The district is looking to update some network and wireless equipment. If you are submitting a bid for the wireless project, see the network switch RFP as well. Key Features and Requirements Deployment and Scale • Replace the entire system with 170 indoor access points (APs). • Include APs designed for high-density areas, specifically for: o 1 stadium o 1 auditorium o 1 boardroom o 4 gyms • Support for at least 50 simultaneous connections per AP, with high-density APs supporting significantly more. Wi-Fi Standards • Support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), with consideration for Wi-Fi 7 for future readiness. • Ensure backward compatibility with existing Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) devices. Management and Usability • Ease of use is mandatory due to limited on-site expertise: o Provide an intuitive management interface for configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. o Include AI-driven features to auto-detect and resolve wireless performance issues. • Cloud-based management is preferred but on-premises solutions will be considered if they are more cost-effective over time. Authentication and Security • Must support RADIUS authentication to allow managed devices to connect automatically without shared passwords. • Provide a guest network with a customizable captive portal for guest access. • Support for WPA3 and advanced security features like rogue AP detection and network segmentation. Power and Cabling • Access points must support PoE+ (802.3at). • Provide recommendations for upgrading to multi-gigabit Ethernet (MGig) switches for highdensity APs. • Consider that the current cabling is Cat5e, planning to upgrade to Cat6 or higher in high-density areas as necessary. High-Density and Coverage Optimization • Conduct a site survey to ensure optimal AP placement and RF performance. • Provide tools for ongoing RF management and spectrum analysis. • Include APs capable of handling stadium and gym environments, with enhanced beamforming and interference mitigation. E-Rate Compliance and Cost Breakdown • Clearly indicate which components and services qualify for E-Rate funding and which do not. • Provide multiple responses: o One listing only E-Rate eligible items. o Another listing the additional components/services that are not covered by E-Rate. • Licensing costs and ongoing subscription fees should be itemized, including whether they are ERate eligible. Integration and Compatibility • Full replacement of the Cisco wireless system, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure where feasible. • Ensure seamless integration with RADIUS servers (e.g., Cisco ISE) for authentication. • Support VLANs and network segmentation for isolating traffic between different user groups. Performance and Capacity • APs must deliver at least 1 Gbps throughput per device, with multi-gigabit Ethernet (2.5G/5G) supported for high-density APs.
