A Northeastern US School District Saves Over $100,000 During IP Telephony Upgrade

School District Deploys Mitel IP Phones Across 10 Buildings Without High Costs, Complexity, or Disruption 

3-minute read time

Summary 

• A U.S. school district in the northeast needed to transition from its end-of-life Nortel system to a new Mitel IP telephony solution across 10 buildings. 

• The district aimed to maintain voice/data separation, reusing existing infrastructure to minimize cost and complexity while creating secure and robust network pathways. 

• Back in 2011, the district had successfully used the NVT Phybridge UniPhyer to deploy its original Nortel system. Impressed by its reliability and performance, they chose to continue using NVT Phybridge PoE innovations to support the new IP telephony solution. 

• With support from Rel Comm Voice and Data Communications, the district used the PoLRE switch innovation (the next generation of the UniPhyer switch) to achieve a simple, secure, and cost-effective deployment. 

• Rel Comm used PoLRE switch innovations to help the district save over $100,000, avoid months of disruption, and ensure a robust network for the new IP telephony solution. 

Problem 

A U.S. school district in the northeast faced a critical challenge as its Nortel phone system reached end-of-life. With the manufacturer no longer in business, the district needed to upgrade its communications system across 10 buildings to maintain operational efficiency and ensure emergency readiness. School officials prioritized maintaining a separate voice network to ensure phone lines would remain operational even if the data network failed, which is critical for enabling reliable 911 access in classrooms. 

Previously, the school district had implemented the NVT Phybridge UniPhyer solution, which had reliably supported their telephony needs for years. Due to their great experience with the UniPhyer, the school district preferred to adopt the same strategy of leveraging the existing and proven voice infrastructure to support IP. 

Solution 

The integrator partner, Rel Comm Voice and Data Communications, recommended the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovation (the next generation of the UniPhyer switch) to help the district deploy IP telephony using its existing CAT3 infrastructure. For the second time, NVT Phybridge PoE innovations helped the district avoid the trap of ripping and replacing its existing network infrastructure, significantly improving the project’s return on investment. 

The PoLRE switch provided the extended reach and power capabilities needed to support over 250 new Mitel IP phones across the 10 locations. To ensure a smooth transition, the installation was strategically scheduled during the summer break to avoid disruption. Two central technicians handled the head-end upgrade, while teams were deployed across campuses to replace endpoint adapters. This careful planning and execution enabled a quick and seamless deployment. The PoLRE switch innovation enabled the reuse of existing voice infrastructure, preserving voice/data separation. It also helped to maintain centralized power via an existing UPS system, resulting in significant cost and energy savings. 

Results 

The NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch helped the school district avoid the trap of a complete network overhaul, saving over $100,000 in infrastructure and labor costs. Operational reliability was enhanced with uninterrupted voice communications even during potential data network issues. The centralized UPS system reduced backup power requirements at each site, further decreasing complexity and operational costs. 

Sustainability 

NVT Phybridge network innovations not only delivered immediate financial and operational benefits but also aligned with the school district’s sustainability goals. By reusing existing CAT3 cabling, rack space, and cooling systems, the project avoided electronic waste and minimized the environmental impact. The continued use of a centralized UPS system contributed to energy efficiency across the district’s infrastructure. This initiative highlights how responsible technology decisions can support both operational excellence and environmental stewardship. 

About Rel Comm 

Rel Comm, Inc. is a leading provider of business communication solutions, specializing in cloud-based phone systems, VoIP services, and unified communications. With decades of experience, Rel Comm helps organizations modernize their communication infrastructure with scalable and cost-effective technologies. The company is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and tailored solutions that support long-term success. Rel Comm serves a wide range of industries with a strong focus on reliability, simplicity, and support. 

About NVT Phybridge 

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns.