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Amy Yoder
July 4, 2003
NETWORK DESIGN
Having a functional network in a high school setting is very critical. The
network I am designing is for Mountain Ridge High School. MRHS has an
enrollment of almost 3,000 students, and we currently have 120 teachers. With
such a large campus, it is critical that the campus has a fully functioning network
because so many teachers and students are relying on it for instructional
purposes, personal documents, and our school grading program. The goal of my
network is for it to serve a variety of purposes for both teachers and students and
also make the network user friendly.
Type of PC’s:
For our school network, Dell Computers will be used because they have
proven to be reliable in some neighboring school districts, and they have a three
year warranty. In addition, they also come with a great software package. The
Dell model that will be used in the student labs is the Dell Optiplex GX270. The
reason I chose this model is because it has a slender tower, and our computer
labs are currently designed for slender towers. Another reason why I chose this
computer is because it comes with all the capabilities I am looking for in a
computer. The computer needs to have the following components:
At least 256 MB of RAM
o This is because software isn’t getting smaller, and right now
memory is cheap. It will also help the CPU work faster.
60 GB + hard drive
o This is the smallest hard drive you can get now, and it is very
cheap. You really don’t need a large hard drive on a school network
because most documents and files are saved on the server or disks.
64-128 MG (Video RAM)
o You need at least this amount of video ram to do any type of 3-D
rendering in the lab, graphic design work and to support good
monitors and graphics programs.
10/100 Ethernet Card
o These types of Ethernet cards will be able to support our old
network, routers, and hubs. It will not allow older routers and
hubs to operate faster, but it will provide flexibility by supporting
older hubs and routers while allowing newer ones to work at their
peak performance. This is necessary to consider just in case there
needs to be cuts on the price of the network.
USB Ports
o USB Ports are necessary to support still video cameras, scanners,
and port printers.
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Fire Wire
o Fire Wires are necessary because it has a very fast transfer speed.
It has the capability to support digital video, which our media
production classes and teachers use on a daily basis.
Basic Sound Card
o Whatever sound card comes with the motherboard is perfectly
acceptable. For what the sound card would be used for in my
school network, there is no reason to spend extra money to
upgrade it.
CD-RW Burners
o These are necessary for both students and teachers to copy
documents to take home. CD-RW Burners can be used to create
projects and CD portfolios which are ideal in the classroom.
DVD Drive
o DVD drives are not a hundred percent necessary in a network, but
if I am designing a network that will be beneficial to the school in
the future, these are necessary. Video tapes can be destroyed
easily, while a DVD is much harder to destroy. Teachers will be
able to use these for instructional purposes, and students can learn
to create DVD’s and use them for class presentations.
Optical Mouse
o This part of the computer is a very big deal. Currently, my school
has experienced major problems with mouse balls disappearing
and getting stolen. With an optical mouse, the school does not
need to worry about the ball disappearing or the mouse not
working properly because of dirt.
As far as the computers for the teachers, they will be given laptops. Our
school is currently set up for a wireless network, and many teachers already have
laptops. My goal is to give every teacher a lap top to use that is already capable of
working on the wireless network of our school. I think it is important for teachers
to have a lap top so they are able to take work home. Currently, many teachers do
not own a computer with the same type of software on our school network, and
this creates many problems. Teachers will create instructional materials at home,
yet when they try to use it in the computer at school, it will not work. This
becomes very frustrating for many teachers. Also, many teachers have after
school activities they are responsible for. With a lap top, they can take their work
wherever they go. For the lap top, I chose to go with Dell as well because they
offer great price packages to schools. Each teacher will be given a Dell Inspiron
Notebook which will come with all the same components listed above. The only
changes that will be made is that each notebook will contain a wireless LAN card
(to operate on the wireless network), and the teachers will not be given a mouse.
Since the laptops already come prepared for a wireless network, there will be no
additional parts to buy.
For the network, 200 of the Dell Optiplex GX270 will be ordered, and 125
of the Dell Inspiron Notebooks will be ordered. This makes a total of 325
computers for a school with 3,000 students. I know this does not seem like
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enough, but there will be three computer labs created and a writing center
created to use these computers. This means that teachers will have to reserve a
computer lab or writing center ahead of time in order to use the computers. The
writing center will have extended hours for students to work on projects before or
after school.
PC Operating System:
The type of PC operating system that will be used on our school network is
Windows XP. The reason why I chose to run Windows XP is because it has the
ability to support multiple users, and it has the ability to talk to Windows NT,
Unix, Linux, and Novell. These are all programs that our current school network
deals with in some way or another. XP offers reliability and stability on the
computer. If one program were to crash, the computer will still run in most
cases. So if there are problems with programs on the network, the entire network
will not be affected. In addition, Windows XP is a business standard. A majority
of businesses use this operating system, and students need to be trained on an
operating system that they will be using out of high school.
There are also some other advantages to using Windows XP. First,
programs will start quicker. XP is programmed to learn the code and data
required to launch each program, and it stores that information where it is easily
accessible. This is to ensure that programs will open faster and with ease without
having to search through the entire system. XP also uses the NTSF file storing
system. NTFS can improve file security by allowing the user to encrypt files and
folders and even restrict access to files or folders. NTFS is more secure than FAT
32, and it offers better compression for storage and support of large file sizes. XP
also provides a variety of ways to view files and folder management. When files
are stored, the user has a choice to view files as thumbnails, as filmstrips, as
icons, as a list, or in a details view. A user can also group files by name, size, type
or date modified. This variety allows the user to customize XP for his/her own
personal use, and these settings are always saved.
XP also offers a “roll back” feature which will allow the computer to return
to a previous state which can be extremely helpful. Some of these features include
a device driver rollback which allows the system to go back to the previous
version of a driver if the driver becomes corrupt and disrupts the status of your
system. Also, if software is changed and the computer is having trouble starting,
the user can go back to the “last known good configuration,” to troubleshoot the
new software. Finally, it offers a system restore what works like an “undo”
command in a word processing program. If the user changes a system setting
and discovers a problem, the change can easily be reversed. These are great tools
to have in a large network. If a student hacks into a network and messes up the
settings on a computer, XP would allow the computer to be restored to its
original state easily. With all of these major features, Windows XP is clearly the
best choice for an operating system for my school network.
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Type of Network:
The type of network that will be used is a client/server. The reason for this
selection is that a client/server network has the capability to back up documents
because everything is saved on the server. This is beneficial when it comes to
teachers so lesson plans, instructional aids, grades, and other various documents,
will always be backed up. Without this, the documents would either be saved
onto the hard drive or a disk, and if anything were to happen, those documents
would be lost for good. In addition, a client/server network allows a user to log
on to any computer and access their documents. If a student were to work on a
project in one computer lab, they could log onto any computer on campus to
finish their project. This is beneficial to teachers as well. Currently at my school,
we have “traveling teachers” who are people who change classrooms throughout
the day. A client/server network will allow them to access grades and other
documents from whatever classroom they are in at the time. Furthermore, a
client/server network has more security and can support a large network better
than a peer/peer network.
Type of Server:
The type of server that will be used is a Dell PowerEdge 6600. Dell
appears to have the best server out on the market right now. This server has
received some of the highest reviews and ratings by consumers. When choosing a
server, it most important to make sure it is compatible the NOS. The network
server needs to have at least 2 intel xeon processors that are 2 GHz each. This
will ensure that the server is performing at its top speed. It also needs to have 4
GB of DDR SDRAM, which will be upgraded to 16 GB when funds are available.
In addition, the hard drive configuration is a RAID card, which will allow any
media bay hard drive to fail and be swapped out without bringing down the entire
work. In this server, there are four media bay hard drives, so having RAID is very
effective. In all 4 media bays, there will be 146 GB 10K RPM SCSI hard drive for
a total of 684 GB, which is a lot of space. In addition to this, there are 8 hard
drives that are SCSI based that can be used for backing up information or for
running programs only. There is over 1,000 GB just on those eight hard drives.
There are also two controllers for this server; one is a fiber channel host bust
adapter, and the other is just a regular controller.
On the server, there are two network adapters; both of them are intel pro
1,000 GB fiber optic adapters. Fiber optics allow for a faster data transfer rate,
and the goal is to have a network that runs at a top speed. There is also a 24 spin
CD-RW/DVD ROM, and a standard flat panel monitor. Last but not least, there
is a tape backup storage system that can hold up to 200 GB, and this will allow
information to be backed up efficiently. For the wireless portion of the network,
there will be 2 Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapter cards which will allow
the laptops to connect to the server. This is very efficient for a large network.
All of these components are necessary when running a large network for a school
of 3,000 students. The goal is to have a fast and efficient network that does not
go down often. Now when it comes to the video card and sound card, whatever
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one comes with the server is acceptable. These are not necessary components to
upgrade on a server.
NOS:
The NOS that I have chosen to use in my school network is Linux, and one
of the main reasons why I chose this is due to cost. Linux is free and so is most of
the software and software upgrades. When building a school network, cost is an
important component to consider because many schools make decisions based on
the money factor alone. Linux has many advantages and major features that
make it a top NOS. First, Linux is very stable and secure. It is said that servers
and workstations can literally run for years without a crash, and very few viruses
have hit Linux systems. Because Linux was built with security in mind, there are
very few virus packages for Linux, and this makes users feel safe. Linux can also
run efficiently on almost any hardware, which makes it a great money saving
factor for the school. Instead of buying all new hardware to run an operating
system, a lot of the old hardware can be used until there is money to purchase
new hardware.
Linux also has a lot of available software for free or at a reasonable cost.
Since most of the software is free, this makes all of the upgrades free as well.
What a great asset to have for a school network. There are many schools who are
using Windows and have had to pay thousands of dollars just to upgrade or
update the software. With Linux, the school does not have to worry about this.
With software, there are always licenses to worry about; however, Linux falls
under the GNU General Public License (GPL). This means that the software is
considered to be Open Source Software, and it can be copied to any number of
computers. This includes Linux itself, and most of the free software.
In addition to a stable and secure system, Linux is also easy to install and
maintain. When it comes to networking, Linux already has networking built in,
so it makes it easy to connect and set up machines and servers. One thing that is
nice about Linux is that it can work with existing networks like NT, AppleTalk,
Novell, and Unix. Since my school already has some of these existing networks,
using Linux will make an easy transition. The network managing software is also
free, so this is another advantage. In addition to working with other networks,
Linux can talk and work with other operating systems like Windows, Unix, Mac
OS, etc. This makes the conversion to Linux very flexible and user-friendly.
Furthermore, Linux is very easy to use to the average computer user. Just
like all NOS, it allows for multi-users by each user having their own login name
and password. It offers strong GUI’s, which are similar to Windows, and it offers
solid access to the Internet, web browsers, and e-mail. Linux can work with DSL,
cable, and standard modems. Linux also supports lap tops and PDA’s which are
great for a school network. Linux also has remote desktop support built in so an
administrator has the ability to operate one computer from a different computer.
This can really help teachers when there are software problems by diagnosing
these problems on their computer.
With all of these great features, Linux gives the consumers the most for
their money. Linux would definitely make the easiest transition into a school
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network, and because it is so easy to use, teachers and students should have no
problems operating it. Furthermore, Linux is free, and comes with a lot of free
software/programs that would be beneficial to the school.
Software Costs & Licenses:
With any network, there has to be a variety of software to encourage
teachers and students to take full advantage of the computer labs. In order to
find out the costs for purchasing licenses for the software, I called a computer
licensing company “CRW,” and spoke to Ryan. All of the computers will be
equipped with the following software:
Windows XP
o The OS that will be on the computers will be Windows XP because
it is becoming a business standard. This program will come with
each computer and laptop; there is no additional cost or license fee.
To purchase a license for XP, it is $63.00 per computer. I will not
have to purchase licenses for this software because it will be on each
computer.
MS Office
o MS Office is a great program that can be used across many content
areas because it has Microsoft Word, Power Point, etc. Because it
comes with each computer and laptop; there is no additional cost or
license fee. To purchase a license to add MS office on an additional
computer is $59.50 per computer. I will not have to purchase
licenses for this software because it will be on each computer.
Grading Program for Teachers
o In order to do grades efficiently and easily, many teachers rely on a
computer grading program. Having a name brand grading system
is not very import, and Linux does have an educational grading
program made just for teachers that is free, and there is no license
fee.
Dell Polarity
o Dell has an educational software program that offers software for a
variety of content areas such as business, math, writing, human
anatomy, science, and an encyclopedia. Since the computers are
being purchased from Dell for educational purposes, this comes on
each computer for an additional $97.00. This software will only be
put on the 200 lab computers (no lap tops).
Adobe Premier
o Adobe Premier offers many features to create video for DVDs,
videotapes, the Web, etc. This software can give students
experience with creating and editing all types of videos. This
software can be used in the media productions classes as well as all
content areas. The license fee for Adobe Premier is $107.00 per
computer. This software will be placed on 225 computers. This
includes each teacher lap top (125), and it will be placed on 100 of
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the student computers. Because this software is so expensive, it can
not be on all the computers. In addition, two of the labs will have
Adobe Premier on them for students to use.
PhotoShop
o PhotoShop is a great program that many teachers use in the
classroom to complete various projects. The main classes who use
this software are the yearbook and newspaper classes. Also, some
of the art classes use it as well. Since there is not a big demand for
this software, only 100 student computers (2 computer labs) will be
equipped with PhotoShop. The license fee for PhotoShop is
$165.00 per computer.
Easy CD Creator Plus
o It seems that CDs are being used more and more in classrooms
today. This program allows CDs to be created or burned, which in
turn allows students to use CDs to create portfolios of their work.
Since this is such a valuable program to have, all 325 computers will
be equipped with this software. The license fee for Easy CD Creator
Plus is $61.00 per computer.
Adobe Acrobat
o Adobe Acrobat is a program that is widely used to view many
documents off the web, and many teachers use Adobe Acrobat to
create files to be viewed online. Since this is a widely used program,
all 325 computers will be equipped with this software. The license
fee for Adobe Acrobat is $29.49 per computer.
These are the basic software packages that will be added to the school
network. If teachers are interested in special software for their classes, it will
have to be approved by the district office. All of this software is approved by my
school district. Even though I did not need license agreements for MS Office and
Windows XP, I felt it was important to research in case older computers need to
be used in the network somewhere. As of now, I am not planning to purchase
licenses for that software.
Routers/Switches/Hubs:
For the network, I have chosen not to use hubs due to the fact that
switches are much smarter devices because they send the information to the
correct port rather than all ports, like hubs do. The switches that will be used in
the network are Cisco Catalyst 2950G-48 48 port switch. I chose to use Cisco
because it is a name brand, and it has quality products. It has 10/100
communication and has 48 ports to connect to. For my network, 5 switches will
be used to accommodate the size of the network. Of course additional ports will
be left open so future additions of computers can be added.
The routers that will be used in the network are the Cisco 2651XM
Modular Router. There will be 5 routers used to accommodate the size of the
network. I chose to go with Cisco because of the performance and reliability. The
router includes the following features:
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Multiservice voice/data integration
VPN access with Firewall and Encryption options
Analog dial access services
Routing with bandwidth management
Inter-VLAN routing
Delivery of high-speed business class DSL access
Integration of flexible routing and low density switching.
Maintenance Schedule (Costs & Duty Assignments):
In order to have a school network of 325 computers to run efficiently,
there will need to be a team of a least two network specialists maintaining all of
the computers. One person will be responsible for maintaining the labs, and the
other person will be responsible for maintaining the office staff and teacher
computers. Our district has established essential functions and qualifications for
a network specialist. Each member of the team will need to have qualifications to
perform these essential functions:
Designs, implements, documents, and test network related
equipment and software.
Confers with others on specific hardware/software related problems
or requests; resolves or makes recommendations for the resolution
of problems.
Installs new software and upgrades existing software; provides
substantial contribution to the evaluation of software and hardware
for instructional and administrative purposes; communicates with
vendors regarding service contracts and new installation work.
Accepts primary responsibility for communications network
equipment, servers, cabling, and minicomputer operating systems;
develops standards for system software; provides technical
guidance on system and network problems and issues.
Consults with proper management regarding major
software/hardware needs, requirements, training, problems,
schedule changes, computer down-time, and program
modifications.
Serves as a subject matter resource for all data processing
personnel, managers, engineers, campus technology specialists, and
campus lab technicians regarding problem definition and
resolution.
Determines, designs, and recommends data communication,
telephone, and other technology infrastructure needs; works with
facilities personnel, construction vendors, and campus personnel
on cabling changes, moves, and installations.
Dispatches maintenance service personnel for repair of equipment
under contract; coordinated repair of equipment with vendors and
under emergency conditions.
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In addition to performing these essential functions, the network specialist must
have the following qualifications:
High school diploma or G.E.D and two years Novell, Windows NT,
Linux, Unix, router configuration, and system management
experience. In addition, two years of network management
experience.
Knowledge of secondary school application requirements
Ability to plan, schedule, and implement a multi-phase project
involving other participants.
Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, reassign priorities
quickly, and exercise resourcefulness in addressing new problems.
Ability to research, evaluate, and use new methods and techniques
for operational improvement.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
Ability to convert abstract ideas to easily understood procedural
guidance.
Experience in basic flow charting, documenting, testing and de-
bugging relatively complex programs required.
Each network specialist will be paid on a salary basis ($45,000 per year).
In addition, each specialist will be on a twelve--month contract. During the
summer is the time when new software will be installed, new computers added
into the network etc. During the school year, each network specialist duties will
be to maintain the network and the computers on campus. The team will be
given a budget of $40,000 to help with costs that accrue from maintenance.
Since the computers, server, and network parts have some type of warranty,
most of the them should be covered. But in cases such as vandalism and
unforeseen accidents, money has been set aside.
Total Cost:
Below is a break down of the complete costs for my school network.
Item Cost Quantity Total
(Description)
Dell Optiplex $474 200 $94,800
GX270 Computer*
Dell Inspiron $749 125 $93,625
Laptop*
Dell PowerEdge $36,600 1 $36,600
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6600
Server*
NOS Free N/A N/A
Linux
Dell Polarity $97.00 200 $19,400
Adobe Premier $107.00 225 $24,075
Photo Shop $165.00 100 $16,500
Easy CD Creator $61.00 325 $19,825
Plus
Adobe Acrobat $29.49 325 $9,584.25
Cisco 2651XM $3,059.43 5 $15,297.15
Modular Router
Cisco Catalyst $3,179.11 5 $15,895.55
2950G-48 port
Switch
Cisco Aironet $160.00 2 $320.00
Wireless LAN
Client Adapter
card
Maintenance $40,000 Per Year $40,000
Budget
Maintenance $45,000 2 People $ 90,000
Team
Total Cost of
Network $475,921.95
*NOTE: For the Dell items I received a special price from talking to David, a
customer service rep who does special pricing for schools.
Overall, I feel that this is a reasonable price for a large school network.
The network has quality computers and equipment, and it is designed to be
upgraded for future technology. It is apparent that designing a network for a
school takes a lot of time and planning in order to ensure that the school/district
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is getting the best for their money. I feel very confident in the network I have
designed.