How to future-proof school wireless network design for Wi-Fi 7

Schools planning to build a reliable and adaptable wireless network face the challenge of keeping up with rapidly advancing technology. For IT professionals and administrators working on school wireless network design, understanding how to future-proof networks is key to balancing current needs with potential upgrades like Wi-Fi 7.

Read on to learn:

• The definition of Wi-Fi 7 and how it might affect their school
• What schools can do to best prepare for Wi-Fi 7 without rushing into the hype
• Some challenges schools are likely to face when designing a campus network
• A few tips for school wireless network design
• Mistakes to look out for when considering campus wireless network design
• Why Meter’s Wi-Fi network designs are the best solution for your school

What is Wi-Fi 7 & how will it affect schools?

Wi-Fi 7 is the upcoming generation of wireless technology that promises faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in high-density environments like schools. Key features such as 320 MHz channels and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) are designed to handle more devices simultaneously, which could be useful in crowded environments.

However, Wi-Fi 7 is expected to become officially ratified by the IEEE around late 2024, with wider adoption potentially starting in 2025 as more compatible devices and infrastructure emerge. Right now, most devices don’t support it, and schools likely won’t need its full capabilities for several years.

The hype surrounding Wi-Fi 7 doesn’t mean it’s a must-have upgrade just yet. Instead, schools should focus on leveraging Wi-Fi 6. You can already improve efficiency and capacity in high-density environments through technologies like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) that provide a solid network foundation for future Wi-Fi network design.

Building a flexible and scalable campus wireless network design today allows schools to be ready for future advancements when Wi-Fi 7 becomes truly practical.

How can schools prepare for Wi-Fi 7 without rushing into upgrades?

Schools aiming to future-proof their Wi-Fi networks should prioritize scalability, focusing on gradual upgrades that allow for flexibility down the road. Investing in high-quality infrastructure, such as fiber optic or Cat 6A cabling, is a practical way to handle increasing bandwidth demands and future wireless upgrades.

When Wi-Fi 7 becomes more viable, replacing access points and switches will be straightforward, without requiring a complete overhaul of the Wi-Fi network design.

Planning ahead also leads to significant cost benefits. Instead of facing expensive, large-scale replacements later, focusing on modular upgrades now can help manage long-term expenses and minimize disruptions. Upgrading specific components gradually, rather than entire systems, allows for a more efficient use of resources when you design a Wi-Fi network for a school environment.

Taking an incremental approach to campus wireless network design further reduces the pressure of large upfront costs. Deploying Wi-Fi 6 access points today provides solid network performance and keeps your system adaptable for future upgrades. As Wi-Fi 7 technology matures, these access points can be replaced, keeping the network up-to-date without the need for disruptive or costly changes.

Common challenges in school wireless network designs

Designing an effective wireless network for schools comes with several challenges, especially when balancing the needs of diverse devices, managing high-density environments, and maintaining security. Each of these areas places significant strain on a network, and adding the uncertainty of Wi-Fi 7 to the mix could further complicate things, especially when it’s not fully proven yet.

Diverse device needs

Schools typically deal with a wide range of devices, from laptops and tablets to IoT devices like smart boards and security cameras. Each device has different needs. For example, while a smartboard requires steady connectivity for lessons, it won’t draw nearly as much bandwidth as a classroom of students simultaneously streaming videos.

Wi-Fi 6 already handles these varying demands well. Relying on Wi-Fi 7 for an immediate solution doesn't make sense yet, especially when current devices can't utilize its benefits. Schools would be better served by optimizing their current network rather than jumping on a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade that’s still largely speculative.

High-density environments

High-density environments, such as crowded classrooms or gymnasiums, are another significant challenge. Wi-Fi 6E is already designed to handle these environments with features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which manage multiple devices efficiently.

Waiting for Wi-Fi 7 to solve these issues could lead to unnecessary delays in improving network performance. Current technology is already more than capable of handling the traffic seen in most schools today.

Security and data privacy

Security is a third area that cannot be ignored. Protecting sensitive student data goes far beyond just encrypting data. Schools need strong firewalls, proper network segmentation, and consistent monitoring.

Wi-Fi 7 won’t address these issues directly, and schools risk getting distracted by the promise of faster speeds while overlooking basic security needs. An unprotected network is vulnerable to breaches, no matter how fast or advanced the underlying technology might be.

Tips to build a flexible and scalable wireless network for schools

Rather than relying on promises of future performance, it's more practical to build a network that meets current needs while allowing for gradual upgrades when the technology actually proves its value.

Choose dual-band access points

One key step is to choose tri-band access points that support both 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequencies. These access points are well-suited for today’s devices and offer flexibility for future transitions.

When Wi-Fi 7 becomes a viable option, these access points can be swapped out without requiring a full system overhaul. This keeps you from getting locked into a setup that could quickly become obsolete or unnecessary.

Invest in robust cabling and infrastructure

Another critical aspect is investing in high-quality cabling and infrastructure. Installing fiber optic or Cat 6/7 cabling prepares your network for increased bandwidth demands, regardless of whether Wi-Fi 7 delivers on its hype. By putting this in place now, you're setting up a network that can handle future upgrades with minimal disruption and cost.

Optimize network layouts for coverage

It’s essential to optimize network layouts to ensure proper coverage across diverse school spaces. Schools often have varied environments, from outdoor courtyards to large indoor areas like gymnasiums.

Strategically placing access points helps provide consistent coverage across various school spaces, particularly in high-traffic areas like classrooms and hallways. Proper placement reduces the risk of dead zones and maintains reliable connectivity, even in areas with heavy device usage.

A thoughtful layout can also future-proof the network, making it easier to upgrade components as technologies like Wi-Fi 7 become available and practical for use.

What school network design mistakes cause future headaches?

One of the biggest mistakes schools make in network design is getting swept up in the hype of new technologies like Wi-Fi 7 without considering long-term practicality. Wi-Fi 7 may offer theoretical benefits, but with its features still unproven in most real-world environments and limited device compatibility, rushing to adopt it could create more headaches than solutions.

The following mistakes often lead to significant issues down the road:

Neglecting cabling and infrastructure

Neglecting infrastructure is a common issue. Many schools focus on upgrading access points without addressing the underlying infrastructure, like cabling. Poor-quality cabling will quickly become a bottleneck, especially if newer technologies like Wi-Fi 7 are introduced.

The result? Underwhelming performance and potentially costly rewiring to fix the problem later. Schools need to prioritize investments in fiber optic or Cat 6/7 cabling to avoid such roadblocks.

Overlooking backward compatibility

Another misstep is overlooking backward compatibility. Schools typically operate with a mix of older and newer devices, and ignoring how older equipment interacts with modern network upgrades can disrupt learning.

A Wi-Fi network should accommodate both legacy and newer devices to avoid connectivity issues that could slow down the entire system. Upgrading only for the latest technology without considering existing needs can cause immediate frustrations in day-to-day operations.

Skipping firmware updates

Skipping firmware updates is also a mistake with lasting consequences. Regular updates to access points, switches, and routers are necessary to keep systems running securely and efficiently.

Failing to keep firmware current leaves the network vulnerable to security risks and performance degradation, especially as more devices connect. Staying on top of updates is a simple yet effective way to maintain network health and avoid unnecessary complications down the line.

Meter helps schools design wireless networks for the future

Meter simplifies school wireless network design, creating networks that meet current demands and are ready for future upgrades. Schools often face the challenge of balancing high-density usage and future-proofing for upcoming technologies like Wi-Fi 7, and that’s where Meter’s expertise comes in.

Our approach frees up your IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives while we handle the heavy lifting of network management. Our Network as a Service (NaaS) model is designed to reduce costs and complexity, offering schools a stress-free path to modern, scalable wireless networks.

Here’s how our NaaS model benefits schools:

• Custom network design: Meter’s network designs can be tailored specifically to the challenges of school environments, optimizing for high traffic and large device counts during peak usage.
• No upfront capital costs: Schools avoid large initial hardware investments by opting for Meter’s monthly billing NaaS service model, making financial planning easier with predictable fees.
• ISP management: Meter handles all negotiations and ongoing ISP management, reducing the burden on school IT teams and providing a hassle-free connectivity experience.
• Automatic hardware upgrades: As technology advances, Meter manages hardware updates. When Wi-Fi 7 access points become available around Spring 2025, upgrades will be handled automatically, requiring no additional investment or effort from school staff.
• Proactive monitoring and maintenance: Meter support provides ongoing network monitoring, detecting potential issues early and addressing them to maintain optimal performance.

Schools can rely on Meter to keep their networks ready for today’s needs and tomorrow’s advancements. Schedule a customized demo.