How are you getting iPads on the network for ADE

[BCPeteo]

We are starting to look into Automated Device Enrollment with apple school manager and Jamf. We have 802.1x here so devices can not just jump on the network. I wonder how people are getting their devices en mass onto their network? Ideally we would like to avoid the apple configurator all together.
Do carts have an Ethernet port to get iPads on a network? that way we can have jamf send out profiles for wifi with certs. Or can a mac share out internet to a connected iPad?

[Dylan_YYC]

I think what Jamf recommends is to have an open AP that you can connect the devices too, one that has access to the internet and the JSS. After that ill move the profile over and then the device will connect to the proper wifi with 802.1x authentication. Not the best solution, but you can separate that network enough for just that reason.

[Anonymous]

For Automated Device Enrollment a provisioning network can be used. One we set up only has access to Apple's IP range, ports for APNS, and Jamf Cloud. No additional internal or external access and once the network profile is deployed the devices connect to the 802.1x network.

[Tribruin]

If you have the space (and $s), you can use a Mac as a Caching and Tethering server for up to 16 iPads as long as you connect a high quality USB hub. (The best use a Thunderbolt connection to the host Mac and independent USB hosts internal. I have had a lot of success with Cambrionix hubs in the past. Haven't tried their TB3 ones yet.)

On the Mac, you turn on Content Caching and Share Internet Connection under the Sharing Preference Panel. As you connect each iPad, the Mac will create a NAT'd network connection. The iPad will bypass the Wireless Network setup screen, if it detects an active network connection already. This process works really well with Apple Configurator 2 to automate your deployment workflows and minimize the number of glass touches on the iPad.