Standardizing Secure Network Access for a Multi-State Education Enterprise
A multi-state education enterprise struggled to control over 8,000 rapidly growing user devices across its campus network. Manual profiling, uncontrolled access, and flat segmentation created serious performance and security risks. CES stabilized the environment using ServiceNow ITSM-aligned network controls, Cisco access infrastructure, and automated access policies – delivering predictable performance, stronger security, and simplified mobility across campus operations.
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The Challenge
Internal Security Risk
Manual Device Tracking
the client
Technology, Information & Media (Education Services)
Technology Stack
- Domain-separated ServiceNow ITSM
- Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series switches
- Cisco wireless controllers
- Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi access points
- VLAN-based segmentation architecture
Solution Area
- ITSM-Aligned Network Access Control & Infrastructure Standardization
the impact
Predictable Access Control
Secure, High-Performance Campus Wi-Fi
Automated Device Policy Enforcement
Faster Student Onboarding
The shift was access-control–led. The result?
Secure, policy-driven campus network.
The Need
The organization supported thousands of users across multiple campuses with a rapidly growing mix of wired and wireless devices. Manual device tracking, inconsistent access controls, and slow onboarding created security blind spots and operational strain. Leadership required a standardized access architecture that could automate device control, shorten onboarding cycles, and maintain performance without constant manual intervention.
Challenges
- Internal Security Exposure: Even with perimeter firewalls, the absence of automated internal access controls exposed the network to lateral threats.
- Manual Device Tracking at Scale: Identifying, profiling, inventorying, and monitoring more than 8,000 devices manually was unsustainable.
- Inefficient Mobile Access Routing: Mobile users did not have optimized paths to applications, affecting performance and user experience.
- Slow Network Integration During Expansion: Onboarding acquisitions into the existing network took too long due to inconsistent architecture.
- Lack of Proper VLAN Segregation: Servers, users, and endpoints were not cleanly separated, increasing performance noise and risk.
CES redesigned the access and switching layer using policy-driven controls, automated configuration handling, and clean network segmentation – all aligned with ITSM governance principles.
1. Policy-Driven Access Control
- Implemented access control using automated policy handling instead of adding complexity to the network core
- Eliminated the need for manual configuration during user or device movement
- Ensured real-time access enforcement based on defined security rules
2. Campus-Grade Switching & Wireless Infrastructure
- Deployed Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series switches for enterprise-grade access control
- Implemented modern wireless controllers
- Rolled out Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi access points for secure, reliable campus connectivity
3. VLAN Segmentation & Port-Level Governance
- Fully documented all VLANs and port mappings
- Segregated device classes across structured VLAN architecture
- Enforced predictable traffic behavior across the network
4. ITSM-Aligned Governance
- Integrated access governance under ServiceNow ITSM operational discipline
- Reduced uncontrolled change behavior
- Improved accountability across device provisioning and access enforcement
- Predictable Access Outcomes: Standardized access architecture eliminated inconsistencies across campus locations.
- Zero Manual Reconfiguration During Field Movement: Access policies now automatically apply configuration changes without IT intervention.
- More Secure and Reliable Campus Wi-Fi: Wireless performance stabilized across high-density student environments.
- Faster, Simpler Student Onboarding: IT teams no longer struggle during peak enrollment cycles.
- Stronger Security Policy Intelligence: Security teams now have deeper visibility into access behavior to refine protection rules.
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Take the Next Step
Managing thousands of devices across a growing campus or enterprise? Let’s design a ServiceNow-aligned access control and network standardization strategy that secures your environment without slowing operations. Contact our Strategic Client Partner
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