--- title: What Is E-Rate Category 2 and What Qualifies? description: Learn what qualifies for E-Rate Category 2 funding to optimize your school's or library's network infrastructure and ensure seamless internet distribution within your facility. image: https://blog.theveeya.com/hubfs/Cat%202%20image%20of%20Jeremy.png --- [Client Portal](https://theveeya.itclientportal.com/ClientPortal/Login.aspx) [![Veeya Logo, Charter School IT Company](https://blog.theveeya.com/hubfs/Theveeya_October2024/images/veeya-logo-charter-school-it.svg "Veeya Logo, Charter School IT Company")](https://theveeya.com/) - [Home](https://theveeya.com/) - Solutions - [New School ](https://theveeya.com/new-school/) - Follow the Veeya Technology Pathway for integrated technology before day one. - [Networking ](https://theveeya.com/networking/) - Designed for education, configured for immediate use, and your turnkey solution. - [Cabling ](https://theveeya.com/cabling/) - Expertly-designed, professionally deployed, and quietly maintained cable services. - [Telephony ](https://theveeya.com/telephony/) - So much more than phone calls! VoIP configured for educational environments. - [Devices & Users ](https://theveeya.com/devices/) - Everyone gets the right device with the right permissions and one-touch support. - [Access Control & Video Surveillance ](https://theveeya.com/access-control/) - Create a secure environment where you can know everything happening at any given moment. - [Managed Paging & Bell Service ](https://theveeya.com/managed-paging-and-bell-serivce/) - Reach any or every location with the right message the right time. - [Support ](https://theveeya.com/support/) - In-person and on-campus support as well as online and on-demand for remote help. - [E-Rate](https://theveeya.com/erate/) - [Blog](https://blog.theveeya.com) - [About](https://theveeya.com/about/) - [Contact](https://theveeya.com/contact/) [![Get Started](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/45801062/ac423dae-9c03-4872-b0bb-29a75dca04de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/45801062/ac423dae-9c03-4872-b0bb-29a75dca04de) [![Get Started](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/45801062/ac423dae-9c03-4872-b0bb-29a75dca04de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/45801062/ac423dae-9c03-4872-b0bb-29a75dca04de) [ Jeremy Cioara ](https://blog.theveeya.com/author/jeremy-cioara) 12/13/2024 [ Charter Schools](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/charter-schools), [ E-Rate](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/e-rate) ![What Is E-Rate Category 2 and What Qualifies?](https://blog.theveeya.com/hubfs/Cat%202%20image%20of%20Jeremy.png "What Is E-Rate Category 2 and What Qualifies?") ## Understanding E-Rate Category 2 Funding: A Guide for Schools and Libraries **Introduction** E-Rate funding is vital for schools and libraries to stay connected in today's digital age. While Category 1 funding supports bringing internet connections into a facility, Category 2 funding focuses on distributing that connection throughout the building. Here's a breakdown of what qualifies under E-Rate Category 2, ensuring your institution can maximize its benefits. --- ## **What is E-Rate Category 2 Funding?** E-Rate Category 2 funding covers anything that supports the distribution of an internet connection within a school or library. From cables to advanced network infrastructure, this funding ensures seamless connectivity throughout the facility. --- ## **The Role of Infrastructure in E-Rate Category 2** #### **Demarcation Point (Dmarc)** The point where the internet service provider’s responsibility ends and the school's begins. Any equipment or infrastructure beyond this point qualifies for Category 2 funding. --- ## **Key Components Covered Under E-Rate Category 2** #### **1. Cables** All internal cabling, whether copper or fiber, used to distribute internet connections within the building, qualifies. #### **2. Network Racks** Racks, including rolling, enclosed, or secure racks, that hold and organize network equipment, are eligible. #### **3. Routers and Firewalls** Devices such as routers and firewalls used to manage and secure the incoming internet connection are covered. #### **4. Switches** Switches that distribute the internet to various parts of the building are a key qualifying component. #### **5. Wireless Access Points (WAPs)** With most users relying on wireless connectivity, access points play a crucial role in extending the network's reach. #### **6. UPS Systems** Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems that provide backup power to ensure a smooth shutdown during outages are also covered. #### **7. Monitoring and Controller Software** Software like wireless controllers or monitoring tools (e.g., PRTG) that manage and monitor the network infrastructure qualifies. --- ## **What Doesn’t Qualify?** While E-Rate Category 2 covers extensive infrastructure, it excludes end-user devices such as: - Smartphones - Tablets - Chromebooks - Laptops - Servers These devices may qualify under different programs but are not covered under Category 2. --- ## **Why Utilize E-Rate Category 2 Funding?** Category 2 funding ensures that once the internet connection is brought into a building, it can be effectively distributed to meet the needs of students, staff, and library patrons. This support is crucial for achieving digital equity and enhancing educational resources. Understanding and leveraging E-Rate Category 2 funding is essential for schools and libraries aiming to optimize their technology infrastructure. With comprehensive coverage of network components, this funding empowers institutions to provide reliable and robust internet access across their facilities. [![FREE CONSULTATION For Charter Schools Find out how you can take advantage of E-Rate at your school.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/45801062/interactive-182042454041.png) ](https://blog.theveeya.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK5DZYt476G2Tuh%2FjK%2Fl914LfIzSuxLVFMI6Ye1R3T6aKX8hnjjmAlPUs7%2FzuU%2B6YdJEor7EDcBRsIMqLKacNmb9kWMndR2Rz0e%2BothFBD7iwdIo%2B1lIOvCS%2Bq8RKlzWjKloEsNW1wWyIbeIkWUS%2Fof8GxBi3N7maep8EHXQr9Wa%2BkyUm%2FmQ0g4jFCoe1GM4zTEIYhzZd6SJg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=182042454041&portalId=45801062) ![Jeremy Cioara](https://blog.theveeya.com/hubfs/cropped-jeremy-cioara-headshot-300x300.jpg) #### Jeremy Cioara Jeremy is an internationally-recognized network infrastructure expert who has spent much of his career helping engineers design and deploy better networks. He is an accomplished network consultant, author, and professional speaker and has delivered more than 5,500 hours of advanced video training that 56,000 people have watched for a total of 13 million minutes! His mission is to help people build a better life through technology. Part prodigy, part coach. --- #### Tag: [ Charter Schools](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/charter-schools) [ E-Rate](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/e-rate) #### Share: - [Follow us on Mail ](mailto:?subject=What%20Is%20E-Rate%20Category%202%20and%20What%20Qualifies?%20&%20body=https://blog.theveeya.com/e-rate-category-2) - Follow us on Copy Copied to clipboard --- [ #### Which Type of Internet Do You Need? ##### Previous Post ](https://blog.theveeya.com/pick-the-right-internet-connection) [#### Alyssa's Law Best Practices | Blog ##### Next Post ](https://blog.theveeya.com/alyssas-law-best-practices) --- ## Related Posts [ Charter Schools](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/charter-schools), [ E-Rate](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/e-rate), [ K12 Education](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/k12-education), [ Back to School IT](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/back-to-school-it), [ School IT Readiness](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/school-it-readiness) [ Veeya ](https://blog.theveeya.com/author/veeya) 21 July, 2026 #### [How to Plan K-12 IT Staffing for 2026](https://blog.theveeya.com/how-to-plan-k-12-it-staffing-for-2026) Charter schools added 111,349 students last year — the same year district schools lost 221,729.… [Read More](https://blog.theveeya.com/how-to-plan-k-12-it-staffing-for-2026) [ E-Rate](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/e-rate), [ School Funding](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/school-funding), [ Back to School IT](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/back-to-school-it), [ School IT Readiness](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/school-it-readiness), [ Charter School IT](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/charter-school-it), [ K-12 cybersecurity](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/k-12-cybersecurity) [ Veeya ](https://blog.theveeya.com/author/veeya) 08 July, 2026 #### [School IT Readiness: The 8-Step Checklist for Fall 2026](https://blog.theveeya.com/school-it-readiness-fall-2026-checklist) School IT readiness is the make-or-break work that decides whether your building opens Fall 2026… [Read More](https://blog.theveeya.com/school-it-readiness-fall-2026-checklist) [ E-Rate](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/e-rate), [ K12 Education](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/k12-education), [ School Funding](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/school-funding), [ EdTech](https://blog.theveeya.com/tag/edtech) [ Veeya ](https://blog.theveeya.com/author/veeya) 07 October, 2025 #### [Simplifying E-Rate: How Veeya Helps Public Schools Maximize Funding Readiness](https://blog.theveeya.com/simplifying-e-rate-how-veeya-helps-public-schools-maximize-funding-readiness) Navigating the complexities of the federal government’s FCC E-Rate program can be daunting. Between… [Read More](https://blog.theveeya.com/simplifying-e-rate-how-veeya-helps-public-schools-maximize-funding-readiness) [![Veeya](https://blog.theveeya.com/hubfs/Theveeya_October2024/images/veeya-icon-light.svg "Veeya")](http://Https://www.theveeya.com) - [techhelp@theveeya.com ](mailto:techhelp@theveeya.com?subject=re:%20Contact%20from%20Website) - [602.445.6101 ](tel:602.445.6101) - Veeya - [About Us](https://theveeya.com/about/) - [Blog](https://theveeya.com/blog/) - [Careers](https://theveeya.com/careers/) - [Support](https://theveeya.com/support/) - [Contact](https://theveeya.com/contact/) - Navigation - [Networking](https://theveeya.com/networking/) - [Telephony](https://theveeya.com/telephony/) - [Cabling](https://theveeya.com/cabling/) - [Devices & Users](https://theveeya.com/devices/) - [Access Control](https://theveeya.com/access-control/) - [Video Surveillance](https://theveeya.com/access-control/) - [Managed Paging](https://theveeya.com/managed-paging-and-bell-serivce/) - [Bell Service](https://theveeya.com/managed-paging-and-bell-serivce/) - Get started - [E-Rate Program](https://theveeya.com/erate/) - [New School Build](https://theveeya.com/new-school/) © 2026 Veeya, Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeremy Cioara", "url" : "https://blog.theveeya.com/author/jeremy-cioara" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-13T22:16:30.034Z", "datePublished" : "2024-12-13T22:14:00.000Z", "headline" : "What Is E-Rate Category 2 and What Qualifies?", "image" : [ "https://blog.theveeya.com/hubfs/Cat%202%20image%20of%20Jeremy.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.theveeya.com/e-rate-category-2", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.theveeya.com/hubfs/VeeyaAutotask_V2.png" }, "name" : "Veeya, LLC." } } ```