Evolving Education: Why Schools Need Business-Grade WiFi

Once upon a time, the most technology teachers used in the classroom was an overhead projector with transparencies. Education has evolved exponentially since then, especially since the pandemic. Today’s schools – from pre-school to high school – are vastly different. Technology is everywhere in education. It increases efficiency, opens up opportunities, and adds to accessibility. Think of how important remote learning has become, for example. 
 
However, that influx of technology brings with it a need for serious cybersecurity. Schools are now a primary target for cyberattacks. Educational institutions manage and store an incredible amount of personal data, but often don’t have the proper protections in place. The Center for Internet Security (CIS), a federally-supported group that monitors and responds to issues, is currently “dealing with attacks on K-12 schools on a near weekly basis.”  
 
To help schools make the most of technology while still protecting themselves, we explore many ways schools use WiFi today and why business-grade WiFi is so important. 
 

How schools use WiFi

From teaching to administration, here are common ways schools use WiFi today.

• Smart classrooms: Classrooms are empowered with a variety of tools like interactive whiteboards and educational apps for teachers to tap into 
• Teacher devices: Teachers use phones, tablets, and laptops in the classroom for lesson plans and observations 
• Collaboration: Students connect with one another online for group projects and discussion 
• Online learning: Tools include virtual classrooms and video conferencing as part of the ongoing curriculum and/or during school shutdowns
• Testing: Some schools utilize online testing and assessments 
• Libraries: Students now access digital resources, e-books, and online databases 
• Safety: Schools employ everything from cameras and other surveillance devices to contactless entry 
• Guest WiFi: Schools often offer secure WiFi access to parents during events or meetings 
• Administration: Teachers and staff access student records, manage schedules, communicate with one another, and perform HR tasks
• Parent communication: Schools communicate with parents through online platforms, emails, and school apps about students’ progress, upcoming events, and other announcements 

Why business-grade WiFi is essential

“We’re dealing with [cyber]attacks on K-12 schools on a near weekly basis.”

TJ Sayers,
CIS Director of Intelligence and Incident Response

While it may now be clear that WiFi is needed in today’s schools, what may not be clear is why they need business-grade WiFi. The consumer-grade equipment you get from your internet service provider (ISP) is simply not enough. For one, business-grade WiFi is much more reliable, which is crucial in supporting a learning environment that is now integrated with technology.  

There are several ways schools can benefit from business-grade WiFi:  

• Security: Cybercriminals target schools because they store sensitive student and staff information. Thus, security is always the top priority. In fact, institutions may now even need to comply with regulations regarding network security and data protection. Business-grade WiFi solutions feature advanced security such as stateful firewalls and offer automatic firmware updates. Meraki Go’s Router Firewalls also allow you to set usage limits and manage bandwidth. This helps you prioritize applications and block others to optimize network performance.  
• Multiple networks: Business-grade WiFi also gives you the ability to set up multiple networks. For example, schools can set up one network for administration, another for teachers, and still another for students and guests. Segmenting networks – keeping their access and information separate from one another – helps protect the school from cyberthreats and unauthorized access. 
• Increased capacity: Teachers, staff, and students all use devices – both personal and professional – at schools today. They also use them at the same time. Business-grade WiFi is designed to handle a high number of devices connected to a network at once. For example, just one of Meraki Go’s WiFi 6 access points can support up to 100 connected devices. 
• Coverage area: Most consumer-grade devices from your ISP have a coverage area of only 150 to 300 square feet indoors. With Meraki Go, our access points give you more than 3 times that coverage – an incredible 500 to 1,000 square feet. In addition, you can customize your Meraki Go system to further expand the coverage area of your school, including outdoors. Our outdoor access points are specially designed to perform in challenging climates and tough environments. All the products work together to keep your school free from any dreaded dead zones. 
• Troubleshooting: Schools must address issues immediately to maintain a stable and secure network. When problems arise, consumer-grade devices generally require calls to your internet service provider, scheduling an appointment, and a long wait for someone to visit the school. Meraki Go allows you – and anyone you choose to be an administrator – the ability to monitor and manage the network remotely. You also have more control over the network to head off many issues even before they arise. For any matters you cannot handle, business-grade WiFi offers increased customer support. 

We recently shared the story of the Dahlia School of San Francisco, an authentic Montessori school in the heart of the diverse Mission Bay community. Being an educator at a Montessori school is a very different experience. Observation of the students – including sharing those observations with parents – is key. This approach to education is one of the biggest reasons the Dahlia School needed secure and reliable business-grade WiFi. Learn more about their story and all the ways they use Meraki Go through the link above. 

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Meraki Go is a partner for small schools because our business-grade WiFi is so easy to set up and maintain. There is no IT expertise needed. It is also affordable; for one, there are no required subscriptions or licensing fees. This is quite different from other WiFi options. When you get a wireless router from your ISP, for example, you’re likely to pay a fee to rent it every single month.  

We’re also here to help you grow. Investing in Meraki Go’s business-grade WiFi can help future-proof your school’s network. It’s scalable; you can expand your network without disruption. Meraki Go is also designed to accommodate an increased demand for bandwidth. Your school’s network remains robust and capable of meeting evolving educational needs. 
 
Consumer-grade WiFi may be enough for individuals, but business-grade WiFi is necessary for the unique needs of educational institutions today. 

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