A network is simply a series of two or more computers connected together so that they can share information and resources. It encompasses the hardware and the software that enable the computers to communicate with each other and provides users with access to shared resources such as software applications, peripherals (such as printers) and the Internet.
What are the advantages of a school network?
A network can reduce hardware costs. Devices such as printers and drives can be shared across the network, removing the need to purchase separate devices for each and every computer.
A network can enable more efficient use of disk storage. An application can be stored on a shared drive, rather than being replicated on every machine.
Data can be more easily shared. If a number of pupils are working on a project, common data can be accessed by all groups from different computers.
A single Internet connection can be shared to allow access to the World Wide Web and email from each computer on the network.
What are the disadvantages?
The required level of expertise is considerably higher than that needed to maintain a set of stand-alone computers.
Initially, the cost of setting up a network can be prohibitive, depending on the type and complexity of the network required.
Additional time–something which most teachers don’t have–will be required for the system administrator to maintain and troubleshoot the system.
Are there different types of networks?
There are two main types of network operating systems suitable for school usage, peer-to-peer and client/server.
In a peer-to-peer network, each computer is of equal status and can share out its resources to other computers on the network. Equally, it can access resources on other computers for which it has permission. In this scenario, all of the computers share the onus of managing the network.
In a client/server network, one computer is designated as the server and the rest are clients. The server is responsible for managing the network. The computer used as server will generally be far more powerful and have greater storage space than the client machines. Examples of client/server network systems are Windows NT and Novell Intranetware.
As a rule of thumb, peer-to-peer networks are considered appropriate for networks of up to eight computers. It is possible to start off with this type of network and to convert to a client/server arrangement when the network grows.
In my own school, the computer room contains a network of eleven PCs, using Windows NT client/server operating system. The server is also used as a workstation, in addition to its network management functions. A number of applications are stored only on the hard disk of the computer, but can be accessed from any of the other computers, thereby conserving hard disk space. Internet access is similarly available, but an ISDN line is recommended so that download speeds are satisfactory across the network. There are four printers in the room to which any of the computers can send data. This system has been in constant use for three years and has proven to be extremely robust and trouble-free.
Although networks in schools are usually associated with dedicated computer rooms, computers in different classrooms can also be networked, but, obviously, you will need much longer cables!
What are the implications for the software we use?
As noted above, it is possible to install an application on the server alone and for each computer on the network to access and use it simultaneously. This function is enormously advantageous for schools in that all groups can be working on the same program at the same time, at their own pace.
Some CD ROMs can similarly be accessed from the CD ROM drive of the server by all other computers. This, too, can be hugely beneficial in eliminating the need for use of multiple CDs, and all the storage and management problems that can arise from different groups of children all requiring their own CD for their own computer. However, not all CD ROM applications can operate in this way and it is often preferable for each computer to have an individual CD installed locally. This is particularly the case with programs that include large amounts of multimedia elements such as sound effects, animation and video sequences.
It is extremely important to remember that a multi-user version of the software is required for any application that will be installed on a network. Although different software companies have various pricing systems for single-user, multi-user and site-license versions of their products, schools can generally save significant amounts of money by purchasing multi-user or network versions.
For example, Maths Circus 3 from 4Mation comes on CD ROM, and if a site-licence version is purchased (approximately three times the price of the single-user version) it can be installed on the server and accessed by all of the computers on the network.
Similary, the Computer in the Classroom series (Prim-Ed) comes on one CD which can be inserted into the CD ROM drive of the server. From there it can be accessed with ease from all of the client machines. The programs referred to above exemplify the type of networkable, high quality applications which are wholly suitable for use in primary schools and which encompass a variety of attractive, cost effective user licenses with the educational market in mind.
Unfortunately, not all software publishers take the same approach. Two of the highest quality educational applications are Creative Writer 2 from Microsoft and Maths Workshop from the The Learning Company. Using these on a network gives no advantage whatsoever, aside from printing functions. Both products, despite their excellence, cannot be networked, and therefore one CD will be necessary for each computer. Unfortunately, no discounts are available for multiple purchase orders by schools.
What do I need to set up a network?
No matter what type of network you have, each computer will have to have a network interface (or adapter) card (NIC) installed.
Cables: The cables–and connectors–are used to connect the network cards together. For a new network, schools would be best cabling to category 5 (CAT5) standard.
A hub: If you install a 10BaseT type network (i.e. using CAT5 cabling and a client/server system), all of the cables connect to a central device called a hub. The hub can be compared to a traffic control system, but is relatively inexpensive in comparison to the overall network cost. Due to its resilience and low cost, this type of network is now the most popular cabling for local area networks (LANs).
Networking software: If you are setting up a peer-to-peer network, Windows 9x provides the necessary software. Otherwise you will need either NT or Novell Netware, the price of which will depend on the number of computers connected to the network.
What factors should be considered before installing a school network?
The task of installing a network in school is not one to be taken lightly, and deserves a great deal of consideration and pre-planning. Initially, the advantages accruing to a network must be weighed against the installation and management costs. It would be wise, I suggest to get advice from your local ICT advisor and to visit a number of other schools that use networks.
Whether the computers to be networked are to be located together or kept in different classrooms will influence the installation costs, but will also have considerable implications as to how the computers will ultimately be used, and what software can be purchased.
If Internet access is important, then an ISDN line should be installed, if not already in place. It would also be wise, I suggest, to get a number of quotations from firms that specialise in network installation, but remember that a maintenance contract is essential and should be factored in to the overall purchase price.
Teachers with sufficient expertise and commitment to maintain and troubleshoot computer networks are few and far between, and it would be foolhardy to undertake the installation of a school network without having access to a reliable technician, trained in the “black art” of network configuration.
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