Case Study: Columbus Metropolitan Library achieves secure, reliable Wi-Fi access with Cisco Meraki

Bridging the digital divide with secure, reliable Wi-Fi made affordable through E-Rate discounts

Columbus Metropolitan Library needed a cost-effective way to bridge the digital divide by providing secure, reliable Wi‑Fi, free computer access, and online services across all of its branches. To do this, the library partnered with Cisco Meraki, using Meraki MX security and SD-WAN appliances along with wireless access points, supported by E-Rate funding to make the project affordable.

Cisco Meraki helped Columbus Metropolitan Library deploy a unified network stack across its locations, managed from a single dashboard with MX, MS switches, and MR access points. The solution improved security, traffic control, and resiliency while enabling continuous public internet access; over seven years, the library also secured $3 million in Category 2 funding assistance and tapped into $8 million through the FCC’s E-Rate program.

Columbus Metropolitan Library

Justin Bumbico

Manager of Infrastructure Services