As an IT professional, your role is to ensure that any new system integrates smoothly into existing infrastructure—without compromising network performance, security, or data compliance. Vape Guardian’s vape detection solution is designed with these priorities in mind, offering straightforward connectivity, robust data protection, and centralised device management. Below, discover how Vape Guardian aligns with your IT requirements and simplifies day-to-day administration.
Why Vape Detection Matters for IT Departments
Network Performance & Reliability – VapeGuardian sensors send small, encrypted packets over Wi-Fi (or optional 4G), so you need confidence that they won’t overwhelm bandwidth or create unplanned traffic on school networks.
Data Security & Compliance – Detection logs include timestamps and location IDs. Storing that information on protected, geographically local servers is essential to meet GDPR and internal data-residency requirements.
Minimal Administrative Overhead – IT teams prefer solutions that auto-scale and require minimal day-to-day maintenance. VapeGuardian’s centralized dashboard and mobile app reduce the need for in-person troubleshooting.
Clear Connectivity Requirements – With a detailed datasheet provided, you can quickly configure firewall rules, VLAN assignments, and QoS settings - eliminating guesswork and ensuring sensors connect reliably.
Future-Proof & Scalable – Whether piloting ten sensors or rolling out a hundred, you need assurance that adding devices won’t complicate network configurations or necessitate new on-premises servers.
How Vape Guardian Supports Your Role
Detailed Connectivity Documentation
Each sensor includes a comprehensive datasheet that lists required ports (e.g., outbound HTTPS TCP 443), supported protocols, and recommended firewall rule examples—simplifying network setup and minimizing support tickets.
Encrypted, Compliant Data Storage
All vape event logs and device health metrics are transmitted via TLS 1.2+ and stored on geographically local servers. This aligns with GDPR and your school’s data governance policies, ensuring no vape data leaves approved regions.
Centralised Web & Mobile Management
Use the cloud dashboard to provision devices, view real-time status, and push over-the-air firmware updates. The complementary iOS/Android app lets you scan QR codes, troubleshoot units, and receive push notifications without needing a laptop.
Role-Based Access & Audit Logging
Implement granular permissions within the Vape Guardian portal: restrict access to logs, configuration settings, or firmware controls based on user role. Every login and configuration change is recorded in an immutable audit trail for future compliance reviews.
Datasheet
For the Vape Guardian wifi devices, please find below a link to the datasheet. It details every port to be opened and IP address that needs to be whitelisted for friction-less functionality.
Our system checks for online activity on a rolling 2 minute schedule. Should a sensor have no power or connectivity, an alert is sent to all relevant members of staff via their selected communication preferences.
This means the longest an alert could take us two minutes, but depending on where in the cycle the device is disconnected - alerts could be instantaneous.
How do we ensure data stays within UK/EU borders?
All vape logs and configuration data are stored on encrypted, geographically local servers. Daily backups are retained for up to two years, adhering to your school’s data-retention schedule and GDPR guidelines.
Do sensors require PoE or can they run on standard power outlets?
Each sensor runs on a standard 12W power adapter (included) via 240V mains plug. There’s no PoE requirement. This design choice simplifies installation - just plug into an existing socket or standard fuse circuit.
A PoE device will be available June / July 2025.
Should connecting to the schools network via wifi or PoE not be preferred - we offer a 4G SIM version.
How are alert notifications delivered?
Currently, VapeGuardian supports iOS< Android, SMTP email and SMS gateways. You can configure distribution lists for “sensor offline and “vape detected” alerts.
Webhook/API integration is available to enable service-desk or SIEM ticket automation.
What bandwidth should we allocate per sensor?
On average, each device uses less than 10 KB/hour for periodic heartbeats and < 50 KB per vape detection. Even if all sensors trigger simultaneously, total daily usage remains under 10 MB for a 100-sensor deployment—well within typical school network budgets.
Next steps
Want to see how Vape Guardian works?
Speak to us about the te specifics of your network?
Vape Guardian for IT Departments and IT Managers
As an IT professional, your role is to ensure that any new system integrates smoothly into existing infrastructure - without compromising network performance, security, or data compliance. Vape Guardian’s vape detection solution is designed with these priorities in mind, offering straightforward connectivity, robust data protection, and centralised device management. Below, discover how Vape Guardian aligns with your IT requirements and simplifies day-to-day administration.
Comprehensive Data Sheet Provided Each Vape Guardian sensor comes with a detailed datasheet outlining network ports, protocols, and bandwidth considerations. IT teams receive clear specifications on:
VLAN Segmentation & QoS Considerations You can place sensors on a dedicated “IoT VLAN” to isolate vape detection traffic. With minimal bandwidth demands, prioritising VoIP or core applications remains unaffected. Quality of Service (QoS) is not strictly necessary but can be configured to deprioritize sensor pings if required.
Flexible Connectivity Options
2. Security & Data Protection
Encrypted Communications All sensor-to-cloud communication is encrypted via TLS 1.2+, ensuring that detection data and device health logs cannot be intercepted.
Local Data Storage & Geographic Compliance Vape Guardian stores logs on geographically local servers—fully compliant with GDPR and local data-sovereignty mandates. No vape event or metadata traverses international borders, guaranteeing alignment with your organisation’s data-residency policies.
User Access Controls & Role-Based Permissions Within the Vape Guardian web dashboard, IT administrators can establish:
Audit Logging & Compliance Reporting Every login, configuration change, and firmware update is time-stamped in an immutable audit trail. You can export logs for internal security reviews or external audits, demonstrating that no unauthorised modifications occurred.
3. Centralised Device Management
Web Dashboard Administration Vape Guardian’s cloud-based portal offers a unified interface for:
Mobile App Management (iOS & Android) For on-the-go troubleshooting, IT staff can use the Vape Guardian mobile app to:
Over-the-Air Firmware Updates Vape Guardian pushes firmware patches remotely - no physical visits required. Your team can schedule updates during off-peak hours, minimising any potential service interruptions.
4. Alerting & Monitoring Workflow
Email & SMS Alert Routing While there’s no direct integration with ticketing or SIEM systems yet, Vape Guardian supports:
Webhook & API (Coming Soon) A forthcoming feature will allow IT teams to trigger HTTP POST webhooks on key events (sensor offline, detection alert). This will enable basic integration with monitoring dashboards or incident-management platforms once released.
5. Scalability & Performance
Lightweight Footprint Each sensor uses under 5 W of power and minimal network bandwidth. Even deploying 100+ units has a marginal effect on overall network performance.
Horizontal Scalability Whether you need a handful of sensors in high-risk zones or hundreds across a multi-campus environment, the platform scales elastically. New devices auto-register in the dashboard without requiring separate infrastructure.
Zoning In the dashboard, group sensors by building, floor, or area. This logical zoning streamlines troubleshooting: if multiple sensors in “Block B” report low Wi-Fi signal, your network team knows exactly where to strengthen coverage.
6. Support & Maintenance
Dedicated IT Support Line Vape Guardian’s UK-based support team responds to IT escalation tickets within two business hours. Whether you have a connectivity question or require guidance on firewall configurations, expert assistance is available.
Technical Documentation & Knowledge Base Access an online portal containing:
Onboarding & Training Webinars Quarterly live webinars cover best practices for initial deployment, network-segmented setups, and interpreting device health metrics - helping your team stay current with platform enhancements.
Conclusion: Simplifying IT Oversight
Vape Guardian is built to respect IT priorities: minimal network impact, strong data security, and centralised administration. With clear connectivity requirements, encrypted communication, and a robust dashboard (plus mobile app support), your team can deploy and manage vape detection sensors with confidence—without overhauling existing infrastructure or compromising on compliance.
By partnering with Vape Guardian, your IT department ensures that vape detection integrates as a reliable, low-touch layer of school safeguarding, freeing educators to focus on teaching while your team maintains a secure, stable environment.
