NETWORKING

Networking MCHS

Introduction

Networks are all around us. Interstates, subways, telephone lines, wireless are all types of networks and the list can go on. Metcalfe County High School has been awarded a grant that will allow them to network the entire bottom floor of the High School and install new computer labs. Many different ideas have been developed about how the Network should be built, who should build it, and what type of equipment should be utilized. You have been hired to devise a plan of action for MCHS, the plan of action will include proposals of networking medium, networking equipment, placement of wire and locations/setup of the four new computer labs that the principal wants to install. Each lab will hold 30 computers. The task is to be done in small segments that are outlined below. After completion of the three tasks you will have successfully built an outline/proposal for the project at Metcalfe County High School.

The Roles

In groups of 3, you will take on the roles of the following individuals:

Cisco Certified Networking Associate(CCNA) The CCNA will propose Cisco products and standards that could be utilized within the development/design of the MCHS bottom floor. The CCNA will also use his/her knowledge to help to ensure that standards and codes are followed when preparing for the network installation. Being CCNA certified also will indicate a substantial knowledge base about computers and scaleable setups within a networking enviornment.

Network/Computer Technician The Network/Computer Technician will be in charge of cable design, cable layout, port location, equipment that will be utilized in design and he/she will also help determine possible locations for the computer labs and wiring closet. The network technician will look to recommend the printers, and the locations of the networked printers on the bottom floor of MCHS.

Network Apprentice will terminate cable, install networking devices, pull cable and do the jobs that will make this network design a success or a failure. The apprentice will be in charge of work site safety when dealing with electiricy and networking equiptment. The apprentice will also be responsible for designing standards will the safety the computer labs that are to be installed on the bottom floor of MCHS.and layout of

Top

Task 1:

Cables can be placed in numerous locations throughout a building and can be routed many different ways within a room but without careful consideration networking problems can occur because of an inadequate network design. This task will help you look at a Floor diagram and prepare a rough sketch of the proposed physical layout for the chosen cable, wiring closet and computer labs.

Print out one Floor Diagram for each group member.

The CCNA, Network/Computer Technician and Network Apprentice should first analyze the Floor Diagram then a decision will have to be made on what type of media will be used within the network. After a decision has been made about the type of media the network designer should sketch out a rough drawing of the physical topology of the major portion of the cable that will be used on the bottom floor of MCHS. Contained within the sketch should be the possible and best locations for four30 computer labs , enough cable so that each room besides the computer labs can have four computers on the network, the location of the MDF(Main Distribution Facility) and the type of cable that has been chosen to build the network.

As a group after all have designed the physical layout of the wire and identified the possible locations for the MDF and the computer labs, Select one wiring diagram to use throughout the rest of the project.

Resources:

Drawing Networks

Physical Topology

Config Maker

Types of Computer Media

Networking Media In Small Office

Types Of Media

Physical Media

Main Distribution Facility

MDF Defined

Guide For Networking Schools

Top

Task 2:

The physical layout of the wire has been completed. Part of making a network function correctly is ensuring that adequate devices are placed along the network. This task will help you link network segments together by using adequate equipment/devices and the physical layout that was designed in the previous task.

Print out your appropriate Estimate sheet for the tasks listed below.

The CCNA should recommend the required devices that are to be placed in the wiring closet to make a connection to the WAN and to the Network segments that will be found on the bottom floor of Metcalfe County High School. A small sketch of the proposed locations in the wiring closet should also be provided. Cost estimates should also be included with the overall estimate.

The Network/Computer Technician should recommend the devices/equipotent that will be needed to connect all of the segments together and link them with the MDF, the technician should also include a list of required devices to connect the computers into the network. Cost estimates should be included with the overall equipment list.

The Network Apprentice should prepare a estimate on the amount of cable that will be utilized within this project, exact room specifications can be found at Floor Diagram include enough cable for connections to 30 computers in the lab and 4 computers in all other rooms. Overall cost estimate for the cable should be given for the entire project.

Resources:

Wiring Closet

Enhanced Wiring Closet

School Closet

Networking Supplies

Cable Help:

Task 3:

Networks are not considered live networks unless they are attached to devices trying to communicate. A growing trend is developing in which network administrators, network technicians and other computer professionals are becoming multi-purpose computer consultants. It is important for anyone that is concerned with networks to know about computer systems, software, room set-up and safety procedures that must be followed. This task will enable the networking experts to explore the computer end of networking and the conditions that must be present for a computer lab to function.

The CCNA should use his/her knowledge to analyze and recommend a computer that would be suitable for purchase and placement within the computer lab. The CCNA should use the computer comparison sheet to devise a way of selecting the computer of choice for MCHS.

The Network/Computer Technician should analyze the Floor Diagram and locate positions that would be suitable for the networked printers that are to be installed. A recommendation on the printer to use for the bottom floor will need to be submitted. Use the Printer Comparison sheet to help analyze printers, thier capabilites and formulate .

The Network Apprentice should design a safety sheet and diagram proper termination procedures for the materials that will be run into the computer lab, and wiring closet. The apprentice should also look at the items that will be required to fully furnish the computer lab(tables, power poles, etc..) and prepare a bill of materials for one of the copmuter labs.

Resources:

Computer Companies

Gateway Computers

Dell Computers

Compaq Computers

Printer Resources

Networking Safety

Cable Termination

Evaluation

Each person will receive a 100-point project score. Based on what role you decided to undertake your grade will be based on the following criteria.

I. Design Of Network Topology-Task 1 (20 points)

II. Task 2 (20 points)

III. Task 3 (20 points)

IV. Extension (20 points)

V. Overall Correctness, Stability and Scalability of Network (20 points)

Top

Extenstion

Discuss and analyze the overall capabilities of the network that has been built. What are the limitations? How could limitations that are identified be enhanced/modified? What would happen to the network if the Metcalfe County school district decided to go totally wireless? If this occurred what changes would need to be made within the network?

Top

Webquest Prepared By: Justin D Smith

Technology Teacher & Cisco Networking Instructor

Metcalfe County High School

Owner/Operator S&S Guide Service

Top