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Hello, and welcome to my network plan. Please visit the links at the left to access various parts of the plan.

toc Kim Huett MEDT 7XXX Spring 2011

To Do List

In Hardware Software Standards Section, include a table like this one on page 8: http://martybray.org/medt7471/3_12c.pdf

Preface
The following network plan is being completed as as assignment in MEDT 7471: Data Networks in the spring of 2011. Most of what follows, therefore, is fiction. However, in order to make my network as real as possible, I am pretending that I am an instructional technologist in a real county school system: Carroll County Schools in West Georgia. It is useful to use the county's Three-Year Technology Plan as the "philosophical basis" for the network.

I would like to add that as I understand it, our professor will not be imposing any budgetary limits on our network expenses. The good thing about not including a budgetary limit is that it allows me to focus on the details of delineating a network plan without having a censorious critic constantly saying "You don't have enough money for this!" In reality, there are budgetary limits, so eventually, one must learn to function and budget with these in mind. For novice network designers, however, I believe it is beneficial to not include this constraint. I would say let me learn the nuts and bolts of making protocols, hardware, and software work together first. With this in mind, I urge you to note that this may be one expensive network.

Finally, I am using two resources to guide my understanding of the way in which a network should be designed and implemented. These are //The School Network Handbook// from ISTE and //Guide to Networking Essentials// from Thomson.

Context
Currently, there are 23 networked schools in the Carroll County Schools (Georgia) school district. Schools are connected using a fiber optic backbone and use Windows Server 2003. The WAN uses a "managed firewall service from Lightspeed Systems" (Dennis, p. 42). In the fall of 2011, a twenty-fourth school Alta Belle Campbell Middle School (ABC) will open its doors to its first group of students. Construction of the physical building site will be finished by May 15, 2011. At that time, the networking specialists will have six weeks to build the school network. Administrators would like to see the network infrastructure in place by June 30.

The school will be comprised of a local area network (LAN) connected to the district Wide Area Network (WAN) through a router. The school network is a client/server network, or server-based network. Dedicated network servers will be housed in a controlled-access room near the media center. This will allow network administrators to ensure the security of the hardware.

There may be a second phase of implementation where wireless networking is installed in the school. For now, the priority is on wired networking. Later in 2011, all schools will be upgrading to //Windows Server 2008// and //Windows 7// for desktop operating systems. These upgrades will happen in the fall after Alta Belle has been networked.

Network Needs
The school will have the following technology needs: These hardware needs are more fully discussed in the Hardware and Software Standards section below.
 * **Category** || **Place** || **Technology by Location** ||
 * //Teaching & Learning// || 20 classrooms || * 1 teacher laptop computer per classroom
 * 5 student computers per classroom ||
 * //Teaching & Learning// || 1 Media Center || * 2 desktops for media center personnel
 * 5 desktops for visitors
 * 1 networked printer ||
 * //Administration// || 2 administrator offices (principals, counselors, etc.) || * 1 desktop per office
 * 1 laptop per office
 * 1 networked printer in adjacent Teachers' Lounge ||
 * //Administration// || 1 Technology Services office || * 1 desktop computer
 * 1 laptop computer
 * X number of servers, routers, hubs, etc. ||

Acceptable Use Policy
Faculty and Staff Guidelines
 * Acceptable Use Policy**

The school has provided computers for use by staff, offering access to a vast amount of information for use in studies, acting like an enormous extension to the school library and offering great potential to support the curriculum.

The computers are provided and maintained for the benefit of all staff, and you are encouraged to use and enjoy these resources, and help to ensure they remain available to all. Remember that access is a privilege, not a right and inappropriate use will result in that privilege being withdrawn.

• Always get permission before installing, attempting to install or storing programs of any type on the computers. • Damaging, disabling, or otherwise harming the operation of computers, or intentionally wasting resources puts your work at risk, and will cut short your time with the ICT equipment. • Only use the computers for educational purposes. Activities such as buying or selling goods are inappropriate. • Always check files brought in on removable media (such as floppy disks, CDs, flash drives etc.) with antivirus software and only use them if they are found to be clean of viruses. • Always check mobile equipment (e.g. laptops, tablet PCs, PDAs etc.) with antivirus software and ensure they have been found to be clean of viruses before connecting them to the network. • Protect the computers from spillages by eating or drinking well away from the ICT equipment.
 * Equipment**

• Protect your work by keeping your password to yourself; never use someone else’s logon name or password. • Always be wary about revealing your home address, telephone number, school name, or picture to people you meet on the Internet. • Other computer users should be respected and should not be harassed, harmed, offended or insulted. • To protect yourself and the systems, you should respect the security on the computers; attempting to bypass or alter the settings may put you or your work at risk. • Computer storage areas and floppy disks will be treated like school lockers. ICT staff may review your files and communications to ensure that you are using the system responsibly.
 * Security and Privacy**

• You should access the Internet only for school activities. • Only access suitable material; using the Internet to obtain, download, send, print, display or otherwise transmit or gain access to materials which are unlawful, obscene or abusive is not permitted. • Respect the work and ownership rights of people outside the school, as well as other students or staff. This includes abiding by copyright laws. • ‘Chat’ activities take up valuable resources which could be used by others to benefit their studies, and you can never be sure who you are really talking to. For these reasons ‘chat’ rooms should be avoided.
 * Internet**

• Be polite and appreciate that other users might have different views from your own. The use of strong language, swearing or aggressive behaviour is as anti-social on the Internet as it is on the street. • Only open attachments to emails if they come from someone you already know and trust. Attachments can contain viruses or other programs that could destroy all the files and software on your computer. • If you receive an email containing material of a violent, dangerous, racist, or inappropriate content, always report such messages to a member of ICT staff. The sending or receiving of an email containing content likely to be unsuitable for schools is strictly forbidden.
 * Email**

Please read this document carefully. Only once it has been signed and returned will access to the Internet be permitted. If you violate these provisions, access to the Internet will be denied and you will be subject to disciplinary action. Additional action may be taken by the school in line with existing policy regarding staff behaviour. Where appropriate, police may be involved or other legal action taken.

I have read and understand the above and agree to use the school computer facilities within these guidelines.

(Faculty/Staff Member Signs)

Network Topology
This school network uses a combination of physical star and bus topologies with segments of the network connected to hubs, which are connected to a main switch via a patch panel. The switch is connected to a router that gives the network internet access.

This map provides a tentative view of the network as it is planned. Based on peer feedback, modifications will be made to this.

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Hardware and Software Standards, Selection, and Implementation
Policies and Procedures The Carroll County School WAN uses Windows Server 2003 servers and XP Professional-based computers. It has been decided that the entire county will upgrade to Windows Server 2008 for its servers and Windows 7 for all computer operating systems in the fall of 2011. The hardware and software selected below has been selected with future upgrades and growth in mind.

All computers in Carroll County School have Microsoft Office installed. District technology administrators are interested in trying out free and open source alternatives to Microsoft Office, and have decided to use Open Office at Alta Belle Campbell Middle School as a pilot test to determine whether 1) it can satisfy productivity needs of a school, and 2) it causes network problems that are or are not manageable. During the pilot, data will be collected from school faculty, administrators and students using monthly online survey forms. At the end of the year, the ABC technology specialist will make a report to the central office. In Summer 2012, the district will decide whether to continue using Microsoft Office or to switch to Open Office for all district computers.

**Software**

 * **Software** || **Cost** ||
 * Productivity Software: Open Office || n/a ||
 * Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox || n/a ||
 * PDF Reader: Adobe Reader || n/a ||
 * Windows Server 2003 || $478.26 ||
 * Windows XP-- 80 licenses @ 299 || $23,920.00 ||
 * Norton AntiVirus 2011 (80 @ 39.99) || $3,199.20 ||

As with all Carroll County Schools, ABC will be equipped with a switch that governs traffic on the school's local area network. All classrooms will have multiple jacks (see Network Map) that allow computers to connect to the switch (via a patch panel) using Category 5e cable. The switch, in turn will connect to the router. The router will interface with the fiber optic county backbone and will connect the school network to the internet. As with all Carroll County schools, TCP/IP protocol will be used.

**Network Administrator Hardware**
(with bulk discount) || 359.80 || (200 count @ ~$16 apiece ) || 3,200.00 ||
 * **Hardware** || **Brand and URL** || **Cost** ||
 * Windows Server 2003 Server || Dell PowerEdge T110 Tower Server || $1,000.00 ||
 * 1 Router to Connect the 2 LANs || Cisco 2951 Integrated Services Router || 4,806.99 ||
 * 2 Switches || Cisco Catalyst 3560V2-48PS || 4,566 ||
 * 30 Cables || Cat. 5e Network Cables 100' Length
 * Patch Panel || Belkin 96 Port Patch Panel || 330.99 ||
 * 160 Jacks/Faceplates || Bytecc WP-HD006 Wall Plate

Computers and printers in classrooms, offices, the media center, and other areas of the school connect to the network using Category 5e cable via wall jacks installed throughout the schools. From here, network traffic flows first through the patch panel, then through the network switch. This activity is monitored by the network server. As needed, the switch may forward traffic to the router and beyond to the internet via the county fiber optic backbone. Incoming traffic via the fiber optic backbone is governed by the router, which sends information back to the switch, and the process described above is reversed, carrying information back to individual machines as appropriate. All of this takes place using TCP/IP.

**Client Hardware and Peripherals**

 * **Hardware** || **Brand and URL** || **Cost** ||
 * 55 desktops (D)

(include monitors) || Dell Inspiron 560 Desktop || 55 @ 449.99 =

$24,749.45 ||
 * 13 laptops (L) || Dell XPS 15 Laptop || 13 @ 799.99 =

$10,399.87 ||
 * 2 printers (P) || HP LaserJet P2055d Printer || 2 @ 249.99 =

$499.98 || Total Hardware and Software Costs $77, 510.

Network Installation Steps
Ronald McGregor, IT Expert at Carroll County Schools, will lead a team of 10 county technology specialists drawn from various schools in the county to install the network in these broad phases: 1. Consultation of building plans and electrical plans to check the planned layout. 2. Perform site inspection to double-check plans and investigate problem areas. 3. Revise the plan to reflect results of site inspection. 4. Calculate cable run lengths and get more specific about exact requirements. Check against building codes. Determine type and number of spools of cable, etc. 5. Have CableCo install the cable. 6. Place all hardware in appropriate rooms. Connect to network cables through jacks. 7. Have Cisco rep configure router and switch to concord with the server. 8. Install XP on all computers. 9. Install antivirus and other softwares. 10. Test, test, test.

Purpose
The purpose of this disaster recovery plan is to provide the necessary policies and procedures that would be followed in the event of a disaster which would provide a path to recovery.

Goal
to resume normal business operations in 48 hours.

Disaster Recovery (DR) Team
Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superindendent Director of Plant Services & Facility Planning Chief Financial Officer Director of Human Resources Director of Information Systems Campus Principals Network Administrator Health Services Supervisor

Breakdown of Duties in Event of Disaster

 * Superintendent of Schools directs the Team; official spokesperson; “point person” to whom all information is reported; makes major operational decisions; consults with all members; assigns persons to the DR Team; delegates these tasks as appropriate.
 * Assistant Superintendent: liaison with Superintendent of Schools. Performs Superintendents duties if not present, and/or delegates duties to DR Team. Fields all inquiries from media, members and the public; prepares official statements, talking points, and communication strategies and advises the CR Team on implementation. Disseminates information to the media and the membership. Refers interview and information requests to the designated official spokesperson.
 * Director of Plant Services & Facility Planning: activates the DR Team and facilitates meetings. Performs Superintendents duties as delegated if Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent are unavailable. Confers with local fire and rescue teams, utility companies, etc. as appropriate to gather information; in charge of recovery of premises and physical property. Communicates with staff.
 * Director of Information Systems: insures that all network infrastructure and telecommunications are operational, provides information to the community via the website, and insures that all data is restored.
 * Chief Financial Officer: ensures security of non-physical assets, availability of cash for emergency purposes; continuity of payroll and vendor payments. Provides liaison with insurers.
 * Director of Human Resources: maintains a current list of employees and ensures they receive appropriate information and duties.
 * Campus Principals: responsible for assessing situations at their assigned campus and reporting this information to designated members; and verifiy that all student data is correct and notifies network administrator of any data loss so that a restore from backup can occur.
 * Network Administrator: ensures that all necessary servers are operational and verifies what data needs to be restored if any.
 * Energy Management: verifies that all areas of energy management are operational.
 * Health Services Supervisor: ensures that adequate first aid materials are on hand at necessary locations.

Where to Meet in Event of Disaster In preferred Order

 * Central Office
 * Alta Belle Campbell Middle School Auditorium
 * Alta Belle Campbell High School Library

Communications: inbound and outbound

 * Initial (inbound) alert: Superintendent will identify a person, with a phone/e-mail/desk location where news of a crisis and subsequent developments should be reported.
 * Outbound: Superintendent will identify the person responsible for calling fire, police, rescue, and related services; list the numbers to call.
 * Web posting.
 * E-mail
 * Broadcast media
 * Communications: notification chain

Computing facilities and data
__Hardware__: The Director of Information Systems will secure computer equipment for necessary operations and identify staff laptops and home computer equipment which can be brought on-line immediately, and secure staff consent to do so; if necessary, identify vendor(s) who are willing to provide temporary computers, servers, and networks.

__Software__: extra copies will be stored offsite along with a list of all software licenses and vendor contacts.

__Data__: Backup’s are done on a daily basis by the technology department. Backups are kept for three weeks before cycling of the tapes takes place. The Network Administrator is the primary contact for backup inquiries.

__Telephone service__: This is vital to communications; temporary lines may need to be established at the designated headquarters. These numbers should be publicized as needed. This responsibility lies with the Director of Information Systems.

Vendor Information
Suppliers for all Equipment, Computing Systems, Software, Office Supplies, etc. List is maintained by the Chief Financial Officer.

Professional Development
Carroll County Schools recognizes the importance of appropriate professional development to accompany the acquisition of networking technologies. In their Three-Year Technology Plan, they delineate a vision, goals, and "instructional uses of technology. In addition, they target certain types of professional development that are appropriate to teachers using the school network. The verbiage below from the technology plan, pp. 2-34.

Vision:
Educators must be proactive in their approach to preparing students for success in the twenty-first century. Instructional designs must include the concept of preparing students for technologies not yet invented. Therefore, technology is not only a tool to facilitate the quality and excellence of the students, faculty, and staff, but also an abstract concept that must be developed in the minds of all stakeholders, including community and parent partners. Technology should not be thought of as a separate entity, but instead an integral tool used in the classroom to individualize, enhance, and motivate student learning. Technology should support learning in the classroom, preparing students through authentic experiences for the real world. Integration of technology is the inclusion by teachers and students of appropriate technology that facilitates, individualizes, enhances, and enriches teaching and learning of state and local curricula. The staff development and training of all faculty and staff is an essential cornerstone to the success of Carroll County Schools’ mission (Dennis, p. 34).

Goal:
The ultimate goal of Carroll County Schools’ technology program is to increase various aspects of student achievement and teacher performance. For this goal to be achieved, there must be modern technology available to make a difference, teachers must be appropriately trained to use that technology, and technology must be integrated into the curriculum and classroom activities (Dennis, p. 34).

In concert with the local RESA, Carroll County Schools will deliver training that meets these objectives: "To acquire knowledge of systems software and computerized methods for maintaining school system records and information. To assist technology trainers as they seek to develop and refine the skills necessary to support the use of technology in the classroom. To provide administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals with adequate skills to successfully integrate technology in the classroom. To support scientifically and/or evidence based practices in relation to the use of technology tools". (Dennis, p. 34)

The needs addressed by trainings aimed at these objectives include these: educational programs, instructional program effectiveness, school improvement, curricular implementation of technology, technology knowledge/skills deficiencies, and non-certified professional learning. The trainings may be delivered in these formats: PLU Course, Workshop/Seminar, or Professional Conference. PLU Credits may be awarded for professional development successfully undertaken. Types of school personnel trained should include teachers, leadership personnel, service area personnel, paraprofessionals, and other non-certified personnel. Such training may be funded by county-allotted professional learning, Title I funds, school-allotted professional learning, Title 2 funds, and/or e-rate funds (Dennis).

Repurposing
In line with the policy of Carroll County schools, equipment will be replaced as needed to keep computers current with the definition of the "modern computer" as described by the Georgia Department of Education. That equipment that can be reused for other purposes will be. Equipment that is deemed to be of no value will be taken to an appropriate recycling center for electronics.