Powering a Better Education Experience at Durham Catholic with Extreme Fabric

Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is a prominent educational institution in Canada, serving 23,000 students across 52 locations. The district places a high priority on student experience and requires a network that can support new learning initiatives while ensuring student data is protected.

DCDSB faced several challenges with their previous network infrastructure, which was running out of warranty and support. The network needed to support multimedia labs, the increasing number of wireless devices, and ensure the security of sensitive information. The previous network management was controlled by a telecom company, leaving the IT team with limited control over their own network. This situation demanded a new, flexible, and efficient solution that could be managed internally with the existing team.

To address these challenges, DCDSB chose Extreme and Integra Data Systems to upgrade their network infrastructure. The decision was influenced by Extreme’s reputation and their recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for both vision and execution. This modernization effort gave DCDSB the tools to efficiently manage their network, ensure high performance and security, and support the diverse technological needs of their students and staff.

 
Although I had a solid understanding of networking, I had no experience with routing. Yet, within about a month, I was effortlessly managing a 50-plus site network. The fact that I could quickly adapt to overseeing such a large network highlights the efficiency of the technology.
Chris Skelton
Supervisor, Network and Cyber Security, Durham Catholic District School Board

Challenges

  • Simplified network management to empower a small team to manage across multiple sites.
  • Enhanced security to meet new and emerging requirements and to create a safe environment for staff and students.
  • Single, holistic view of the wired WAN and LAN network to ease troubleshooting.
  • High-performance network to support digital learning initiatives.

Extreme Solutions

  • Extreme Fabric Connect
  • ExtremeCloud IQ - Site Engine
  • Universal Wired

Results

  • Extreme Fabric significantly decreased the amount of time spent on network management while increasing network security.
  • Simplified network management through Fabric and ExtremeCloud IQ – Site Engine allowed DCDSB’s small team to focus on other critical priorities.
  • Robust, secure infrastructure provided peace of mind that the school could comply with current and future data protection rules.