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Ethernet Connection Procedures and
Practices
- Procedure: As of September 1, 1997, any computers to be newly
connected to the Internet must now be configured with an Ethernet
connection. For many users this will require that an Ethernet card
and cable be purchased for the computer in order for this
connection to be made. Please check the link for Ethernet Solutions. Check on this
list for the model number of the computer to be connected and then
order the corresponding Ethernet card. The cables listed at the
bottom are compatible with all models and only differ in their
respective lengths. For PC/Windows users, a single card is listed
that will work with all manner of IBM clones. Essentially, no new
connections should be made using LocalTalk. This includes
previously trained teachers who have moved to a new job, New
teachers receiving Internet training, and UCD conferred CEO
access. The only possible exception might be a teacher previously
Internet trained who moved to a new job due to an administrative
transfer, there is no Ethernet connection available, and with the
understanding that the result will be a less stable LocalTalk
network. Teachers moving from one room to another should retain
their previous connection, but if possible, move from LocalTalk to
Ethernet. In some cases this may require a call to DoTS to have
the new room cross connected, or a teacher who was on LocalTalk
remaining on LocalTalk.
- Previous: This new Ethernet requirement came about due to the
increasing number of network problems that have been occurring
within the district. Internet users have been disconnected while
in the midst of composing email messages, excessive difficulties
have occurred while staff and students have tried to print, etc.
The new DoTS policy seeks to address these issues by not allowing
any more LocalTalk connections (the basic, "out of the box"
network connection capability integrated into all Macintosh
computers) onto the Internet. LocalTalk is a slow and problematic
network connection that was not designed for the kind of wide area
use that it has received within the DPS. This new policy does not
affect any computers already connected to the Internet via
LocalTalk. The policy does eliminate any school quotas for
Internet connections that have been used in the past. We realize
the possible frustrations and inconveniences that this policy
change will cause for many of you. The Department of Educational
Technology shares the DoTS concern for providing and maintaining a
stable district network. We ask that you and your school assist us
all in this regard.
- Process: When the necessary Ethernet card and cable have been
purchased and are ready to be installed, call the DoTS Hotline
(764-3888) and a technician will be sent to your school to
install the card and configure your computer accordingly for
Internet access.
- Progress: To make the conversion to Ethernet a simpler
process, each school should identify network requirements, with an
eye toward determining future needs. After a school has identified
that their goal is to connect one machine per classroom to the
internet via ethernet, DoTS will assist by providing enough hubs
to make this possible. This is limited to schools that need the
expansion, have a plan for supporting and maintaining the
expansion, are willing to sever the connection between the LAN and
the DPS WAN, and provided that DoTS still has hubs available. This
does not apply to schools wishing to connect a lab of computers,
only to schools where classrooms require an initial connection.
DoTS will also help by providing a network switch if there are too
many wiring closets so that an extra hub, by itself, isn't
practical.
- Particulars:
- Budgetary support for technology needs to be a critical
element in planning for each school. Technology has a
functional lifespan of approximately 5 years or less. This
means that schools may need to set aside 20% of the cost of
purchasing new equipment to replace the existing equipment each
year. This would allow for an upgrade cycle of five years in
order to stay current. Training, repairs, troubleshooting and
replacement costs should all be taken into consideration.
- Hubs are always preferred over EtherWave transceivers or
other solutions.
- In many cases, a visit from DoTS to the site is recommended
before purchasing new networking equipment.
- Following the removal of the Local Area Network to the DPS
Wide Area Network, printers on each network will be invisible
to the other side. LAN printers will not be available to WAN
computers and vice versa.
- Three or four LocalTalk printers can be connected to the
WAN by way of a mini Ethernet Printer, a small hub for
printers.
- Smart CARL terminals can be placed on the Ethernet network
easily, please call the DoTS Hotline (764-3888).
- After three hubs a switch is required.
- Two ethernet connections can be made in each classroom
provided there is the standard four outlet connection facility
in the room.
- The following information should be published with Web
access:
- Parts/hardware list for Windows and Macintosh
platforms
- Salvage value for existing equipment
- Memory recommendations
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