Prepare the Infrastructure

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Applies To: Windows 8.1

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) deployments in education have network infrastructure considerations such as security, file access, printing, software, collaboration, and communication.

IT must consider the BYOD deployment in terms of stability and availability of the network infrastructure. This need applies not only to the BYOD deployment but also to existing workloads and demands on the infrastructure

Network and security considerations

With BYOD, chances are that Internet usage will increase. IT must ensure that there is sufficient bandwidth on the network and that network switches and related equipment have the capacity for the additional utilization.

  • Network separation. IT must configure the appropriate protocols and services for BYOD communication. For example, a deployment may have a separate wireless network that’s allowed to access the Internet. Within that network, IT will need to provide DHCP and Domain Name System services.

  • Website filtering. Incorporating a means to filter website access is important. IT should have an approved list of websites that the school’s firewalls or web proxies support. Access to Office 365 and OneDrive should be included, if appropriate.

  • Firewall protection. Requiring a firewall on BYOD devices can be part of the policy for BYOD and helps to ensure that devices are secure, but verification and enforcement of the policy are difficult. For this reason, applying network-level firewall protection at egress and ingress points is important.

  • Wireless networking. Determining which wireless protocols will be supported is important, because it may limit the devices students can use in a BYOD deployment. IT must also ensure that there are sufficient access points based on the density of wireless devices. Wireless access points can only service a certain number of clients. The network’s service set identifier should be published, not hidden.

File considerations

Students might need access to files while at school. Several options exist for providing access to files, including:

  • USB drive. BYOD devices that have a USB port can use a USB drive for file access.

  • OneDrive. OneDrive provides a cloud-based file-access solution available for most BYOD devices. With OneDrive, students can access files from anywhere with an Internet connection. Office 365 integrates with OneDrive, as well, providing a robust collaborative solution.

  • Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV). WebDAV provides a cross-device and cross-platform means of accessing files. With WebDAV and the appropriate access, students can access their files from anywhere with an Internet connection.

  • Server Message Block (SMB). SMB shared folders are another option. SMB can be deployed through existing infrastructure and provides a familiar access method for files.

Access to printers is another task for BYOD deployments. When choosing printers, IT should look for those that support the BYOD model being deployed.

  • Native Windows shared printers. Windows-based devices can use native Windows shared printers, but doing so requires configuration of the printer on the device.

  • Client software. Other devices may need to use client software to access network-based printing. For example, some manufacturers offer free apps that enable printing to their printers.

  • External storage. Another option is to copy the files to an external location, such as OneDrive or a USB drive. The files can then be opened and printed on a computer with printing capabilities.

  • Apple AirPrint. AirPrint is an option for Apple iOS devices. The printer must have AirPrint capabilities, or an AirPrint server must be available for the BYOD devices.

  • Email printing. Many devices support an email-to-print capability that doesn’t require configuration on the device.

Table 3 describes options for printing.

Table 3. Printing in BYOD Scenarios

  Windows iOS Google Android

Native Windows shared printers

Yes

Requires client software

Requires client software

AirPrint

No

Yes

No

Client software

Not typically necessary

Yes

Yes

Manufacturer software

Not typically necessary

Yes

Yes

Email

Yes

Yes

Yes

External storage

Yes

Yes

Yes

Software considerations

Access to and installation of software is a key aspect of BYOD. The school must develop a policy to determine who will pay for applications used within the educational environment. Considerations and choices include:

  • Office 365. Office 365 and other cloud-based applications provide a rich experience across devices, making them an excellent complement to BYOD.

  • Windows Store. Apps can be installed from the Windows Store where appropriate for the BYOD deployment.

  • Educational licensing programs. Many software vendors offer educational discounts or volume-licensed educational pricing. This model may be applicable to a BYOD deployment.

  • Remote access. A technology like RemoteApp can provide remote access to applications, alleviating the need for each device to have a copy of the software, but IT should verify application licensing to ensure that remote access is allowed within the license. This solution also requires additional infrastructure to host the application.

Collaboration considerations

Collaboration is easier than ever in BYOD deployments, even across many different devices:

  • Office 365. Office 365 provides a cloud-based Microsoft Office suite with collaboration capabilities built in. Students can also use OneDrive or SharePoint Online in Office 365 to provide and share access to documents, whether at school or at home.

  • Skype. For real-time collaboration, Skype provides video conferencing so that students can work on group-based learning activities regardless of location. (Note that access to Skype is limited by age.)

When considering collaboration, IT should examine the needs of the students against in-place infrastructure, such as file servers and the availability of office suites.

Communicating considerations

Communication of BYOD policies and deployments is key for successful adoption. IT should communicate the basic policies surrounding the deployment throughout the institution and to parents. Several methods can be used to communicate the BYOD deployment, including:

  • Website. The school or school district website is a good place to communicate full policies, including frequently asked questions and ways to obtain support.

  • Email. Many schools use email to communicate with parents. Where appropriate, email can be used to link to more detailed information on the website.

  • Press release. Distributing a press release to local media helps to increase awareness of an upcoming BYOD deployment. With the increased awareness, parents and others interested in the deployment will seek more information about the deployment.

  • School newspaper. Information about the deployment can be communicated through a newsletter or school newspaper.

See also