Extreme Networks Wireless Upgrade for BCPS Elementary Schools

Baltimore County Public Schools Modernizes Elementary School Connectivity with Large-Scale Extreme Networks Deployment

The Challenge: Aging Network Infrastructure Across 110 Elementary Schools

As part of its broader technology modernization initiative under RFP GDA-300-24, Baltimore County Public Schools sought to replace aging network switches and wireless access points across elementary schools throughout the district. The existing infrastructure no longer provided the scalability, reliability, security, and manageability required to support modern classroom technology, digital learning tools, VoIP communications, and growing wireless device demands.

The district needed a trusted implementation partner capable of executing a highly coordinated, multi-phase deployment across more than 100 schools while minimizing instructional disruption. The project required careful planning, standardized configurations, cloud-based wireless management integration, detailed asset tracking, and rapid deployment timelines across dozens of geographically dispersed campuses.

The Solution: Multi-Wave Extreme Networks Wireless and Switching Deployment

Data Networks partnered with Extreme Networks to deliver a comprehensive network and wireless upgrade for 110 BCPS elementary schools across five implementation waves. The project included equipment staging, configuration, deployment, testing, documentation, and post-installation validation for new Extreme Networks switching and wireless infrastructure.

To streamline deployment and maintain consistency, Data Networks utilized its Configuration Center in Baltimore County to receive, inventory, pre-stage, configure, and quality-test all equipment prior to installation. The engineering team applied BCPS-approved configurations and firmware standards, configured switch stacks using BCPS Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) files, and onboarded wireless access points into the ExtremeCloud IQ management platform.

At each school site, Data Networks coordinated directly with principals and BCPS stakeholders to schedule installation windows and minimize downtime during cutovers. Engineers removed legacy networking equipment, installed new Extreme switches and wireless access points, integrated the devices into the BCPS network environment, and validated operational connectivity for critical services including secure wireless, guest wireless, and VoIP systems.

The deployment also included extensive cable cleanup and rack organization efforts within MDFs, IDFs, and trailer network closets. Ports supporting servers, security systems, facilities infrastructure, Kronos, and OmniAlert systems were properly identified and tagged to align with BCPS operational standards. Unused switch ports were quarantined to strengthen network security and management.

Throughout all five waves, Data Networks provided comprehensive reporting and documentation, including asset inventories, serial number tracking, deployment reconciliation reports, and detailed post-installation validation checklists for each school location.

The Outcome: Improved Wireless Connectivity, Network Reliability, and Long-Term Scalability

By successfully completing the multi-wave implementation, Data Networks helped Baltimore County Public Schools modernize network connectivity across 110 elementary schools with a scalable, cloud-managed Extreme Networks infrastructure designed to support current and future educational technology initiatives.

The upgraded environment improved wireless performance, strengthened network reliability, simplified infrastructure management, and enhanced the district’s ability to securely support high-density classroom connectivity. Standardized configurations and centralized cloud management through ExtremeCloud IQ also improved operational consistency and reduced administrative complexity across the district.

With modern switching, wireless access points, and improved network organization now in place, BCPS is better positioned to support digital learning, online assessments, staff collaboration, security systems, and future technology growth across its elementary school environments.

Tags: K-12, K12, networking