Digital learning is now central to education. For most K-12 schools and universities, what’s changed is the volume and variety of IT loads being pushed into environments that were never designed to host them.
District networks now support one-to-one devices, streaming platforms, online testing, and collaboration tools — often across aging facilities with limited closet space, mixed ceiling types, and constrained HVAC.
Meanwhile, higher education faces the dual challenge of running enterprise-grade campus Wi-Fi and supporting research compute workloads that rival commercial data centers.
Below are proven infrastructure recommendations—cost-effective solutions that IT leaders in education that are space-efficient, secure, and built for scale.
1. Wall-Mount Network Cabinets for Classrooms and Offices
Many classrooms and offices are still forced to tuck network switches and patch panels into broom closets, hallways, or unsecured office spaces. This creates exposure risks, cable sprawl, and service headaches.
These aren’t just about storage — they reduce service calls, extend equipment life by keeping gear organized and ventilated, and keep equipment protected when there’s no budget to build out new closets.
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 | Swing-out design allows easy access to cabling and equipment, while adjustable mounting rails accommodate a wide range of hardware. The lockable, durable solution is aesthetically pleasing, keeping valuable IT assets protected without compromising appearance. |
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Fully assembled and simple to install, this rack is a space-efficient choice for small deployments. It supports up to 85 lb. (38.6 kg) of network, communications, or security equipment, making it ideal for telecom rooms or areas where floor space is limited. |
 | A low-profile design blends seamlessly into classrooms and offices while still providing secure housing for electronics. It’s the perfect solution when aesthetics and space-saving are just as important as protection. |
2. Wi-Fi Access Point Enclosures for Campus Networks
Everyone expects perfect Wi-Fi. But APs are often installed wherever facilities allow — above a ceiling tile, strapped to a beam, or exposed on a wall. The result: inconsistent coverage, tampering, and compliance issues.
Universities especially need to provide high-speed, uninterrupted Wi-Fi across sprawling campuses. From libraries to dorms to outdoor spaces, these enclosures support the connectivity students and faculty depend on every day.
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Extend Wi-Fi outdoors (quads, walkways, athletic facilities) while protecting APs inside architecturally neutral housings.
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 | From compact, ceiling- or wall-mounted models for stadiums and gyms, to larger enclosures with articulating antenna mounts for garages and parking areas, the Skybar line offers secure, NEMA-rated protection for wireless access points in the most demanding indoor and outdoor environments. |
 | Organize and protect cabling to optimize AP placement.
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3. Rugged Enclosures for Research and Outdoor Environments
Universities often need to deploy IT equipment in splash zones, labs, or outdoor environments where dust, water, and weather are risks.
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Outdoor network cabinets that are NEMA- and IP-rated for water, dust, and environmental protection. Ideal for lab networks, research facilities, or outdoor Wi-Fi deployments. |
4. Data Centers on Campus for High-Density Computing
Academic data centers are under pressure to deliver HPC-scale capabilities without enterprise-scale budgets. Rack-level cooling and power visibility extend the life of existing spaces while keeping them competitive for research funding.
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Factory-integrated for fast deployment, yet modular and flexible to adapt as requirements change, this integrated cabinet system includes cable management, airflow containment, power distribution, and monitoring options—in one of the industry’s strongest cabinets. |
 | The ZetaFrame® Cabinet System can be factory-integrated with advanced two-phase direct-to-chip liquid cooling using ZutaCore® HyperCool®. This enables racks to reliably operate at 30–60 kW+ densities without the energy and water costs of legacy cooling methods. |
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Industry-leading rack power distribution with monitoring and control, plus the highest ambient operating temperature rating on the market (149°F / 65°C). |
University Data Center Case Study: University of Chicago
The Challenge: The needed to support advanced research computing and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, which exceeded the cooling and density capabilities of legacy server rooms.
CPI Solution: ZetaFrame® Cabinets with integrated ZutaCore® HyperCool® two-phase direct-to-chip liquid cooling enabled racks to operate at HPC density without requiring a new facility build.
Result: The University of Chicago now operates a research data center capable of handling AI, simulation, and HPC workloads — with the resilience and efficiency expected of enterprise-grade environments.
K-12 Data Center Case Study: Oak Ridge Schools
The Challenge: needed to modernize its K-12 district data center to support growing demands from online testing, one-to-one devices, and digital curriculum. Legacy equipment storage and power management could not keep pace.
CPI Solution: Cabinets and eConnect® Intelligent PDUs delivered organized, scalable infrastructure.
Result: Oak Ridge Schools gained a reliable K-12 data center infrastructure that supports digital learning initiatives today while scaling for future growth
Upgrade Your Education Infrastructure Today with CPI
Chatsworth Products (CPI) has decades of experience helping schools and universities build reliable, future-ready IT environments—indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between. We design and deploy storage and connectivity solutions that keep networks secure, resilient, and prepared for the future of education.
to explore the right infrastructure for your campus.
