Planning a Network
When planning a network you need to begin by deciding what it is you want to do with your network, and deciding how to best implement this to achieve your curriculum requirements. The decisions you make about the network you want in your school are just the start of the process.
Just as the network will connect a variety of locations and equipment types, your networking plan should understand the needs and requirements of all users. Using the capabilities of the latest technology, will result in a well thought-out, well-designed networking plan. This must include both your curriculum needs and your future expectations and this allow the network to expand alongside changes in technology and educational aims.
Examining the desired educational use for the network will help you avoid either buying equipment that will not support more complex networked assignments, or buying unnecessarily advanced equipment that is not appropriate for more basic curriculum goals. With our experienced network teams, Western is able to offer advice on all aspects of network planning and installation. This includes:
- Create a networking plan including on-going technical support and security to ensure the success of your network.
- Identify the activity options that fit your needs (Internet access, access to the World Wide Web (The Web), multimedia/production, video conferencing, and remote access).
- Design a migration path that requires a minimum of design changes as you expand your network and add further users and capabilities.
A network transforms stand-alone computers from productivity devices used for a single purpose, such as word processing, into information communication points accessible to a number of users inside and outside the school. Networked computers become an interdisciplinary device allowing students to utilize more than one information source in their study and class preparation.