DeKalb County School District

AT&T proposes a fully managed SD-WAN solution utilizing the Fortinet Platform to revolutionize DCSD’s outdated WAN infrastructure. Renowned for its robust security features, scalability, and user-friendly management, the Fortinet Platform seamlessly integrates with DCSD’s current fiber network and AT&T Dedicated Ethernet (ADE), ushering in a modernized WAN-edge architecture.

This SD-WAN solution promises enhanced flexibility for cloud adoption, device consolidation, and connectivity, leading to significant cost savings. By optimizing network performance and minimizing downtime, users can expect an improved experience and heightened productivity. Leveraging control and data planes, the SD-WAN solution enables the district to utilize multiple WAN endpoint connections, determining the most suitable path for each application to ensure optimal performance and availability.

AT&T’s proposed distributed deployment for DCSD encompasses a comprehensive array of secure SD-WAN components, supporting various load balance modes, health checking, and service rules. The FortiGate device, powered by the FortiOS operating system, serves as the cornerstone of the SD-WAN routed solution, seamlessly consolidating WAN-edge solutions into a unified networking fabric. Additionally, FortiGate prioritizes packet delivery to ensure critical applications receive precedence during congestion, such as school testing.

Facilitating centralized management and orchestration, FortiManager provides a single-pane-of-glass view into DCSD’s connectivity, enabling administrators to control the entire deployment efficiently. With support for APIs and Security Fabric Connectors, FortiManager seamlessly integrates into DCSD’s workflow, offering enhanced flexibility and management capabilities.

AT&T presents two options for Dekalb County’s consideration, both of which qualify for E-Rate Category One eligibility. Option 1 leverages the existing core switching fabric, while Option 2, the recommended choice, consolidates DCSD’s core switching fabric into the Fortinet SD-WAN platform, streamlining network complexity and reducing operating costs.