Enhancing K-12 Network Security Through Segmentation and Modern Infrastructure

In today's digitally driven educational landscape, K-12 institutions face unprecedented demands on their network and wireless infrastructures. With the proliferation of devices from student laptops to IoT-enabled classroom tools, schools must prioritize secure, resilient and scalable network designs. 

However, many K-12 districts lack the foundational network architecture and staffing required to support modern security practices, particularly network segmentation. 

As a former K-12 CTO, I am uniquely aware of the challenges posed by limited staff, constrained budgets, and legacy systems that complicate these upgrades. This article explores the critical need for robust underlay and overlay network designs, alongside advanced wireless solutions that enable network authentication and segmentation. 

With recent E-Rate budget increases of over 20% for the next five-year cycle (expected for 2026-2030), districts now have a significant opportunity to utilize these funds to modernize and secure their infrastructure, enhancing protection against crypto and ransomware attacks. Alongside the new E-Rate funding, WWT is uniquely positioned to assist with our Advanced Technology Center, Labs and Learning Paths, demos, WWT Research, whitepapers and our engineering support for our K-12 clients. 

The case for network segmentation in K-12 environments

Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments to enhance security, improve performance, and simplify management. In K-12 schools, where diverse user groups (students, teachers, administrators and guests) and devices (laptops, IoT sensors, cameras and more) coexist, segmentation is essential. Without it, a single breach, whether from a compromised student device or an unsecured IoT gadget, can expose the entire network to risk, including sophisticated crypto and ransomware attacks. 

Reports indicate a significant surge in ransomware incidents targeting the education sector, with some analyses showing a 69% increase in global education sector attacks in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year (Comparitech Report Q1 2025).

Many K-12 school networks still operate on flat architectures, where all devices share the same network space. This outdated approach leaves schools vulnerable to lateral attacks, where a hacker can move freely across the network once inside. Segmentation mitigates this by creating barriers, ensuring that a breach in one segment (e.g., a student VLAN) does not compromise critical systems like administrative servers or IoT-based security cameras.

The importance of a resilient underlay network

A resilient underlay network forms the backbone of any modern network design. It consists of the physical and logical infrastructure of switches, routers, and cabling that supports data transmission and resilient connectivity. Many K-12 districts rely on aging underlay networks that lack the capacity, resiliency, or flexibility to handle today's traffic demands or support advanced security features critical for defending against ransomware, which remains a top cyber threat to critical infrastructure.

To build a resilient underlay, K-12 CTOs should prioritize:

High-capacity hardware: Invest in switches and routers capable of handling high traffic volumes that can support surging demands, along with support for Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical applications like online learning platforms.

Resiliency: Implement resilient links and failover mechanisms to ensure uptime, even during hardware failures or maintenance.

Scalability: Design the underlay to accommodate future growth in devices and bandwidth demands, such as those driven by 1:1 device programs or smart classroom technologies.

Standardized configuration: Use consistent configurations across devices to simplify management and reduce errors. Utilize playbooks across the district or system.

Leveraging overlay networks for security and segmentation

An overlay network (SDN) builds on the underlay to create virtualized network segments, enabling fine-grained control over traffic and access. Modern network solution partners offer overlay solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures, providing K-12 districts with tools to implement secure segmentation.

Key benefits of overlay networks include:

Role-based access control (RBAC): Assign users and devices to specific VLANs based on their role (e.g., student, teacher or guest) or authentication method, ensuring that each group accesses only the resources they need.

Simplified management: Centralized management platforms allow IT teams to monitor and adjust network policies without reconfiguring individual devices.

Enhanced security: Overlay networks can isolate IoT devices, such as smart thermostats or security cameras, into dedicated VLANs, reducing the attack surface against threats like ransomware, which increasingly targets critical infrastructure.

Implementing an overlay network requires a stable underlay and expertise in configuring modern network solutions. The E-Rate funding boost can help districts procure these solutions, ensuring compatibility with advanced security features to combat evolving cyber threats.

Advancing wireless infrastructure with certificate-based authentication and Wi-Fi 7

Wireless networks are the primary access point for most users in K-12 environments, making them a critical component of any security and operational strategy. Unfortunately, many schools rely on outdated wireless solutions that use weak authentication methods, such as shared pre-shared keys (PSKs), which are easily compromised, especially in the face of AI-powered phishing and ransomware attacks.

Authenticate diverse clients: Support certificate-based clients (e.g., managed laptops), MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) for devices like printers and IoT-specific protocols for smart devices.

Segment by user or device: Dynamically assign devices to VLANs based on their authentication credentials, ensuring that students, staff, and guests operate in isolated network segments.

Enhance scalability: Accommodate the growing number of devices in 1:1 programs and IoT deployments without sacrificing security or performance.

For example, a teacher's laptop authenticated via a certificate can be placed in a VLAN with access to administrative tools, while a student's device is restricted to educational resources. Similarly, IoT devices like cameras can be isolated in a dedicated VLAN with limited network access, reducing the risk of exploitation.

Embracing Wi-Fi 7: The next frontier for K-12 wireless

As digital learning initiatives evolve, demanding more bandwidth, lower latency, and higher device density, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, also known as IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput or EHT) represents a transformative opportunity for K-12 districts. Beyond just "faster speeds," Wi-Fi 7 delivers significant advancements that directly address the unique challenges of school environments:

Unprecedented capacity and throughput: With theoretical speeds up to 46 Gbps (nearly 5x faster than Wi-Fi 6), Wi-Fi 7 introduces 320 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and 4096-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation).

For K-12: This means smoother, buffer-free streaming of 4K/8K educational content, more efficient cloud-based collaboration, and faster downloads for large files, even with hundreds of devices simultaneously connected in classrooms, auditoriums, or cafeterias. It significantly alleviates congestion in high-density areas.

Enhanced reliability with multi-link operation (MLO): MLO is a groundbreaking Wi-Fi 7 feature that allows devices to transmit and receive data across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz) simultaneously.

For K-12: MLO significantly improves connection stability and reduces latency. Imagine a student taking a high-stakes online assessment, or a teacher conducting a live virtual lesson – MLO ensures a more robust and responsive connection, minimizing interruptions and improving the overall user experience. If one band experiences interference, the device can seamlessly shift to another, ensuring continuous connectivity.

Improved efficiency with preamble puncturing: Wi-Fi 7 introduces "preamble puncturing," enabling APs to identify and "puncture" (or block out) specific interfered portions of a channel while still utilizing the remaining clean segments for transmission.

For K-12: In busy school environments with varying Wi-Fi interference from neighboring schools or other devices, this feature maximizes the use of available spectrum, leading to more efficient data transfer and better performance. This is especially crucial for demanding applications like AR/VR or real-time simulations.

Future-proofing your investment: Adopting Wi-Fi 7 now positions your network to support emerging educational technologies, such as immersive Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) learning experiences, AI-driven educational applications, and more sophisticated IoT devices that will become commonplace in modern classrooms.

Considerations for Wi-Fi 7 adoption in K-12:

While the benefits are substantial, K-12 CTOs should plan carefully:

Infrastructure readiness: Wi-Fi 7's multi-gigabit speeds necessitate a robust wired underlay. Your switches must be capable of supporting 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, or even 10 Gbps connections to avoid bottlenecks. Older Cat5e/Cat6 cabling may also need upgrading to Cat6A or higher. Many Wi-Fi 7 access points will also require higher Power over Ethernet (PoE) levels, potentially requiring PoE++ switches.

Client device compatibility: To fully leverage Wi-Fi 7, end-user devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) must also be Wi-Fi 7 compatible. While Wi-Fi 7 is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi standards, the full benefits will only be realized with compatible devices.

Budget planning: While E-Rate funds can significantly offset costs, it's essential to factor in the total cost of ownership, including potential wired infrastructure upgrades and ongoing maintenance. The recent E-Rate budget increases for the 2026–2030 funding cycle explicitly support investments in modern Wi-Fi 7 access points and advanced authentication systems, hardening wireless networks against crypto and ransomware threats. Districts should work closely with their E-Rate consultants to maximize these opportunities.

Challenges in K-12 network upgrades

As a former K-12 CTO, I understand firsthand the significant hurdles districts face when upgrading their network infrastructure:

Budget constraints: Despite the E-Rate budget increase, limited local funding often forces schools to prioritize immediate needs over long-term investments, making it critical to leverage federal subsidies effectively.

Staffing shortages: IT teams in K-12 districts are often small and stretched thin, lacking the time or expertise to implement complex network upgrades or manage advanced systems.

Legacy systems: Aging infrastructure, such as outdated switches or wireless access points, may not support modern features like certificate-based authentication or the multi-gigabit requirements of new Wi-Fi 7 deployments, often requiring costly replacements.

Vendor lock-in: Concerns about long-term costs or interoperability can make districts hesitant to adopt vendor-specific solutions.

To overcome these challenges, K-12 leaders should maximize the use of E-Rate funds, which were recently increased by over 20% for the 2026–2030 funding cycle, to subsidize network upgrades and prioritize vendors with strong support for educational environments. Additionally, investing in staff training or managed services (E-Rateable) can bridge the expertise gap, ensuring the successful implementation of secure infrastructure.

Steps to build a secure, segmented network

To transform their network and wireless infrastructures, K-12 directors and CTOs can follow these steps:

Assess current infrastructure: Conduct a thorough audit of existing network hardware, wireless access points, and authentication methods to identify gaps.

Plan the underlay upgrade: Use E-Rate funds to invest in high-capacity, redundant hardware that supports modern standards like 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), ensuring your wired infrastructure supports the speeds of Wi-Fi 7 APs.

Partner with vendors and OEMs: Select a network solution provider with experience in K-12 environments that has solutions that support certificate-based authentication and overlay/underlay segmentation.

Implement overlay networks: Deploy an overlay solution to enable role-based segmentation and centralized management, enhancing protection against ransomware and crypto attacks.

Secure wireless access: Transition to certificate-based authentication for wireless clients and ensure VLAN assignment aligns with user roles and device types.

Monitor and maintain: Use network monitoring and advanced AI tools to track performance and security, and establish regular maintenance schedules to address vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

K-12 districts stand at a critical juncture in their network evolution. The rise of digital learning, IoT devices, and cyber threats like ransomware, which saw a significant surge in Q1 2025, demands a shift from flat, outdated networks to resilient, segmented architectures. 

As a former K-12 CTO, I recognize the challenges of navigating budget constraints, staffing shortages and legacy systems, but the recent E-Rate budget increase of over 20% for the 2026–2030 cycle offers a transformative opportunity. By leveraging these funds to invest in a robust underlay network, deploy overlay solutions for segmentation, and adopt modern wireless systems with certificate-based authentication and Wi-Fi 7, schools can create secure, scalable environments that support learning and protect sensitive data. Strategic partnerships with vendors and funding opportunities like E-Rate can pave the way for success. K-12 directors and CTOs who act now to modernize their networks will position their districts for a safer, more connected future. Please contact us at WWT if we can help you with any of your needs.

World Wide Technology's E-Rate Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) is 143020028, and our FEIN Number is 43-1912895. WWT attends USAC Service Provider Training classes annually. World Wide Technology also maintains good standing with the FCC, as demonstrated via Green Light status in the FCC's Red-Light Display System.