A Plan for the Development of
Computer, Information, and Network Services
for West Las Vegas High School
April 23, 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . ii
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 1
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 1
Current Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Existing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Academic Hardware Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Student Hardware Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Discussion of Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 6
Additional Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Improper Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Computer Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Future Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 11
5 Year Plan .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 11
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 13
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . 15
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Appendix A1: Current Network Cabling System at WLVHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Appendix A2: Proposed Network Cabling System for WLVHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Appendix A3: 5 Year Plan for Proposed Network Cabling System at
WLVHS . . . . . . . . . 19
TABLE OF FIGURES
Table 1: Computer Resources at WLVHS . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 2
Table 2: Amount & Types of Computers at WLVHS . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Table 3: Peripherals at WLVHS . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 3
Table 4: Network Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 3
Table 5: Current Computer Access at WLVHS . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Table 6: Cabling Information . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . 6
Table 7: Additional Hardware Needed . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 11
Table 8: 5 Year Plan for Proposed Network Cabling System
at WLVHS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 1: Current Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 4
Figure 2: Proposed Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 7
Figure 3: 5 Year Plan for Proposed Network Cabling System
at WLVHS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
A Plan of the Development of Computer, Information, and
Network Services
at
West Las Vegas High School
April 23, 1996
Abstract
A general study of the present computer, information, and networking
services on the West Las Vegas High School campus was addressed.
An analysis of the current status of the school and recommendations
are included along with the diagrams located in the Appendix.
A recommendation for future computer, information, and networking
services has also been made.
Executive Summary
A design for the development of computer, information, and networking
services at West Las Vegas High School will allow other rooms
within the main building to access the network for educational
and informative purposes. This plan focuses on rooms that currently
have equipment for accessing the Internet, and the goals for future
expansion. It includes an overhead diagram of:
1. The current network layout of campus as it exists today
2. Our proposed network layout of the campus
3. Future network layout of West Las Vegas High School Campus
Specific goals and objectives of the plan include:
Goal: Develop a feasible network layout for the West Las
Vegas High School.
Objectives:
1. Provide rooms capable of accessing the Internet the ability
to do so.
2. Supply students and teachers with an alternative educational
source.
3. Increase use and knowledge of computers.
4. Expose students to a wide variety of educational material.
Current Status
History
Computing at West Las Vegas High School (WLVHS) began in 1979
with the purchase of the first computer system. Table 1 depicts
a tentative outline of the computer resources acquired at WLVHS:
Table 1: Computer Resources
YEAR | BRAND/TYPE |
Commodore | |
Commodore Pet | |
PC Junior | |
PS2 | |
Pentium |
Existing system
Networking and computing capabilities at West Las Vegas High School
are provided by Sandia National Laboratories, their domain name
server Tesuque, and funding from grants. The school presently
has the following computers in various locations within the main
building (refer to table 2):
Table 2: Amount & Types of Computers at WLVHS
QUANTITY | TYPE |
286 | |
386 | |
486 | |
Pentium | |
Macintosh |
And the following peripherals (refer to Table 3):
Table 3: Peripherals at WLVHS
QUANTITY | TYPE |
Laser Jet Printers | |
Tabloid Printer | |
Color Printer | |
Scanners | |
Other Printers |
There are three computer labs located within the main building,
two instructional labs and one technology lab. The first instruction
lab is located in the northeast corner, denoted by number 15 in
each diagram, contains twenty-four (24) computers: ten (10) are
386s and the remaining fourteen (14) are 286s. The second instruction
lab lies in the northern portion, denoted by numbers 18 and 19
in each diagram, and contains thirty-one (31) computers, all Pentiums.
The technology lab is in the western portion, denoted by number
22 in each diagram, and contains eight (8) computers: four (4)
Power Macintosh, three (3) 386s, and one (1) Pentium. The library,
located in the eastern portion, also contains two (2) computers,
both Pentiums and the counselor=s
office, denoted by number 9, contains a 486. No other classrooms
or offices within the main building presently possess computers
or see the opportunity of obtaining any since funding is presently
not available.
WLVHS also has the following hardware for network use (refer to
Table 4):
Table 4: Network Hardware
QUANTITY | DESCRIPTION |
90C DECRepeater | |
CSU/DSU | |
Bridge |
All hardware is in the communications room located in the western
portion, denoted by the asterisk. From this location, two Thin
Ethernet cables are pulled: one to the library and one to the
technology lab. The library has one (1) computer with access to
the Internet and the technology lab has four (4) computer with
access to the Internet. The World Wide Web server for West Las
Vegas High School is currently located in the local university,
NMHU, and can be accessed at http://vyne.nmhu.edu.
The following diagram depicts the current network setup at WLVHS:
Figure 1: Current Network
Access
Access to the Network is minimal. The Principal=s
office, Administration, Records, and Counselors currently have
no access to the Internet. The only computer lab that does have
access to the Internet is the Technology lab. The Library also
has Internet access. Table 5 summarizes the present facilities:
Academic Hardware Resources
Table 5: Current Computer Access at WLVHS
OFFICE/ROOM | COMPUTER | PRINTER |
Principal (Office ) | 1 PC, Not Networked | No Printer |
Secretary | 1 PC, Not Networked | 1 Printer |
Receptionist | 1 PC, Not Networked | 1 Printer |
Administration (#12 ) | No Computers | No Printers |
Records (Records) | 1 PC, Not Networked | 1 Printer, 1 Scanner |
Counselor (# 9) | 1 PC, Not Networked | No Printer |
Technology Lab (# 22) | 8 PCS, 4 Networked | No Printers |
New Computer Lab (#18-19) | 31 PCS, Not Networked | 10 Printers, 1 Scanner |
Old Computer Lab (#14-15) | 24 PCS, Not Networked | No Printers (?) |
Library (Library) | 2 PCS, 1 Networked | No Printers (?) |
The demand for computers has not been as great in the classrooms or in the instructors
offices.
Student Hardware Resources
Student access to computers is primarily concentrated in the computer
labs. However, the technology lab is the only one with Internet
access.
Discussion of the Plan
Networking
The computer network at WLVHS should be completed as quickly as
possible if the school plans on using the computers as a means
of educating students about the Internet. Currently, the technology
lab and the Library are the only rooms connected to the network.
Due to budget constraints, classrooms, offices, and the two other
computer labs have not been connected.
Objective 1: Completion of the WLVHS Network
To complete the network setup at WLVHS, it is necessary to:
1. Connect the following offices, classrooms, and computer labs
with appropriate ThinNet lines:
Table 6: Cabling Information
ROOM | TIME | CONNECTED |
Technology Lab | ||
New Computer Lab | ||
Counselors | ||
Library |
A diagram mapping the complete networking of WLVHS is shown on
the following page:
Figure 2: Proposed Network
Recommendation - The work described here should be completed
as soon as possible.
However, just finishing the wiring will not complete the network
setup at WLVHS. Almost every office and classroom located on the
WLVHS campus do not have computers. If they do have computers,
they are either too old to be connected to the network or do not
have the proper equipment needed for accessing the network.
Objective 2: Student Computer Labs On-line
At the present time, there is only one (1) computer lab with a
network connection (technology lab) at WLVHS. This is not adequate
for the current level of use by students for classroom assignments.
There are two (2) additional computer labs that should be placed
on the network. Only one of theses labs has computers with the
necessary specifications needed for accessing the network. However,
the lab only has twelve (12) Network Interface Cards (NIC), which
are necessary for accessing the network and it should be determined
by the Network Administrator which computers should receive the
NICs. Some computers in each laboratory should be connected in
order to support needs of the students at WLVHS.
Recommendation - All or a portion of the computers in the
technology lab and in the new computer lab should be connected
to the network as soon as possible. The Network Manager will need
to purchase 43 NICs for each computer that is to be connected
to the network at the approximate cost of $100 each. The computers
that are too old to be effectively networked (seventeen 286s ,fourteen
386s) will need to be replaced or upgraded.
Objective 3: Classrooms On-line
In orders to achieve the most effective use of new classroom technology,
classrooms, lecture halls, and laboratories need to be connected
to the network. The computers can be used for classroom presentations
that is using material from the Internet.
Recommendation - All laboratories and classrooms
used for presentations should be connected to the network as soon
as possible. This is discussed more thoroughly in the Future
Issues section.
Additional Issues
This section identifies specific areas in which problems, new
technology, or other concerns need to be addressed immediately.
Longer range issues are addressed in the next section, Future
Issues. Recommendations made in this section concern the following
additional issues:
Additional Issues |
Improper Use
The downloading of pornographic material, information, or software
may be considered improper use by some individuals while others
see it as a means of entertainment. Policies should protect the
rights of all legitimate users while not limiting the rights of
others.
Recommendation - Each individual accessing the Internet
needs to be aware of what is considered improper use of computers.
A policy regarding improper use of computers on campus should
be given to all faculty, staff, and students along with their
consequences.
Maintenance
Network Administrator(s) are required to maintain the network. They oversee all systems and functions of their local area network. The Network Administrator is in charge of creating new users, mapping drive letters, tracking disk space, fixing a failed server, and changing the Server Configuration.
Recommendation - Select Network Administrator(s). Make sure that more than just one individual is aware of what the Network Administrators responsibilities and duties are. If something happens to one person, there is second who knows the passwords and what to do. Also, if important information is stored on the system, it may be beneficial to invest in a tape-drive for backing up this information.
Future Issues
When planning for the future, major issues need be addressed.
This section deals with issues that are major concerns and offers
suggestions to help deal with those concerns.
CONCERNS |
Training
Many individuals know what the Internet is and what it is capable of doing. However, many do not know how to use it. Supplying West Las Vegas High School with the ability to access the Internet is not enough, many users tend to be inexperienced or lack the knowledge needed to properly and efficiently use the Internet.
Recommendations - 1) A budget for training needs to be obtained. Instructors can attend the five week Internet course offered at New Mexico Highlands University. By attending this course, instructors will learn how to properly and efficiently use the Internet and can then go back to WLVHS and teach others what they have learned in class and on their own or,
2) Highlands personnel involved with the NASA Outreach Network
project will conduct a series of four training sessions for teachers
and their selected students. This will provide extensive training
both on the basics of Internet how to use email,
telnet, ftp, gopher, mosaic and the other tools available on Internet
and on how to use the capabilities of Internet to promote
learning.
Estimated Cost - The cost of this five week course is approximately
$63.00 per person.
Security
With the increasing knowledge of technology many individuals find
ways of breaking into other computers to access prohibited information.
West Las Vegas High School instructors will need to protect information
kept in their computer (exams, grades, homework, etc..) from students
or other instructors capable of accessing that information.
Recommendation - West Las Vegas High School faculty/staff
should have passwords to access their computers. When a computer
is turned on it will first prompt the user for a password to get
into the computer. If the password is correct, access is granted,
however if it is incorrect, access in denied. That password should
be know only known to the individual owning that particular system.
Budget
West Las Vegas High School administrators do not visualize adding
more computers to their inventory in the near future due to budget
constraints. Computers are not a primary concern although they
should be. WLVHS needs to be brought up to date with the knowledge
and technology of computers can offer.
Recommendation - In order to achieve the objectives identified
in this document it is necessary to increase the expenditure required
to purchase computers for the West Las Vegas High School.
Funding
Computers are no longer used primarily for businesses, they have
become tools used for modern education. Education can be expanded
by use of computers in classrooms, this becoming important to
academics.
Recommendation - Apply for all grants possible and use
money to purchase more computers for staff and students.
Expansion
West Las Vegas High School has visions of building a new school.
With this new school administrators would like all rooms to have
the ability to access the Internet.
Recommendation - All rooms and offices should be
wired during the construction of the new building, it will be
cheaper and easier to wire before construction is complete.
5 Year Plan
A five year plan has been developed to provide every classroom
and office in the main building with the ability to access the
Internet. Since the proposed cabling system wires all rooms that
contain equipment capable of accessing the Internet, the five
year plan concentrates on the remaining rooms. This plan can be
completed by following Phase 2 and 3 described on pages 17-18
of the West Las Vegas Schools Technology Plan. In order
to wire all offices and classrooms that were not considered when
the proposed cabling system was developed, the following hardware
will need to be purchased:
Table 7: Additional Hardware Needed
QUANTITY | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
$ 565.00 | ||
$ 3,876.00 | ||
$ 242.50 | ||
$ 48,400.00 |
TOTAL COST | $ 53,083.50 |
The hub will be mounted in the communications room and will provide
service to the five 90C DECRepeaters. The four additional repeaters
provide twenty-four ports and the ability to wire twenty-four
rooms. All classrooms and offices can be wired using twenty-two
ports, leaving two ports open. A future plan to cable every classroom
and office is summarized in Table 7.
Table 8: 5 Year Plan for Proposed Network Cabling System
at WLVHS
PORT | CLASSROOM/OFFICE # |
1 | 27 |
2 | 26 |
3 | 25 |
4 | 24 |
5 | 20 |
6 | 23 |
7 | 21 |
8 | 17 |
9 | 16 |
10 | 10 |
11 | 7 |
12 | 8 |
13 | 12 |
14 | 13 |
15 | 11 |
16 | 14 |
17 | 15 |
18 | 6 |
19 | 5 |
20 | 3 |
21 | Office |
22 | Records |
23 | -- |
24 |
The intended layout for the 5 Year Plan is depicted in the diagram
below:
Figure 3: 5 Year Plan for Proposed Network Cabling System at WLVHS
Conclusion
In conclusion, West Las Vegas High School needs to increase funding
for computers and computer training. Funding is a key problem
and can be accomplished by :
1. Applying for grants.
2. Seek outside funding for purchase of computers.
3. Use computer technology to improve academics.
4. Work with Highlands and NASA to implement the Outreach Network.
Computers, information, and networking involve large amounts of
money, money that is currently not available in the budget at
West Las Vegas High School. With out funding, teachers and students
are being denied access to the Internet and its advantages:
1. Teaching problemsolving skills
2. Supporting group and individual research/exploration efforts
by students.
3. Creating larger communities of scholars by allowing students to reach out
across the net to other students with similar interests.
4. Allowing teachers to get easy access to educational materials for the
classroom.
5. Providing access to information about colleges and universities.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
An Integrated Approach to Engineering Education in a Minority
Community. Las Vegas: School of Mathematical Sciences and
Engineering, 1996.
CNSgroup. A Plan for the Development of Computer, Information,
Network, and Telecommunications Services. Las Vegas: CNSgroup,
1996.
Nance, Barry. Introduction to Networking. Indianapolis:
Que Corporation, 1994.
West Las Vegas Schools Technology Plan, 1995-1996 to 1999-2000. Las Vegas, 1996.