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General Discussion Board \ Computer Programming \ Starting a network

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gulyman
Goliath
avatar
Posted: 28 May 2008
18:17 GMT
Total Posts: 144
I'm putting together a 'proposal' for our school to offer some sort of networking course, but sadly don't know all the hardware required. Here is my list so far.

3 computers with network cards and two hard drives each for dual booting
4 port switch/router
network cables.
copies of Linux, probably Ubuntu or RedHat Fedora core version
copies of whatever windows uses

If the computers are dual booted, then people can practice with both Linux and windows.
Any thoughts? I'm new to this, so there's probably a huge hole, but that's what forums are for.
Zachary940
Wraith
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Posted: 28 May 2008
19:09 GMT
Total Posts: 714
If it's a very basic networking class for about 20 students then this is what I would recommend.

3 rows of 7 computers.
Have all the computers be connected to a layer 2 switch
then have a server that is also acting as your gate way to the school network.

Also have routers available that way you can experiment and learn from doing different labs.
When I mean routers I mean actual routers, not the Linksys ones you buy from best buy.

As for the version of Linux I would recommend Mandriva.


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It is much easier to suggest solutions when you know nothing about the problem.
gulyman
Goliath
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Posted: 28 May 2008
20:49 GMT
Total Posts: 144
My sys admin is paranoid that people will screw up the system if the computers are linked to the main network. Also my school is like 500 people, and weirdly only about 7 people are interested in learning in-depth computer stuff. 20ish computers dedicated to students messing around in the root user might be a bit much. The very most I would be able to get is about 4. Then there is finding a spot for them.

The computers I would be using are all the old ones that they would be replacing and sending to the computer grave yard.

I'm doing this so that I can learn a bit about networking before I leave high school. The ever present quest for more knowledge and all that.

So a layer 2 switch is what you would recommend?
Zachary940
Wraith
avatar
Posted: 29 May 2008
19:59 GMT
Total Posts: 714
yep a layer two switch.
And see if your sys admin has an old router. That way you can at least get familiar with one.

I would do the standard star topology. Tie everything to the switch.

And ask your sys admin if there is any way that he can give you your own VLAN. And only allow internet access to that VLAN. That way you really don't have access to the network even though you are physically tied to it.


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It is much easier to suggest solutions when you know nothing about the problem.
gulyman
Goliath
avatar
Posted: 13 Jun 2008
13:56 GMT
Total Posts: 144
I found out that the money I would be using is reserved for non-computer "things". Maybe next year.
Zachary940
Wraith
avatar
Posted: 13 Jun 2008
22:25 GMT
Total Posts: 714
well that sucks

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It is much easier to suggest solutions when you know nothing about the problem.





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