ANSecurity has successfully completed a significant wireless infrastructure upgrade at Sir William Perkins's School, marking one of the UK's first full campus Wi-Fi 7 deployments. The initiative supplies the acclaimed Surrey independent school with a robust, high-capacity wireless network to advance its digital learning strategies.
The school, which supports approximately 580 students and 142 staff, has fully integrated 1:1 iPad usage into its teaching framework. The existing older network infrastructure, however, struggled to manage the increasing density of devices, particularly when large cohorts were connected simultaneously through Apple Classroom.
Technical requirements
With an emphasis on secure authentication and compliance, ensuring consistent performance across hundreds of devices became a pressing issue. Many vendors were unable to satisfy the stringent technical specifications required by the school.
"We spoke to multiple providers, but none were able to implement the solution we envisioned. ANSecurity not only made it possible – they tested it, validated it, and delivered it flawlessly," remarked the school's IT Manager.
A structured, consultative approach
The deployment was carefully timed to align with school holidays, minimising disruption
ANSecurity, recommended by RUCKUS Networks, validated the school's design requirements and conducted extensive laboratory testing to ensure compatibility with Jamf School's certificate-based authentication system and existing network architecture. The deployment was carefully timed to align with school holidays, minimising disruption.
The introduction of RUCKUS Wi-Fi 7 access points allowed ANSecurity to configure Cloudpath effectively, facilitating the seamless certification of nearly 550 school-managed iPads—an achievement unmatched by other providers. Wi-Fi 7 brings enhanced throughput, reduced latency, and increased efficiency, providing quick and reliable connectivity in high-density environments such as classrooms.
ANSecurity's integration of RADIUS and API-driven workflows
ANSecurity further integrated RADIUS and API-driven processes to maintain precise user-to-IP correlation across both the Palo Alto Networks firewall and the ContentKeeper filtering solution. Additional networks catering to BYOD and guest access were established, using Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) to protect open network traffic.
Support efforts included reconfiguring sections of the network, implementing new VLANs, and updating firewall policies, ensuring that only authorised users and devices could access relevant resources securely. A thorough wireless site survey was conducted post-deployment to validate optimal signal strength and performance, both indoors and in key outdoor areas. "The difference in consultative support compared to other vendors was night and day," said the IT Manager.
A high-performance, future-ready outcome
Integration with current security solutions ensures all safeguarding and compliance needs are met
The completed network now offers reliable, fast, and secure Wi-Fi throughout the campus, accommodating nearly 800 devices with most operating on 5 GHz. It is prepared for future updates, including WPA3 and 6 GHz, pending Jamf School support.
Integration with current security solutions ensures all safeguarding and compliance needs are met. Network enhancements, including improved switching and segmentation, have significantly boosted performance and manageability.
Cyber Essentials Plus certification
Delivered on schedule, the project places Sir William Perkins's School at the forefront of digital education. With Wi-Fi 7, the school is poised to adopt new educational technologies, such as AR/VR learning and high-bandwidth cloud applications, positioning it well for the future.
Upcoming initiatives, such as pursuing Cyber Essentials Plus certification, expanding security controls, and implementing wired network access control, underscore the deepening relationship between the school and ANSecurity. This collaboration is rooted in trust, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to innovation.
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