..and delivers a safe digital learning environment to students and staff with a full stack Cisco Meraki solution from Redway Networks,

The Forest of Dean Multi-Academy Trust has selected a full-stack Meraki cloud-networking solution (including WiFi, switching, security and smart cameras) to manage its multi-network environment and support its expanding ICT estate.

The Trust is based in Gloucestershire and includes Dene Magna Secondary School and Drybrook Primary School with a sixth form based at Gloucestershire College’s Forest of Dean Campus. Staff regularly move between sites so a secure network with reliable, fast WiFi is essential.

To support its ever-growing ICT real estate, the Trust wanted to upgrade its wireless network to a more superior WiFi 6 solution that was easy to manage via the cloud. With growth and futureproofing at front of mind for the Trust, it set out to find an independent networking vendor who had the experience to not only provide the WiFi but a full infrastructure service and support.

Redway Networks conducted an onsite WiFi survey and full network audit and suggested Cisco Meraki as it would ensure the Trust had the futureproofing, scalability, and cost-efficiency it required.

Emily Stigant, IT Manager at the Forest of Dean Trust says:

“When Redway Networks demonstrated Meraki and I saw the possibilities it offered us, I was blown away and could see immediately how it would fit into our ICT environment.”

Meraki WiFi 6 improves connectivity

Redway Networks installed Meraki’s MR cloud-managed access points to provide performance, security, and manageability at all three sites. Meraki has given the Trust robust, future-proofed WiFi with complete network visibility via the cloud and staff can now move seamlessly between school sites with fast automatic connections.

Meraki switching reduces network management time

The Trust wanted to move to cloud-managed switching, so the next step was for Redway Networks to provide Meraki MS layer 2 switches for core and edge. Emily says:

“We had numerous network switches with several user interfaces and each switch change had to be done individually which meant we were spending a considerable amount of time on network troubleshooting."

Emily says:

“Since we’ve had our Meraki switches, we’ve reduced the time previously spent on network-wide switch changes by 25% meaning we have more time to focus on technical delivery.”

Meraki firewall and auto-VPN improves security

Emily says:

"Following our WiFi and switching upgrade we were able to track network devices and data throughput more accurately, which highlighted significantly more network traffic than we’d previously estimated which meant our firewall needed upgrading. A stable VPN that could handle the amount of traffic traveling between sites was also top of the list when we looked at firewalls.”

Redway Networks then supplied Meraki’s MX security solution which has given the Trust iron-clad security and a stable and reliable auto-VPN. Emily says:

“Since we’ve had our Meraki firewall the VPN hasn’t dropped once, so IT has seen a 25% reduction in daily administration time.”

Cisco Umbrella improves online security

A natural addition to the Meraki firewall was Cisco Umbrella a cloud-delivered security solution, domain name service (DNS) and web gateway that integrates with the Meraki firewall to provide an extra line of defence for the Trust’s schools. Emily says:

“We asked Redway Networks to add Cisco Umbrella to improve online student safety as it monitors exactly what students are accessing online via the app both on and offsite.”

Meraki smart cameras protect students and grounds

To secure and manage its schools’ physical environment, the Trust replaced its outdated CCTV with 24 x Meraki smart cameras. Emily says:

“Meraki’s smart CCTV was a naturally choice for us and we were able to easily complete the installation due to the cameras being fully WiFi capable. We can now access footage remotely through the Meraki dashboard which means we can only act when there’s a potential threat.”

Meraki systems manager creates a secure device experience

Meraki Systems Manager was then added to provide visibility and control of the network and improve mobile device security. Emily says:

“With Systems Manager instead of shying away from Apple and Android devices, I’m actively supporting their use for delivering personalised learning for all our students."

Meraki’s complete network visibility delivers efficiency and scalability

Emily says:

“The benefit of having all the Meraki products totally integrated, not just in the cloud but with each other, presents us with a perfect visual view of our network. Since installing Meraki we’ve improved efficiency which has enabled us to focus on creating safe, flexible spaces where learning, teaching and collaboration can take place."

Redway Networks delivers an exceptional service

Emily says:

“Redway Networks delivered an outstanding service. With product supply chains disrupted by the Covid pandemic, Redway’s staff worked their socks off to source and get the Meraki kit out to our schools as quickly as possible. Redway Networks has been a great partner to work with and I’ve been so impressed that I keep coming back"!

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