Wireless Network Standards for Schools & Colleges: What's New?
The DfE Wireless Networks is part of the DfE Digital Standards guidance and has recently been updated to include references to Wi-Fi7. You must check with this standard before you plan any Wi-Fi upgrades!
What's New?
There is a now clear guidance that specifies that any new wireless solution or upgrade must, at a minimum, meet the Wi-Fi 8 standard.
What is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 provides significantly higher throughput and lower latency. In a classroom where 30 students might simultaneously stream high-definition educational videos or engage in augmented reality (AR) lessons, Wi-Fi 7 ensures the connection remains stable and fast.
What is the DfE Wireless Network Standard?
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The Wireless Network Standard is part of the set of DfE Digital Standards and one of the main core six which the DfE require schools to be meeting by 2030. |
The core sections are:
🛜Wireless Standard
- A high performance solution is needed to make sure that the speed of the connection does not slow down as more devices connect to the wireless network.
🛜Wireless Signal
- A good wireless connection relies on signal strength. It's important to make sure there is strong signal coverage in all areas of your school or college where mobile devices are to be used.
🛜Central Management
- A wireless network will be made up of many wireless access points. A central management solution will allow your support team to monitor and configure your network and identify and resolve issues.
🛜Security Features
- Your school or college IT networks should prevent access by unauthorised users while providing access to regular and guest users.
Wireless Checklist:
| Feature | Standard Requirement |
| Minimum Standard | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Authentication | WPA3 / Certificate-based / MFA for admins |
| Coverage | 100% of learning and admin areas (verified by heat maps) |
| Management | Centralized, manufacturer-approved management tool |
| Resilience | Manufacturer warranty and 24/7 support arrangements |
When do I need do this?
Whenever you upgrade or change your current Wireless Network, review the latest guidance in the DfE Wireless Network Standards to ensure you are meeting the standard.
You should upgrade or change your network if it is no longer meeting your device requirements.
DPE Tracker Update
- Replaced Wi-Fi 6 with Wi-Fi 7 reference and question.
- Added clear statement about the DfE Cyber Security Standards being one of the six core standards.
- Additional links to the Cyber Security Standard as a dependency.
Where do I start?
If you're unclear about where to start with this, we would advise initially assigning an SLT digital lead in your organisation and work from there. The responsibility of meeting the standard lies with the school, it is up to you to ask your IT provider if you are meeting the standard and how to meet the standard. The DfE Digital Standards are a series of standards in document form that help you work towards being cyber resilient in all aspects of the organisation.
Making the Rounds: we will ask some of these questions when we come and visit your school or trust as part of our Making the Rounds or data walk. We will then provide feedback via a report.