Lakeland School District

Background

In the heart of northeast Indiana, Lakeland School District serves about 1,500 K–12 students and 200 staff across nine locations. As IT Director, Sam Lovelace manages a sprawling network that must accommodate modern teaching methods, tight budget constraints, and a 1:1 learning initiative that places a device in every student’s hands. Over the past six years, Sam has balanced cost, performance, and long-term scalability—eventually standardizing on UniFi to unify Wi-Fi, switching, cameras, and door access under one license-free ecosystem.

Business Objectives

1. Predictable Costs & Longevity

Funding for a public school district can be uncertain. Lakeland needed hardware that would last five to ten years without forcing high renewal fees or requiring a full forklift upgrade. The district also wanted to keep spare devices on hand for quick swap-outs, making cost per unit a major consideration.

2. Minimal Licensing

Sam had previously explored commercial solutions that included recurring seat fees. Given the district’s fluctuating enrollment and budget, the idea of paying perpetual licensing for cameras, controllers, or access points posed too much risk.

3. Scalable Technology Path

From the start, Lakeland planned for ongoing upgrades. Whether it was adding Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 pilots, or higher-bandwidth switches, the district sought a product line that would let them “add or swap” hardware without ripping out the entire backbone.

4. Simple, Self-Managed Deployment

With limited IT staff, Lakeland prioritized gear that didn’t require a large team to deploy or maintain. Sam also wanted an easy way to update port configurations, check switch status, or troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues—often from his phone, without needing specialized training.

Why UniFi?

Affordability and No Licensing Fees

When the district compared UniFi’s upfront cost to other enterprise solutions, they saw dramatic savings. For example, a Cisco AP refresh quote was nearly three times the cost of a similar UniFi deployment—plus ongoing SmartNet fees. By choosing UniFi, Sam could buy extra spares for critical areas and still stay under budget.

Future-Proof Upgrades

As standards evolve, Lakeland can integrate new UniFi devices—like Wi-Fi 7 or higher-capacity switches—into the existing setup. The older hardware still operates under the same controller, letting Sam phase in new technologies over time rather than performing a costly overhaul.

Unified Management & Flexible Features

From the cloud-based controller and Site Manager to the UniFi Protect and Door Access platforms, Lakeland manages nearly every network aspect in a single interface. New VLANs, door-access permissions, or camera angles can be adjusted on the fly—no complicated licensing or multiple logins.

Implementation Highlights

Core Network & Aggregation

At the network core, Lakeland runs Enterprise Fortress Gateways (EFGs) plus a pair of Enterprise Campus Switches. Each closet then has a Pro or Enterprise switch, providing up to 50 Gbps links back to the core. While some locations still rely on wireless point-to-point links, the district is rolling out private fiber to replace those.

Classroom Wi-Fi & Wi-Fi 7 Pilots

Most classrooms use NanoHD or U6 Pro access points. Lakeland found the U6 Pros especially strong in high-density rooms where 20–30 student laptops might stream video or cast wirelessly. In a few select locations, the district is piloting Wi-Fi 7 APs to explore next-gen performance, with no major network rework required.

Cameras & Door Access

Over the last two years, Lakeland has gradually moved from legacy systems to UniFi Protect:

• G4 Domes & G5 Turret Ultras for hallways and cafeteria monitoring
• Theta Cameras for discrete installations in areas where aesthetics matter
• Central ENVR appliances (four so far) to store video footage locally—without monthly fees
• UniFi Door Access with Gen 2 hubs and intercoms, allowing remote unlocks for deliveries or substitutes without a physical key

The web-based Protect console replaces older Windows-only software that demanded hefty CPU resources. Now, any authorized staffer can review footage from a MacBook, Chromebook, or iPad—dramatically simplifying security workflows.

Simpler Day-to-Day Management

Sam’s team relies on UniFi’s single-pane interface:

• Mobile App for quick switch port reconfigurations and on-the-spot Wi-Fi checks
• Web Console for advanced debugging, like identifying a rogue client or verifying 5 GHz coverage
• Wi-Fi Band Tool and real-time speed tests to confirm reported slowdowns in crowded classrooms

Results & Benefits

Major Cost Savings

Replacing Cisco APs with NanoHD or U6 Pros drastically lowered hardware expenses and eliminated annual licensing. The district can reinvest that money in other projects, such as burying private fiber.

Flexible Growth

Whether adding Wi-Fi 7 devices or installing new cameras, Lakeland extends its system incrementally. No forklift upgrades or “all-or-nothing” lock-ins.

Unified Security & Access

Door intercoms, remote unlocking, and integrated cameras let staff manage security events in real time—especially helpful in a K–12 environment where timely responses are crucial.

Easier Troubleshooting

From a phone or desktop, Sam and his team see an overview of each switch, AP, camera, and door reader. Issues can be resolved on-site or remotely, often without escalation.

Looking Ahead

Fiber Rollout & Energy Controls

With newly laid fiber, Lakeland School District plans to expand its network capacity even further. They’re also establishing a separate segment for HVAC and building controls, likely using Dream Machine SE models for simplicity and security.

Wi-Fi 7 Transition

Early tests of Wi-Fi 7 APs are promising. As more devices adopt the standard, the district aims to phase them in across classrooms with heavier demands, such as large-scale video streaming or robotics labs.

Ongoing Protect & Access Deployments

Lakeland continues to replace older cameras with G4 or G5 lines and may add UniFi Access capabilities—like advanced intercom systems—at more entrances. With each iteration, they further centralize security under the same license-free umbrella.

By combining uniquely budget-friendly hardware with scalable management, Lakeland School District ensures modern connectivity for every student and staff member, affirming that technology can be a true enabler of learning rather than a burden on district resources.