Secure Wireless Network Deployment for Student Learning Spaces

Wi-Fi 6 Network and Firewall Implementation for a Maryland Private High School

Expanding Secure Connectivity to Support Student Learning

This Maryland private high school sought to create a dedicated learning environment for students utilizing classroom and study space located within the lower level of a nearby church facility. The new location would serve as an independent workspace throughout the week, requiring reliable internet access for students while maintaining the security standards expected within an educational environment.

The challenge was significant because no existing network infrastructure was available within the space. There was no wired network, no wireless connectivity, and no dedicated firewall protecting internet access. With up to 40 users expected to connect simultaneously, the school needed a secure, easy-to-manage solution that would provide dependable wireless connectivity while safeguarding students and network resources.

To support these requirements, the school partnered with Data Networks to design and deploy a complete wireless networking solution that would deliver secure internet access through a modern Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure.

Secure Wireless Network Deployment with Juniper Mist and SRX

As part of the engagement, Data Networks designed and implemented a new secure wireless network utilizing Juniper Networks technology. The solution included configuration of a Juniper Networks SRX Services Gateway firewall and three Juniper Mist AP24 Wi-Fi 6 wireless access points to provide wireless coverage throughout the student workspace.

Data Networks began by developing the network architecture and documenting the configuration requirements for the new environment. This included defining the IP addressing structure, creating a single VLAN for all users and devices, configuring routing between the internal network and the firewall, and establishing DHCP services for the internet connection.

To ensure a secure user experience, the wireless network was configured with a dedicated student SSID utilizing pre-shared key (PSK) authentication. Firewall policies were developed to allow authorized outbound internet access while blocking all unsolicited inbound traffic from external sources. Basic network address translation (NAT) services were also implemented to securely route student traffic through the dedicated internet connection.

In addition, Data Networks configured the Juniper Mist cloud management platform, creating a new site within the organization’s Mist Portal environment and onboarding all wireless and security devices. WLAN templates, RF templates, and management policies were customized to support the new deployment and provide centralized visibility into network operations.

Delivering Reliable Wi-Fi Connectivity and Ongoing Manageability

Once configuration activities were completed, Data Networks prepared the firewall for deployment and coordinated installation activities at the church location. The customer-installed wireless access points were connected to existing cabling infrastructure, while the firewall was integrated with the dedicated internet service and wireless network connections.

Following implementation, Data Networks verified connectivity across the wireless environment and confirmed successful internet access from the new student SSID. The completed solution provided students with secure, high-performance wireless access while giving the school’s IT team a modern, cloud-managed platform for monitoring and administration.

The new secure wireless network established a reliable foundation for student learning and collaboration while ensuring appropriate security controls were in place from day one. By combining Juniper Mist Wi-Fi 6 technology with Juniper SRX firewall protection, Data Networks delivered a scalable and easy-to-manage solution that met the school’s immediate connectivity needs and positioned the environment for future growth.

As an extension of the school’s existing managed services relationship, ongoing monitoring and management of the solution were incorporated into Data Networks’ Managed IT Services program, ensuring long-term support and operational continuity for the new learning space.

Tags: K-12, K12, networking