Networking a classroom

[akhileshbc]

Hi guys...

My relative is starting a new computer institute. And he asked me whether I could do the networking.

I have never done a task like that before. But I thought, it's a chance to learn. Could you guys please help me to do this ?

What are the software and hardware requirements needed ?

We are planning on a cost effective system.

Thank you...

[Hack]

Are you building an entire school, from scratch, to teach computer programming?

What do you mean by "computer institute"?

[akhileshbc]

Are you building an entire school, from scratch, to teach computer programming?

What do you mean by "computer institute"?

I mean, a small school that provides computer education. Less than 10 PCs will be there as total !

That's why I took the challenge

[stanav]

You need a switch. This will be your network central point. You then run network cables from each computer to this switch (most labor intensive part). That's pretty much it. You can go wireless if you don't feel like running cat5 catbles inside walls, over the ceilings...

[akhileshbc]

You need a switch. This will be your network central point. You then run network cables from each computer to this switch (most labor intensive part). That's pretty much it. You can go wireless if you don't feel like running cat5 catbles inside walls, over the ceilings...

Thanks

You mean a central hub were all systems are connected ?
We are not planning about getting a wireless setup. So, which kind of cables are needed ?

[stanav]

Cat6 is preferred for GB network although cat5e will also work. Avoid using cheap cat5.

[akhileshbc]

Thanks...

What's the name of the "switch" used ?
Do I need to buy LAN cards too ? Or will it work with the onboard LAN port in most of the motherboards ?

What else hardware needs to be bought ?

[stanav]

It depends on your budget. Buy a switch with enough ports for future expansion. For example, if you have 10 PC's, buy a single 16 port switch instead of 2 separate 8 port and 4 port switches. Managed switches are way more expensive but it gives you more control of the network (you can create VLAN's, turn ports on/off...). Any major brand will be OK (HP, Cisco/Linksys, DLink, Netgear...)
No, you don't need to buy LAN cards for the computers if they already have an onboard NIC (it's hard to find one without an onboard NIC these days).
If you don't have a server, you will need a router to provide DHCP service.

[Hack]

Are these 10 computers in the same room or in different rooms?

If they are in different rooms then you will be running cables through walls and across ceilings which is a lot of fun.

[akhileshbc]

It depends on your budget. Buy a switch with enough ports for future expansion. For example, if you have 10 PC's, buy a single 16 port switch instead of 2 separate 8 port and 4 port switches. Managed switches are way more expensive but it gives you more control of the network (you can create VLAN's, turn ports on/off...). Any major brand will be OK (HP, Cisco/Linksys, DLink, Netgear...)
No, you don't need to buy LAN cards for the computers if they already have an onboard NIC (it's hard to find one without an onboard NIC these days).
If you don't have a server, you will need a router to provide DHCP service.

Thanks

So, the server system needs to be running all the time for LAN connectivity right ? If there's no server system, I need to buy a router. Right ?

He said, there would be a separate system in the reception, which can be used as a server.

Will there be cost difference in both methods ? Is there any other advantages for those methods ? Which one will be easy ?

What are the things(setup) needed to be done on the client machines and the server ? We'll be using Windows XP in all machines. Because it is more commonly used in here and if we try to teach the students in Vista/7 machines, they would likely end up in confusions...! So, inorder to avoid risks, we are planning to use XP machines only.

Are these 10 computers in the same room or in different rooms?

If they are in different rooms then you will be running cables through walls and across ceilings which is a lot of fun.

No. It's a single room ( a big hall). Will partition it to make a class room and a lab.

[stanav]

Using a router is a lot easier than using a server. You can only build a peer to peer workgroup with a router, however. With a server, you can better manage your environment, things like creating a domain, user accounts, access permissions for file sharing... but it will be a lot more costly too. You will also need windows pro editions or higher to join a domain (2000/XP/7 pro, Vista business) if you go with a server.

[akhileshbc]

Ok.. Thanks

[dilettante]

I have to believe even the cheapest wireless router will support more than 10 clients. Add 10 cheap USB wireless adapters if the PCs lack WiFi and you're done. No extra cables to run, no switches, and network configuration is almost as trivial as using wired Ethernet.

The net cost just in hardware may be less than buying cables, a way to route them so people can't trip, and a switch. Depending on what you're doing you might need to throw a router on top of that pile of stuff too.

A lot of low-end wireless routers also have either a 4-port switch or a port you can put a switch behind later if some systems make more sense to be hard-wired.

I'd look for a cheap wireless router with a 4-port switch built in and find some cheap WiFi adapters. USB WiFi adapters run as cheap as $4 each

[akhileshbc]

Thanks dilettante

I don't think it will be cheaper in here. I'll talk to a local store here and will let you know the price.

Also, doesn't it require more security measures to implement a WiFi ? I mean, unauthorized access to the network and other things ?

[akhileshbc]

I have phoned a computer dealer (famous in my city) and they told me that, wireless connection might have some disadvantages that there would be cases in which sometimes connection will be lost.

And when I asked about the cheapest among them, they told me that, wired is cheaper than wireless !

I'll be visiting their showroom today, for ordering the systems. Will have a chat with them, in detail, to know more details.