Education

E-Rate Network Solutions for K-12 Schools and Libraries

Maximize Funding, Modernize Connectivity, Empower Student Success

Scalable, cost-effective, and secure K-12 digital learning networks

RUCKUS® delivers reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi and networking that keeps every classroom connected, even in the most device-dense environments. Our AI-driven troubleshooting and white-glove support ensure your network just works, so teachers and students can focus on learning.

Through E-Rate, schools can offset costs while modernizing with future-ready infrastructure.

Modernize Your Campus LAN

Join us for a live discussion on how modern LAN design is transforming campus networks for better performance, scalability, and security. Learn best practices for upgrading your infrastructure to meet today’s demands—avoiding common pitfalls and leveraging insights from real-world deployments.

Real-world deployments and lessons from the field.

“RUCKUS keeps our classrooms reliably connected, even during the busiest times of day.”

Director of Technology, San Leandro Unified School District, CA

"Security was a top concern, and RUCKUS gave us peace of mind with a secure and stable connection throughout campus.

Superintendent, Herricks School District New Hyde Park, NY

Tailored K-12 solutions that supports all students

Schools and libraries are under pressure to deliver reliable digital learning experiences, but many manage multiple disconnected network tools that slow response times and limit visibility. This leads to longer downtime during incidents, higher support costs, and less time for strategic projects. RUCKUS solves these challenges by providing reliable, high-performance networks that simplify management, accelerate troubleshooting, and support seamless online learning for every student.

Ethernet Switches

Streamline your school’s network setup and management with RUCKUS ICX® fixed form-factor switches. Their low-latency, non-blocking architecture boosts security, reduces troubleshooting, and delivers high throughput for demanding applications.

RUCKUS Ethernet Switches

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RUCKUS One®

Centralize network management for your school or library with RUCKUS One. This AI-driven platform provides cloud-scale capabilities to provision, manage, optimize, and troubleshoot high-performance networks. It delivers intelligent monitoring and alerts to simplify troubleshooting and enhance performance.

RUCKUS One®

Wi-Fi 7 Access Points

Experience Wi-Fi 7 technology’s extreme speeds, low latency, and increased capacity for exceptional digital learning and connected devices in schools and libraries. Manage 8K video streams, extended reality (XR) video conferencing, and collaborative student activities with ease.

Wi-Fi 7 Access Points

Schools Thrive with Better Connectivity

Discover how fast, secure networks drive digital learning, improving access, and supporting student success. See more case studies.

St Martin Parish

See how St. Martin Parish delivered reliable connectivity for 12,000 devices with fewer RUCKUS® access points, reducing equipment costs and stretching E-Rate funding further.

Regional School Unit 25

Through E-Rate funding, this Maine-based school built a unified RUCKUS Networks infrastructure that delivered 10x faster network speeds, doubled device capacity, and simplified IT oversight across five buildings from one platform.

Stafford County School

The RUCKUS portfolio of high-speed Wi-Fi solutions provided a powerful, flexible network that could serve multiple roles with improved coverage and capacity.

San Leandro Unified School District—How one school district is making technology invisible

Build a smart, high-performance network that supports 21st-century learning into the next decade without disrupting teaching and learning.

E-Rate Resources to Maximize Funding and Boost School Connectivity

STEM, Sensors, and Streaming:

Why School Wi-Fi Needs to Be Ready for the Next Chapter

From lagging connections to overworked IT teams, today’s schools face rising network demands. See how districts can build smarter, more reliable connectivity that supports STEM, streaming, and digital learning without straining IT resources.

Find a RUCKUS E-Rate Partner

Looking for a RUCKUS partner that provides E-Rate solutions? We can help.

Contact us

Infographic: 6 Steps for a Successful E-rate Season

Infographic with info and links about filing for E-rate

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Education Networking E-Rate Product Ordering Guide

As your school continues its digital transformation to 1:1 mobile learning, RUCKUS helps you address the top three challenges of school IT: network scaling, securing student data privacy, and network reliability for digital instruction.

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Top E-Rate Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Don't miss out on funding. Check out our list of common E-Rate filing mistakes and how to avoid them.

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E-Rate: Funds to Supplement your E-Rate budget

How to Supplement Your E-Rate Budget

Learn about alternative funding sources that can be used to supplement your E-Rate budget. These funds can be used to cover the costs of services partially covered, or not covered, by E-Rate funding.

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Five great reasons you should adopt cloud-managed networking

Simplified network management and control by unifying all functions under a single umbrella, and utilizing built-in automation. This alleviates the IT support burden, freeing up resources to work on other high-value projects.

Building a Resilient Network to Transform Education

7 critical steps to building a resilient network for a school's classroom.

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Top E-Rate Fundable Emerging Technologies for 2025-26

Learn about the top emerging technologies that are E-Rate fundable to make sure you are getting the most out of your E-Rate budget.

Get your K-12 trial of RUCKUS One

Start your trial today and experience the difference with RUCKUS One. Our team will guide you every step of the way.  Limited spots available.

E-Rate Program FAQs for K-12 Schools and Libraries

What is E-Rate Category Two funding for schools and libraries?

E-Rate Category Two funding helps schools and libraries pay for internal networking equipment. It covers wireless, switches, cabling, and management tools that bring broadband inside classrooms. C2 funding is separate from Category One, which covers internet services

Which RUCKUS ICX® products and SKUs are E-Rate eligible, and at what percentage?

Use the RUCKUS® E-Rate Eligibility Product Search above to verify eligibility and avoid listing ineligible SKUs that can delay or jeopardize funding.

Which networking products qualify for E-Rate Category Two?

Eligible products include Wi-Fi 6/6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points, ICX® switches, routers, cabling, firewalls, and network management licenses. The RUCKUS One® and RUCKUS® AI™ cloud platforms qualify as network management. Basic installation services are also eligible.

How much E-Rate Category Two discount can schools and libraries receive?

Schools and libraries can receive 20% to 85% discounts depending on poverty level and rural/urban status. Higher-poverty districts receive greater discounts. These savings directly apply to approved networking hardware and software.

What are the E-Rate C2 budget limits for 2025–2029?

C2 budgets reset July 1, 2025. Schools get $167 per student over five years, and libraries get $4.77 per square foot, with a $25,000 minimum. These limits define the maximum E-Rate funding available for networking projects.

What are the biggest filing mistakes to avoid on Forms 470 and 471?

Common errors include listing ineligible SKUs, choosing the wrong service provider/manufacturer, missing deadlines, and over-explaining. Double-check entries and only provide what’s requested.

How should I scope my Wi-Fi and wired upgrades to align with E-Rate rules?

Align your project with eligible internal connections (IC/MIBS). Consider modern Wi-Fi 7 APs (e.g., RUCKUS® R770/T670/T770), switching, and management with RUCKUS One® and RUCKUS AI ™ platforms, while separating any ineligible items.

Which networking upgrades are covered by E-Rate Category Two funds?

Most schools use C2 for Wi-Fi® upgrades, switch refreshes, and PoE expansion. Adding power for next-gen APs is common. Many also adopt cloud and AI tools like the RUCKUS One® and RUCKUS AI™ platforms to improve network visibility and troubleshooting.

What items are not eligible for E-Rate Category Two funding?

E-Rate does not fund student devices, servers, cameras, or door security systems. Non-network managed services are also excluded. Only items that directly support broadband delivery inside the campus are covered.

Why choose RUCKUS® for E-Rate networking solutions?

RUCKUS® provides Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 access points, long-life switches, and cloud management with RUCKUS One® and RUCKUS AI ™ solutions. Our lasting products can maximize each five-year E-Rate cycle. RUCKUS® also offers special promo pricing to stretch budgets further.

Let’s discuss your project

Describe your requirements. Our team can help you select and plan your RUCKUS Networks solution.

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