I have been working on a private school project, I haven’t finalized any solutions yet but i hope my notes will guide others in similar predicaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Server: A Synology NAS makes a good turn-key file server that is easy to use, supports add-in software, supports cloud sync. Alternates are OpenMediaVault running on Rock64<\/a>, NextCloud <\/a>running on Raspberry Pi. ChromeOs <\/a>has supported SMB fileshares since 2018. Cloudron <\/a>is interesting but the free version is limited to 2 apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PC: Chromebooks have been the go-to as they are easy to use and hard to destroy. For a slightly cheaper, less portable solution ChromeOS runs well on Raspberry Pi 3b (not Pi4 yet) details chromiumos-sbc.org<\/a> Pine will soon release their Pinebook-Pro <\/a>to the general public. It is notable as it has a sturdy metal body & replaceable components (kids aren’t careful) at a $199us price point. I have NOT confirmed that it will run ChromeOS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Firewall with content filtering: My standard has been Fortinet. I have been running free OPNsense <\/a>in my home for over a year with no regrets, but the content filtering is hard <\/a>to setup. PfSense<\/a>, also a good product, falls down in the ease-of-use category. OPNsense & PfSense run on Intel 64bit hardware, an old laptop will work fine for 2 dozen students. I have successfully used both ASIX (Apple) and Realtek USB adapters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Networking: Ubiquiti makes inexpensive and easy to use gear. The software to setup VLANs and Wifi can be cloud <\/a>based ($10\/month \/ 100 devices) or can be installed on Linux<\/a>. After the hardware has been setup it does NOT need to remain connected; the config is stored in flash and survives rebooting. A careful technician could maintain the system remotely. Highly recommend switches with SFP+ ports (10Gbe) to limit bottle-necking and provide future expansion. like the UniFi Switch 48 <\/a>$415us<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wifi: Ubiquiti wireless gear works with the same software as the networking gear. I avoid the lite versions of AP’s. Note that all Wifi has a finite amount of bandwidth that is shared among all users. Don’t believe the marketing hype; Devices that advertise MIMO 320Mbps! only get that speed for a Single isolated user. As soon as there is a 2nd user that speed is cut in half. Make sure your AP’s and Chrome books support both 2.4Ghz AND 5Ghz; this may be marketed as Dual band. Have your technician perform a Spectrum analysis to optimize throughput. Minimize sources of noise <\/a>like fluorescent lights and bluetooth speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phones; Check with your local fire department as there may be a legal requirement to have a legacy phone line. I have recently found Jive <\/a>cloud to be super easy and inexpensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n