Fortifying Internet Access for k-12 Education
Over 4,000 students, faculty, and staff gain secure internet access with help from Scientel Solutions.
A local Illinois school district needed a next-generation network security solution to replace its existing system. With multiple schools throughout the district, the district’s technology team needed an experienced integrator and E-rate service provider that could meet their needs.
Scientel was awarded the project and took on the task of integrating the district’s network security solution. With over 30 years of networking expertise Scientel cutover the previous outdate system to a new state-of-the-art Network Security Solution from Fortinet.
THE CHALLENGE
A new office building, mixed authentication networks, and custom security features presented unique hurdles during implementation.
The Scientel team had to work on a tight schedule due to the district scheduled to move its central office location. Before the district finished its network migration at the new facility, the Scientel team had to migrate and test the network security solution in different maintenance windows.
The transition from their current standalone Web filter to FortiGate’s integrated Web filter facilitated additional customization of security profiles. Further modifications were required due to a mixed authentication network, aimed at seamlessly integrating staff and student authentication processes.
The district’s schedule wasn’t the only timeline that the team had to work within. As an E-Rate-funded installation, the district is required to have work completed by July 1st of that funding year. In total, the Scientel team had to work within a 4–5-month window, to ensure that the solution was financially approved, installed, tested, and configured.
SCIENTEL’S SOLUTION
Two Locations, One Integrated Platform
To truly meet the needs of the school district, the Scientel team installed FortiGate 1800F Firewalls; one at the central office and the other at a data center. Scientel’s network engineers knew that the FortiGate 1800F would provide an optimized experience while being compliant with the Children’s Protection Act (CIPA).
FortiGate’s technology follows a unified approach and allows the district to integrate features like remote VPN, intrusion prevention, antivirus, web filtering, and application control into a single platform. Customized profiles were implemented so that staff, students, administrators, and guests would have personalized web filtering and application control.
“We’ve seen significant improvements in the client’s internet experience. The Fortinet FortiGate firewalls ensure that teachers, students, and staff can safely browse on a reliable internet connection.”
-Roxana Hoffman, Operations Director at Scientel Solutions
The Scientel team put in great effort to implement and optimize the firewalls before the district could relocate to its new network. The installed firewalls are standalone systems that carry different traffic.
As Scientel’s network engineers worked to accommodate the district’s security needs, they did a web filter migration to ensure web browsing safety without interfering with a student’s internet experience. Multiple virtual IPs were configured to allow external users to access internal resources without exposing internal IP addresses. FortiGate also offers significant routing capabilities. The new installation supports SD-WAN allowing dynamic routing of traffic across multiple WAN Links.
Considering the multiple authentication networks, Scientel’s network engineers got to work on the user authentication of all traffic without having to do a complete network redesign. The firewall was integrated with an Active Directory which allows for the segregation of user traffic based on individual users, groups, IP addresses, and more. Now, through a single integrated platform, the district’s technology team can securely manage their network with maximum efficiency.
THE RESULTS
Students, faculty, and staff for the entire school district experience seamless and secure internet access.
Since the installation of Fortinet’s FortiGates, the school district’s IT team feels the new solution provides enhanced cybersecurity, creating a network that has reduced vulnerabilities and is less susceptible to hackers and malware. Now administrators can enforce policies tailored to the school’s needs while students and teachers can safely browse the internet.
With the district’s new firewall solution, the IT team can employ key technology features such as network segmentation, multilayered security, and traffic monitoring. Coupled with the Unified Threat Management (UTM) license, users have internet protection with several security profiles, including antivirus, application control, anti-spam, and more.
“We believe the FortiGate will continue to meet the client’s needs and offer the industry’s best network security, while providing seamless internet access.”
– Prathibha Gopakumar, Network Engineer II at Scientel Solutions
Networking integrations such as this are powerful tools that enhance, innovate, and improve safety for students across the nation. With new funding allocated to the E-Rate program, k-12 schools and libraries will have access to more sophisticated cybersecurity solutions. The FCC’s new three-year pilot program will provide up to $200 million in financial support to eligible schools and libraries looking to improve their cybersecurity and firewall services. Without experienced integration partners, educational institutions like the school district would not be able to support critical network infrastructure solutions. To learn more about how Scientel can meet your school’s networking, network security, physical security, or E-rate needs, click here.