School Network Management System Filtering Solutions for Educational Institutions
School Network Management System Filtering Solutions for Educational Institutions
Hey everyone, just began working at a school here in Germany. My first task was to install a "Time for Kids School Router" – I attached a diagram of its interior. It’s a rack-mounted device built for schools, but it’s been running hot, constantly at around 58°C CPU temperature even when idle. I was thinking about swapping it for a NAS SSD. It was bought in 2014, so its parts are quite outdated. It features an Intel Atom D525 (2 cores at 1.8 GHz), 2 GB of DDR2 RAM (expandable to 4 GB), and four Gigabit networking ports at the back. I’m curious if this setup is still adequate for a school router in 2020. I recall that you can customize your own router with tools like pfSense for filtering and logging. My questions are: Can I replicate similar functionality using a homemade pfSense setup? Are the components of this older machine sufficient for our needs, or what specifications would be best for a DIY school router now? We have ample space in our network cabinet, so it should comfortably fit up to four units. Also, does adding a 10 Gig NIC affect performance in a DIY router? For reference, our school has over 700 students, six iPad "boxes" each containing 15-16 iPads for classroom use (web browsing, YouTube videos, etc.), and the buildings already have Ubiquiti APs in place. Students aren’t allowed to connect their devices to the WLAN except teachers (over 50), who have permission to use it with their own devices. We have two buildings, both equipped with classrooms, connected via DSL modems in the main building, which are linked to multiple fiber optic cables and wall cabling (Cat 7). We’re also planning to install fiber optic internet this fall. Thanks for your thoughts in advance.
Sorry, I discovered an error. The content was modified on July 27, 2020 by TT888.
the router doesn't have to be extremely fast, so performance will usually work out. you won't need an SSD because it will only start once and then run continuously. 10 gigabit connections make sense only if the room and your internet connection are both 10 gig.
Performance-wise, you're correct. Adding features like filtering or caching would require more resources. You're focusing on long-term adaptability, not just immediate needs. Regarding future-proofing: a DIY PF-Sense setup would be more flexible, allowing you to upgrade components like a 10 Gig NIC later if needed. That wouldn't have been possible in the TFK box shown earlier. You're on the right track.