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Top 5 Networking Challenges Schools Face—and How to Solve Them


Top 5 IT Networking Challenges and Solutions for K-12 Education


K-12 school IT departments are tasked with managing a variety of technologies from digital learning tools to cloud-based applications. However, many schools face significant networking challenges that can hinder education, disrupt teaching, and put sensitive student data at risk. Let's explore what we believe are the top 5 networking challenges K-12 schools and IT teams face, as well as actionable solutions to address them.



 

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1. Insufficient Bandwidth for Digital Learning


As schools increasingly adopt cloud-based learning platforms, video streaming, and digital assessments, the strain on network bandwidth is becoming a critical issue. Slow internet disrupt online learning, admin tasks, and access to educational resources. And with more devices connecting to the network, schools are finding themselves with insufficient bandwidth.


How to Solve Insufficient Bandwidth Issues


Upgrade your school's internet plan and optimize bandwidth to ensure students, teachers, and staff have uninterrupted access to essential resources.


Steps to Improve Bandwidth:


  • Assess bandwidth needs by tracking the number of connected devices and active applications.

  • Upgrade your internet plan to a higher-speed tier to meet increasing demands.

  • Prioritize essential traffic, like video calls and VoIP communications, with Quality of Service (QoS) protocols.

  • Monitor bandwidth usage during peak hours to identify potential bottlenecks.


2. Network Security Threats


With schools storing sensitive data such as student records and financial information, it's more essential now than ever before that K-12 IT administrators implement robust cybersecurity measures.


How to Strengthen Network Security


Deploy a multi-layered security approach. This can help your school better protect their networks and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.


Steps to Enhance Security:


  • Monitor for suspicious activity with Palo Alto firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).

  • Ensure all devices are protected with endpoint security to prevent malware infections.

  • Educate staff and students about cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing emails and using strong passwords.

  • Close and vulnerabilities by regularly patching and updating network devices, software, and security systems.

  • Secure remote access to sensitive resources by implementing VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).


Top It Networking Challenged for K-12 Schools and Solutions to Solve Them

3. Managing an Increasing Number of Devices


More schools are adopting 1:1 device programs (where each student is assigned a device) and managing a growing number of devices has become a significant challenge. This, plus the increasing presence of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in classrooms, all need to be secured and maintained.


How to Manage a Growing Fleet of Devices


A Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution is a key tool in managing the ever-expanding number of devices in K-12 schools.


Steps to Effectively Manage Devices:


  • Implement an MDM system to remotely track, monitor, and update devices.

  • Restrict device usage according to the user’s role (e.g., student, teacher, or administrator) with role-based access control (RBAC).

  • Automate software updates to keep devices secure and ensure they have the latest features.

  • Conduct regular audits to check for outdated devices, non-compliant software, or security risks.


4. Inconsistent Wireless Coverage


Poor wireless connectivity can hinder both teaching and learning. As schools increasingly rely on digital tools, their IT networks need to be consistent and covered with fast Wi-Fi to support devices laptops, tablets, and smart boards in every classroom.


How to Improve Wireless Network Coverage


Tailored wireless infrastructure is critical to ensuring smooth connectivity across your campus and optimizing bandwidth usage.


Steps to Optimize Wireless Coverage:


  • Identify dead zones and areas with weak signals with a wireless site survey.

  • Install additional wireless access points (APs) in high-traffic areas such as classrooms and cafeterias.

  • Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 technology, which can handle more devices with higher speed and efficiency.

  • Use mesh networks or repeaters in larger or older buildings to extend coverage where traditional Wi-Fi systems fall short.


5. Limited IT Staff and Resources


Many K-12 IT departments are stretched thin. Limited personnel and resources can delay response times, lead to system downtimes, and prevent essential upgrades and security measures.


How to Overcome Staffing and Resource Limitations


By outsourcing certain IT functions and adopting cloud-based solutions, schools can reduce the strain on their in-house teams and improve operational efficiency.


Steps to Address IT Staffing Constraints:


  • Outsource routine tasks like network monitoring, patching, and troubleshooting to a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

  • Reduce reliance on local hardware and maintenance by shifting to cloud-based services for storage, collaboration tools, and applications.

  • Provide ongoing training for existing staff to enhance their network management and cybersecurity skills.

  • Implement automation tools to handle routine admin tasks such as software updates and system monitoring.


Conclusion

By addressing these top 5 networking challenges, K-12 IT administrators can create a secure, efficient, and reliable network infrastructure that supports digital learning and enhances overall school operations. With strategic upgrades in bandwidth, network security, device management, wireless coverage, and staffing resources, schools will be better equipped to navigate the evolving demands of the digital age.


Ready to improve your school network infrastructure? Take action today. Contact us below:




K-12 IT Challenges, Solutions, and Steps

K-12 IT Challenge 

Solution

Steps

Insufficient Bandwidth

Upgrade Internet and Optimize Bandwidth Usage

Assess usage, upgrade plan, implement QoS, monitor bandwidth

Network Security Threats

Multi-layered Security Protection

Deploy firewalls, secure endpoints, educate users, patch vulnerabilities

Managing Devices 

Use Device Management Tools

Implement MDM, apply RBAC, automate updates, audit devices

Inconsistent Wireless Coverage

Optimize Wireless Infrastructure

Conduct site survey, install APs, upgrade to Wi-Fi 6, deploy mesh networks

Limited IT Staff

Leverage Managed IT and Cloud Solutions

Outsource to MSP, adopt cloud services, train staff, automate tasks

By implementing these solutions to K-12 networking challenges, school IT departments can enhance the performance and security of their networks, while also supporting the growing tech demands of students, teachers, and administrators.


Ready to improve your school network infrastructure? Take action today. Contact us below:



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  • How can you protect your data in the cloud?
    There are many ways to ensure your data is safe and protected in the cloud. Here are five ways to protect your data: Always implement strong access controls Encrypt data at both rest and in transit Leverage a big-name cloud security platform (we suggest Palo Alto) to monitor for suspicious activity Classify your data based on sensitivity and priority Keep security configurations up-to-date and regularly review activity
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