Back to school, back to Wi-Fi basics

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As August rolls in and schools gear up for the year ahead, IT teams across the education sector are preparing for what’s become a critical part of back-to-school readiness: ensuring the network is ready for day one.

Whether for elementary classrooms, high school labs, or remote learning hubs, today’s education relies heavily on fast, reliable Wi-Fi. And for many schools operating with limited IT staff and tight budgets, finding a powerful and practical solution is more important than ever.

At the same time, the growing number of devices connected to school networks—such as laptops, tablets, smartboards, and IoT devices—has made security a critical concern. The rise in cyberattacks targeting educational institutions further underscores the need for robust network protection. Safeguarding sensitive student and staff data, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring uninterrupted learning experiences are essential. Schools must prioritize security measures, such as advanced encryption, firewall protection, and regular software updates, to stay ahead of evolving threats and create a safe digital environment for education.

Supporting education starts with a strong network

Today’s learning environments are more connected than ever, with technology seamlessly integrated into every aspect of education. Students use digital platforms daily while teachers rely on online resources, cloud tools, and hybrid teaching models. Meanwhile, administrative teams manage essential operations— from security cameras to student records – throughout the network. Schools need a reliable, efficient, and secure infrastructure to keep all these critical systems running smoothly.

That´s where HPE Networking Instant On steps in. Designed to give schools and other small to midsize organizations the performance and simplicity they need, without the complexity or high costs associated with enterprise solutions.

The Instant On portfolio offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including gateways, smart-managed switches, advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, and a secure, cloud-based management platform—all built to support the modern learning demands. Here’s how:

• Reliable Wi-Fi for every classroom: our latest access points, including models like the HPE Networking Instant On Access Points AP22, AP25, and AP32, deliver fast, consistent connectivity—even in high-density environments. That means fewer interruptions, faster access to content, and better support for multiple devices.
• Switching made simple: with PoE-enabled switches like the HPE Networking Instant On Switch Series 1930 and 1960, powering your access points, VoIP phones, cameras, or digital signage becomes more efficient—no extra power sources or complex cabling needed.
• Strong security with Secure Gateways: HPE Networking Instant On Secure Gateways add firewall protection, content filtering, and VPN support—helping schools safeguard student data and control access, all through the same simple cloud platform.
• Cloud management that’s easy to use: the entire network can be remotely managed through the Instant On mobile app or web portal. From configuring networks to monitoring usage and troubleshooting issues, everything can be done in just a few clicks.

Built for busy teams

Educators and administrators have enough on their plates, and their network shouldn't add to the workload. Whether they’re managing the technology needs of a small private school, a growing charter network, or a public K-12 campus, Instant On is built to be intuitive, efficient, and reliable.

Setup takes minutes, not hours, making it accessible for organizations with limited time or technical expertise. Managing devices is simple, even across multiple locations. And with remote cloud management, small IT teams or staff members can monitor and maintain the network without being tied to a desk or data closet.

With Instant On, users get the performance and control they need, without the steep learning curve or ongoing maintenance overhead of traditional enterprise systems.

Ready for the school year ahead

As schools prepare for the academic year, it’s a great time to assess network readiness. A stable, secure, and easy-to-manage infrastructure can make a meaningful difference in the daily experience of students, teachers, and staff.

With HPE Networking Instant On, you can deliver the connectivity your school needs without the complexity your team doesn’t have time for.

Explore the full HPE Networking Instant On portfolio: https://instant-on.hpe.com.