XpressConnect™ for K-12
K-12 institutions utilize XpressConnect to enable wireless security in environments
which are rapidly being impacted by student-owned laptops, phones, and tablets.
This transformation to a highly diverse and unmanaged set of network users requires
the simplicity and completeness of XpressConnect to ensure users are connected properly
and effortlessly.
For K-12 institutions, XpressConnect provides a fool-proof, clear, and consistent experience
across a wide range of devices. XpressConnect goes well beyond simply configuring the machine;
XpressConnect ensures network connectivity is established without support desk intervention.
Some of the reasons that K-12 institutions love XpressConnect include:
Connecting With One-To-One Initiatives -
Allow students, teachers, and visitors to bring their own devices to meet
one-to-one initiatives. XpressConnect will ensure they are quickly and
effortlessly attached to the secure wireless network. Whether they
show up with laptops, iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch), or Android devices,
XpressConnect is ready to assist them. Bring-Your-Own-Device has never been simpler.
Simplify Wireless Security -
Whether based on 802.1X (WPA2-Enterprise, WPA-Enterprise, WEP/802.1X) or a pre-shared
key (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WEP), you can now enable wireless security without
burdening your users or your support desk.
XpressConnect ensures that wireless is configured consistently and securely
across a wide range of devices, 24 hours a day, without a trip to the support desk.
Avoid the Acronyms -
Wireless is strewn with acronyms, but access shouldn't require a technical degree.
XpressConnect masks away the complexity by automatically configuring PEAP, TTLS, and TLS
and can install additional software and hotfixes when necessary. It can
even install and configure trusted root certificate authorities, eliminating the
overhead of server certificate validation. For TLS environments, XpressConnect
can interact with your certificate authority (CA) to generate and install client certificates.
Fallback Mechanism -
Beyond the initial rollout, XpressConnect acts as a fallback mechanism
for wireless users. When wireless does not behave as expected,
whether due to user error, technical error, or network configuration changes,
XpressConnect is available to the user to quickly and effortlessly
reconnect to the secure network.
Typical Deployment Models for K-12
In K-12 institutions, there are several options for deploying XpressConnect.
The following are some of the most common deployment scenarios:
Open (or Help) SSID -
The XpressConnect Wizard is placed on a web server within the network.
Then, the captive portal on an open SSID is configured to provide users
with a link to XpressConnect. As a user enters the network for the first time, they associate
to the open SSID. The captive portal on the WLAN controller presents some
messaging and a link to XpressConnect. Once clicked, XpressConnect loads,
configures the device, and reconnects it to the secure network.
Remote Preconfiguration -
The XpressConnect Wizard is placed on a web server exposed to the Internet.
Then, users access XpressConnect from home or from another
public network. XpressConnect prepares the machine for its arrival on
campus.
USB flash drive or CD -
The XpressConnect Wizard is placed on physical media for easy access.
See For Yourself
See how XpressConnect can help you quickly pass the BYOD test. Contact us to request a demo, request additional information, or to discuss the benefits of WPA2 and 802.1X in general.