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September 2003

Volume 10, Issue 1

Table of Contents:

The Desktop Newsletter Stops the Presses!

GroupWise Access: District Email on the Web

New Delivery Schedule

Ready, Set, Print!

Summer Rumble 2003

A Higher Standard

WinXP Computers: Built in Security

Windows Help

 

 

So Many Computers – Too Few Taps

 

With the approval of the 1998 Bond almost every classroom in the district was provided with access to the district’s local area network as well as the World Wide Web. This access came in the form of network taps, or those "phone jack" looking plates that are located throughout the classrooms a couple of feet off the floor. These network taps are connected to a Main Distribution Frame (MDF) that is located in the school, usually in the library area. Schools were given a set number of taps per classroom. At the time of installation this number pretty well took care of classroom needs. How quickly things have changed! With the increased technical knowledge of our teachers and the award of several grants (TLP, Math Grant, etc.) the number of computers has exceeded the number of taps in the classroom in many incidences. What does a teacher do when they have 12 computers in the room, a phone that also needs a network tap and a networked printer? Fourteen networked devices and only 8 taps!

There are two choices. One is to purchase a desktop unmanaged switch or "mini-hub". This inexpensive piece of equipment plugs into one network tap then "splits" the network access between the computers. In some cases this can be done with no problem BUT there can be trouble if the addition of the hub is done improperly. These problems include the hazard of network cables connecting multiple computers; computers having to be placed too close together in order to access the hub; the degradation of the network performance in the classroom or even bringing to a standstill all network access at the site. The addition of a hub should not be done without the approval and help of the ITSC.

The second option is the installation of additional network taps. Of course the cost is greater than the addition of a hub - but the results are much more positive. Not only is there no effect on the network as all the necessary equipment is added to the classroom as well as the MDF, but the taps can be placed so that all computers can be easily and safely accessed. The ITSC and district electricians can help you determine the cost for additional taps. A Wiring/Data request can be found online at www.spokaneschools.org/itsc/forms/wiring.stm. Simply fill out the request and send to Betsy at the ITSC. The ITSC will take it from there! After researching the request you will receive an estimate of the cost. No work will be done without the approval of the site administrator.

We can expect the quantity of network devices in our district to continue to grow. If you are planning to add additional computers or printers to your classroom, consider your wiring needs well in advance of your purchase. Preplanning will prevent problems when installation time comes around! As always, call the Help Desk at 354-7600 if you have questions.

– Betsy Ressa

 

From Volume 9, Issue 5                                        April/May 2003