Managed Network Edge for K-12

Schools today are adapting to new learning models to maintain learning continuity in this ever-changing environment. More than ever, technology is called upon to provide equitable, effective and efficient learning. Spectrum Enterprise is ready to help with reliable and high-performing networking and security solutions.

Managed Network Edge, powered by Cisco Meraki, is built for the demands of today’s school districts — from managing district and school networks, to supporting online standardized testing and everything in between. Managed Network Edge lets you:

• Optimize high performing wireless access points.
• Achieve complete visibility and control over network users, mobile devices and applications.
• Block inappropriate sites, limit non-educational video streaming and prioritize educational apps with application management.
• Protect data and resources with cloud-based endpoint management, built-in wireless intrusion prevention (WIDS/WIPS) and cameras.
• Enables cost savings and future readiness by reducing hardware-based WLAN controllers and includes all future firmware updates and feature releases.

Access points, switches and security appliances are all E-Rate eligible.
 

Complete visibility, control and support

Managed Network Edge simplifies network management. It lets you scale and adapt your network by quickly expanding capacity as needed, creating secure learning spaces anywhere, without added complexity. From co-managed to a fully-managed solution, you choose what works best for you with a range of options. Allow your team to control what they want and consult with our support team for the rest.
 

Reduce management complexity

• A unified dashboard provides visibility and control over the entire network deployment, regardless of size.
• Experience comprehensive support, simplified billing and faster resolutions by working with a single partner.
• Co-manage your network without the risk, allowing your team to control what they want and consult with Spectrum Enterprise for the rest.

25% of school districts lack the IT staffing needed to maintain network systems adequately.¹
 

Effectively allocate resources

• Serve WiFi to classrooms, outdoor areas and other learning spaces with WiFi 6 access points.
• Limit excessive bandwidth usage with built-in QoS, Layer 7 traffic shaping rules and port-level switch configurations.
• Define access and permissions by grade level or user group by partitioning SSIDs and setting granular policies.

Protect students and maintain network security

• Ensure safe and secure learning environments with automatically updated, industry-leading content filtering.
• Protect students from inappropriate content with built-in internet Safesearch for Google, Yahoo! and Bing.
• Enable restricted YouTube content functionality.
• Create identity-based access policies, applying varying levels of filtering for teachers and students.
   

School systems need IT security solutions that will protect students from inappropriate content as well as prevent any disruption in service.
 

Physical safety and security

Gain peace of mind with the ability to access the portal and view cameras from anywhere.

See the entire district at a glance

• Standardize all schools in a district around Managed Network Edge cameras and view everything from the browser-based video wall.
• Scale seamlessly from one school to hundreds of schools.

Easy access for those who need it

• Granular access controls for faculty and administrators.
• First-of-its-kind access to live video feeds for law enforcement and first responders without VPN or specialized software.

Be the first to know with camera alerts

• Set zones and schedules to trigger motion alerts.
• Easily detect when students or unauthorized personnel enter sensitive areas.
• Monitoring protocols ensure cameras are functioning and provide alerts if a camera goes down.

Increase school efficiency and save money

• Use advanced network analytics within the portal to see the resources getting the most use, allowing you to optimize where money is spent.
• Replace the playground equipment that gets the most use and make a case for expanding the computer lab by quantifying traffic with built-in heat maps and people counting.
   

40% of educators feel less safe in their schools than they felt five years ago.²
 

A complete managed solution with multiple services:

• Security and routing: Ensure complete up-to-date firewall and UTM, backed by a leader in network security while also resolving typical routing issues efficiently with application-aware routing that provides reliable performance.
• SD-WAN: Seamlessly and automatically connect multiple locations.
• WiFi: Connect students, educators and staff to next-generation WiFi that provides speed, reliability and performance with security that begins at the wireless access point.
• Switching: Prioritize traffic on the data link and network layers (layers two and three) with cloud-managed, enterprise-grade switching.
• Cameras: Gain valuable insights into behavior patterns while also protecting your institution.
   

Partner with a trusted professional for your network needs

With Managed Network Edge from Spectrum Enterprise, enjoy a consultative approach to design and implementation while knowing that you have access to our trusted experts any time you need them. We help you extend your resources with IT experts who are responsible for optimizing the design of your network and delivering 24/7/365 support. Now is the time to streamline your IT processes with integrated nationwide connectivity, network management and security from a single trusted provider.
 

Benefits to the Managed Network Edge cloud managed architecture

• Networkwide visibility and control.
• No on-site controller hardware.
• Automatic monitoring and alerts.
• Seamless over-the-web upgrades.
• Scales to support your growth.
   

Learn more at https://enterprise.spectrum.com/services/internet-networking/managed-network/managed-network-edge.html.
 

1. "The State of Edtech Leadership in 2022," Consortium for School Networking, 2022.

2. "The World Feels Less Stable: Educators' Sense of School Safety Right Now," EducationWeek, June 23, 2022.