How To: Upgrade & Save Money on IP Paging in Educational Environments

Before I was in digital marketing, I was a teacher. For 7/12 years I taught at a school in the inner city. One day in the middle of a math lesson, our principal announced over the loudspeaker, “Lock down.” Of course, we had practiced this to be prepared for these types of situations. I followed the necessary protocols while trying to keep all of the students calm. Meanwhile, my mind was racing as to what could have caused this real-life lockdown. Was there somebody in the building? Were we in imminent danger? What would I do if a stranger burst into my classroom? Luckily I did not have to wait long for the answers as the announcement boomed above, “all clear.” The police were chasing an armed suspect in the neighborhood and he had run through our parking lot and behind the school. The lockdown was a precautionary measure. Although our school, staff, and students were safe in that particular situation, we know that not everybody is so lucky. After this incident, we discussed as a school how we could have been better prepared for that incident or even a more serious one. One thing was at the forefront of this conversation, new emergency protocols and devices. 

Technology in general changes so much, so quickly.  Great advancements have been made specifically in the area of IP paging, security, and emergency devices available for schools. In addition to Alyssa’s Law, which mandates new safety protocols and devices, schools have decisions to make and many options to choose from. 

Let’s take a look at the necessary steps, how to save time and money, and device options for upgrading your IP paging, security, and emergency devices. 

At the beginning of this process, it is important to evaluate your current systems. Some environments utilize analog systems, and devices connected by hardwire, some use VoIP (IP), devices connected through ethernet/network, and some use a mixture of both, hybrid solutions. 

Whether you are looking to upgrade an existing system or replace the old one with a new one, here are some resources available in order to help you save time and money. 

U.S. Department of Education – Safe & Supportive Schools Grants

U.S. Department of Education – Response Program Grants

Emergency Preparedness Grants for Nonprofits

List of Federal Financial Assistance Programs for Emergency Communications

Regarding device options, VoIP Supply has multiple options from top brands in the industry to choose from. See below for just some of these options. 

Algo Solutions

Algo manufactures IP endpoints for paging, emergency alerting, and secure entry in UC, collaboration, and mass notification environments, serving sectors like education, healthcare, and government. The map below shows an example of the placement of Algo IP endpoints for education. Click the image to enlarge. 

Algo 8301 Paging Adapter & Scheduler: Bridges analog paging systems to VoIP, featuring a scheduler for automated announcements, multicast alarms, and compatibility with most SIP VoIP systems in environments like schools, hospitals, and factories.

Algo 8420 IP Dual-Sided Display Speaker:  Features dual LCD screens, wideband speakers, and multi-color flashers for customizable visual and audible alerting, and is certified for native Microsoft Teams compatibility.

Advanced Network Devices

Advanced Network Devices (AND) is an IP paging and intercom provider for sectors like education, healthcare, industry, and government, offering full solutions with advanced displays, field-upgradable features, and embedded SIP phone options.

Advanced Network Devices Indoor IP Strobe IPSTROBE-I: A PoE-enabled blue strobe for emergency notifications, easily integrating with mass notification software and SIP/VoIP phone systems in various environments like schools, hotels, and airports.

Advanced Network Devices IPSWD-RWB-IC: The IP Speaker with LED Display combines custom text, pixel graphics, and flashing indicator lights with audio to enhance informational and critical communications.

Bogen Communications

Founded in 1932, Bogen Communications is a trusted leader in audio and communications solutions, offering reliable paging systems, amplifiers, speakers, and intercoms for various markets.

Bogen Communications 8″ Ceiling Speaker with Off-White Grille, Transformer, and Knob Volume Control S86T725PG8UVK: Offers easy sound level adjustments and durable construction, ideal for offices, schools, and retail spaces requiring clear audio.

Bogen TPU250 Mixer Amplifier: The Bogen TPU250 Mixer Amplifier offers 250 watts of clear audio for large spaces, integrating telephone paging and background music for commercial and industrial use.

CyberData

Founded in 1974, CyberData designs and manufactures equipment for companies like Epson, Dell, and HP. VoIP Supply offers IP Paging solutions, providing SIP-enabled IP speakers and intercoms for mass notifications via your VoIP network.

CyberData 011049 SIP Call Button: Mountable in discreet locations, dials a preset number when pressed, playing a stored audio file for security and communication.

CyberData SIP Paging 25V/70V Amplifier 011579: A cost-effective hybrid solution for VoIP environments, supporting 70V/25V speakers and multicast endpoints with scheduling for bells and messages.

Valcom

For over 30 years, Fortune 500 companies have trusted Valcom for their paging needs. Valcom IP paging products offer easy integration, and quick installation, and eliminate the need for separate voice and data networks, making them ideal for various industries.

Valcom VIP-430A-IC IP Metal Wall Speaker, One-Way/Talkback Programmable with InformaCast: An IP metal wall speaker with talkback and InformaCast compatibility, ideal for schools, hospitals, and offices. It offers clear audio communication and seamless integration into secure networks.

Valcom VIP-801A: Enables voice access to a single zone of one-way paging over an IP-based LAN/WAN. This allows page zone extension anywhere on the network.

Viking Electronics

Viking Electronics, with over 50 years of experience, manufactures reliable security and communication products, including emergency phones, entry systems, and paging solutions for various applications.

Viking Emergency Phone Panic Button PB-3: Designed to connect to standard analog lines or FXS ports, this unit stores programming parameters in non-volatile memory and is powered by the telephone line with no need for external power or batteries.

Viking Compact Low-Profile VoIP Emergency Phone with Black Finish and Enhanced Weather Protection E-1600-BK-IPEWP: A compact, low-profile VoIP emergency phone with PoE, offering hands-free communication, ADA compliance, and up to 5 programmable emergency numbers.

Upgrading your IP paging system in educational environments not only enhances communication efficiency but also offers significant cost savings. By transitioning to a modern IP-based solution, schools and universities can benefit from greater flexibility, easier management, and the ability to integrate with existing VoIP systems. With the added benefits of scalability and remote management, IP paging systems provide a long-term, cost-effective solution that ensures clear, timely communication across campuses. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to streamline your communication infrastructure and save money while enhancing your educational environment. If you have any questions or comments leave them below, chat with one of our VoIP Experts at www.voipsupply.com, or call us at 1-800-398-8647.