Location: Georgetown, Guyana

Project Overview

CET-AMR designed and implemented a campus-wide, IP-connected technology and electrical infrastructure for Georgetown International Academy. The integrated solution supports the school’s communications, security, audiovisual, life-safety, energy-management, networking, and electrical requirements.

The Client’s Vision

The client envisioned a fully integrated, network-centric campus that could be easily monitored and controlled by both technical and non-technical staff. The goal was to allow teachers and administrators to concentrate on education while the school’s technology, communications, security, and essential utilities operated reliably in the background.

System Design

The campus was designed around a scalable IP backbone connecting its wired and wireless networks, classroom technology, telephone and paging systems, CCTV, access control, digital signage, fire detection, energy management, and building services.

CET-AMR also designed and implemented the school’s electrical distribution, backup generation, UPS protection, exterior lighting, and low-voltage systems.

Key Systems and Features

Network Infrastructure

• Aggregation of up to four internet services with automated load balancing.
• Support for future wireless internet provisioning as higher-bandwidth services become available.
• Fortinet firewall infrastructure designed to support approximately 1,000 connected users and devices.
• Distributed network architecture with a redundant fiber loop for resilient, self-healing connectivity.
• Managed PoE++ connections and Layer 3 network capabilities throughout the campus.
• Centralized monitoring, reporting, and remote device management.
• Perpetual licensing with no recurring software-licensing costs.

Classroom Connectivity

Each classroom includes a concealed, plenum-mounted network enclosure containing a dedicated PoE switch and other room-specific devices. This distributed design reduces long copper cable runs while simplifying maintenance, expansion, and future system upgrades.

Commercial-grade data connections are distributed through Category 6 cabling installed on ceiling-mounted J-hooks and within wall conduits.

Wireless Network

• Centrally managed Wi-Fi 6 network.
• A dedicated low-power wireless access point in each classroom for reliable bandwidth and seamless device handoff.
• Support for multiple separately managed networks, allowing secure access for students, faculty, administrators, guests, and connected devices.

UPS and Backup Power

• Central 40 kVA UPS system, expandable to 100 kVA as the campus grows.
• Secondary 16 kVA UPS supporting the annex building.
• Dedicated UPS distribution panels throughout the campus.
• Two protected circuits in each classroom: one for permanently installed systems and another for computers and other instructional equipment.
• Reduced disruption from fluctuations and interruptions in Guyana’s electrical utility service.

Fire and Life-Safety Systems

A multizone, addressable fire-detection system was installed in accordance with NFPA 72 requirements. The system includes central control panels, smoke detectors, notification strobes, manual pull stations, and illuminated emergency-exit signs.

Access Control and Credential Management

The school’s smart-card access-control system manages credentials for students, faculty, contractors, and visitors. It also supports entrance records and real-time monitoring of the number and location of people on campus.

Energy and Building Management

Occupancy sensors and calendar-based scheduling automate lighting, displays, and other connected devices. Systems can activate when rooms are occupied and shut down when spaces are vacant.

This reduces energy consumption, extends equipment life, supports preventative maintenance, and minimizes the need for manual operation. Authorized users can override the automation whenever required.

Paging and Emergency Communication

• Zoned paging across classrooms, common areas, and the campus perimeter.
• Paging from a dedicated reception microphone or authorized IP telephones.
• Automated bells and scheduled class-period announcements.
• Prerecorded emergency, lockdown, and evacuation messages.
• One-button playback of commonly used media, including the national anthem.

CCTV and Video Analytics

The enterprise-grade surveillance system provides coverage of the campus perimeter and internal common areas. Its open architecture supports access-control integration, remote monitoring, event-based reporting, video analytics, and future expansion.

Each classroom includes a specialized 180-degree camera capable of capturing the complete room with a single device. Edge-based analytics and local storage provide additional processing capabilities and recording redundancy.

IP Telephone System

The Asterisk-based telephone system supports up to 100 simultaneous calls and a directory of approximately 500 users. It can connect to traditional telephone lines, SIP trunks, IP phones, intercoms, and other compatible endpoints.

A telephone in each classroom provides direct two-way communication and authorized access to the campus paging system. Emergency and panic-code functions can also be activated from individual handsets.

Classroom Displays

Each classroom is equipped with an 85-inch commercial display featuring:

• A local HDMI connection for the teacher’s computer.
• Network-based control and remote technical assistance.
• Centralized asset management.
• Automated startup and shutdown.
• Protected, low-access cabling to reduce accidental disconnection or tampering.

Multipurpose LED Display

A large-format indoor LED screen was installed in the gymnasium for use as a scoreboard, presentation display, digital-signage platform, and cinema screen.

The display features:

• 1920 × 1080 native resolution.
• 16:9 aspect ratio.
• 2.5 mm pixel pitch.
• Dimensions of 4.8 × 2.7 metres.
• Approximately 217-inch diagonal viewing area.
• Front-accessible maintenance.
• 4,500:1 contrast ratio.

Sports-Field Lighting

The football field’s lighting system was designed in accordance with BS EN 12193. It provides illumination suitable for competitive sporting events, positioned between the standard’s Lighting Class II and Lighting Class I performance levels.

Electrical Infrastructure

CET-AMR designed and implemented the school’s complete electrical system, including:

• Electrical distribution.
• Transformer and switchgear.
• Generator and backup power.
• Electrical protection and control.
• Equipment enclosures.
• Low-voltage systems integration.

The electrical infrastructure provides a 1,500 kVA supply from both the transformer and backup generator, supporting the school’s present requirements and allowing capacity for future expansion.

Project Challenges

CET-AMR received the project with limited notice, incomplete technical plans, and an extremely demanding deadline. Despite these conditions, the team coordinated the various disciplines and completed the essential scope in time for the opening of the school term, with the required systems fully operational.

Featured Technology Partners

• Absen
• Arteco
• Fortinet
• JBL
• Milesight
• QSC
• Samsung