How to set up a network for a school?

[plucky duck]

Hi guys looking for a helping hand from all you network gurus out there http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm doing a little project here and would like a few hinters please http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

What's a typical way to go about setting up a network for a school? Budget is not really a concern but want to stay modestly cheap.

Which kind of topology would suit this setup best?

The building has 2 floors. 2 computer labs on the first floor and 6 computer labs upstairs. Along with a few computers in the main offices downstairs. Both the telecommunications closet and equipment room will be housed in one central isolated room by itself.

There will also be a printer in every lab, including 1 in the main office.

Internet connectivity is a must for every lab, so TCP/IP is going to be used, as well as IPX/SPX and Netbios. All computers will access the internet through the school server and a firewall will be used.

All workstations and servers will be using Windows 2000.

In general, as far as workstations go, nothing fancy. Just needs to be inexpensive such as Celeron CPU, 64mb ram, bx mobo, 15" monny, and cdrom. Anything I should add?

For servers, something more speedy as follows:
Dual P3 cpu/mobo
512mb ram
2 80gig HD in Raid 0
1 18gig Seagate X15 U160 SCSI HD
nics
19" monitor
UPS power backup
Anything I should add? Is 2 servers sufficient for such an environment or should there be more?

Wiring used is typical Cat5 UTP.

As far as NICS, Switches, and routers go, what brand and models would you recommend?
Also, what kind of firewall offers the kind of protection that a school requires? Software firewall or hardware firewall? Any specific models you'd recommend?

Each instructor in each classroom has its own laptop computer and will be wired to the net as well. How do I go about setting that up? Which device should I use?

Each lab has approx. 25 people and will all have equal access to bandwidth.

After its all setup up and running, what kind of maintenance issues would I have to be aware of?


Whew, lots of questions eh.
So, anybody up for it? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks in advance,
Plucky

[JimG]

For the NICs, switches, and routers, I'd got with 3Com. Never had a problem with their stuff. Stay away from Allied Telesyn (used their switches at work for a project, had several that just didn't work). Netgear is another good choice.

Question: I'm assuming the servers are going to be set up, and then left alone, with no one accessing them unless for maintenance, correct?? If so, why are you using 19" monitors?

As for firewalls, I've never really done anything with them. Hopefully someone else can offer some insight.

For the laptops: If I was doing this, I'd just use a 3com PCMCIA card for the network connection. That's easiest. Use DHCP servers, and that will take care of IP address.

That's one heck of a project. Good luck!

[plucky duck]

hehe...this is for a class project. Each fellow has to draw up the plans of a school network. So this is all gonna be on paper only and nothing's really gonna fly http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif I'd thought the *NO BUDGET* thingy was a give away there, hehe http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

Yes, DHCP & SMTP are going to be used.

19"? Easy on the eyes mama http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
Besides, those servers aren't just gonna be for work, maybe a game or two @ night when no one's really using the network eh http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif LOL

Mind you, the server @ our school has a DVD player http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif Dunno what's that got to do with the network config though....

What does a typical server router and switch costs? In the thousands prolly. Routers a bit cheaper.

Plucky

[plucky duck]

Oh yeah, almost forgot about one of the most important thing....off site backup http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I guess tape backup would be the most suitable for this task. How many gigabytes can a typical Tape Backup hold? Any model specifics?

Sorry guys, I'm not really network literate, so please bear with me here. Appreciate it.

Plucky

[flash4master]

since its only on paper with no budget, how about cisco stuff http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[hallam2003]

NO BUDGET? really...hmmm...
I think I'll have to agree with the cisco stuff... might even try to contact a cisco associate and tell then your deal...don't tell them it's a school project untill later, unless they ask of coarse...

Hallam