Firewalls, Security Hardware or Services & Internet Connections in Primary School

[Scorpio]

Guys

 

What devices / services are best for web filtering, either in house or service based, we are looking to DIY this to save the school some money so getting the relevant connection whether that be leased line or relevant etc, but then we need to find the best way of securing the network using firewall / filtering / UTM etc. What combinations do you guys have. The school wants to save some money but also wants to be secure, is there anything we should be adhering to such as any standard or rules?

 

Its a primary school but I know they do want user based filtering, for our other smaller schools we have used Sonicwalls or sometimes simple web filtering on Drayteks as they have been private schools with little to no money, but this is a public school with a bit more to spend and the renewals they have are very expensive with current providers etc.

 

Any guidance to what devices, firewalls , web filtering devices / services are the go to for primary schools when there is money to spend but not the same league as secondary. Smoothwall, Sophos, lightspeed etc?

 

Also is there any of you managing primary schools that don't use leased or fibre lines and use standard broadband / FTTC?

 

Finally what connection speeds / bandwidth do you use in the school and is it good enough for multiple devices such as 2 classes using tablets, chromebooks etc. ?

 

Many thanks

 

S

[Wave9_Lee]

Hi Scorpio,

 

Do you have any other details such as user count, use of cloud, what current usage is, any changes planned such as a ton of devices being added? We tend to advocate a direct internet connection with Sophos UTM, if you'd like a quote and some options let me know,

 

regards

 

Lee

[sparkeh]

We are a large primary school with 70 mb FTTC from Wave9. Obviously I don't know you requirements but in general I seem to find that FTTC is probably adequate for a primary at the moment (unless you have some serious bandwidth requirements).

 

In terms of security, we have the Sophos UTM (also through Wave9) and its perfect. Good price, easy to manage and (without wishing to sound like an advert here) great backup from Wave9 support.

[Scorpio]

Thanks guys edging towards the Sophos UTM although we now have some pricing from Smoothwall and just awaiting pricing from Sophos.

[EXA_Mark]

Thanks guys edging towards the Sophos UTM although we now have some pricing from Smoothwall and just awaiting pricing from Sophos.

 

Just to throw our hat in the ring so to speak.

 

You could go with an option that a lot of our schools go with, which is a mix of both hardware and software.

 

For instance on an Exa connection, we provide our own filtering, SurfProtect, and if you take the Quantum option, this fully integrates to the AD to give per-user filtering and supports BYOD; along with a UTM, something like the Fortigate 60E or 100E, which again we can supply and manage, and this I suspect will work out several thousand of pounds cheaper than the other options?

 

If you would like a quote to consider, just send me a PM and I'll get one of the team to put you together with some options, so at least you have everything on the table so to speak.

[jamesp]

I would look at the XG over the UTM now for a Schools environment especially as Synchronised Security can be added at a later date if you intend on getting Sophos AV.

UTM is a great box but for Schools - XG !

 

I Used to Love Love Love! Smoothwall but resent experiences over the last 2 years and the stagnant nature of their development in some respects has tarnished my view on them (obviously my personal view ).