Wireless Network Access protection

[Bryan Berg]

Has any of our area K-12 schools begun using a Client/Guest Access Network protection piece to help monitor and protect their networks from incoming devices that people want to use for internet access (especially outside equipment not owned/controlled by the district) from unwanted viruses or even use altogether? Beyond just a security code protected wireless system, this is the kind of software where a person with a wireless device requesting access has to be scanned by the system to determine if needed protection (aka updated antivirus software) is in place, and refuses access if it isn't. Some systems provide a temporary install of the needed software so that the scan will give them a "passing grade" and allow that device access to the network for a limited amount of time (usually no more than a day), after which the device must undergo the scan process again before gaining access. Guest access is then provided via a protected path in the network.

 

Colleges and Universities are using this technology, and I believe the largest K-12 schools, but I'm trying to find out if it's affordable/maintainable for smaller K-12 districts to use.

 

An example of what I'm writing about is at:

http://campustechnology.com/articles/2009/07/24/u-san-diego-control...

 

[Marty Cormack]

Bryan,
This is a timely discussion. We currently do not provide any guest wired or wireless service, but the need is becoming increasingly obvious, and by the time we build the new high school, we really should have guest wireless in place.

I am interested in finding out what all available strategies there are, whether it be completely separated networks, VLAN's network software solutions or whatever.