A Proposed Networking Solution

for the Computer Laboratory at

Aritao National High School

Submitted by
Eric Bosque
Saniata Carnate
Viennie Sol Pariñas
Ednalyn Talania

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Computer Networking and Security

Submitted to
Engr. Carina S. Mallillin

March 2008
 INTRODUCTION

Background about Computer Networking

A network, in simplest terms, is the connection of two or more computers to allow

sharing of files and resources. A computer network is vital to any business that wishes to
stay competitive and cost effective in today’s high-tech world. Having a network is not as
costly or troublesome as some may think, and actually saves money in an office
environment by sharing printers, programs, databases, documents and schedules to name a
few.

Networks are already all around us and provide many benefits. Technologically, you
might have a network in your home which enables you to share the resources of multiple
computing devices with others. The significance of information is growing rapidly in the
operations and communications of companies, public authorities and private individuals.
The ongoing development of data communications technologies that facilitate a more
diversified and efficient utilization of the internet and other data networks is increasing
interest towards the use of internet. Information and communications are two of the most
important strategic issues for the success of every enterprise. Today nearly every
organization uses a substantial number of computers and communication tools they are
often still isolated. There are some cases that they still do not communicate and much
needed information cannot be readily accessed. To overcome these obstacles in an
effective usage of information technology, computer networks are necessary.

Computer networks can manage to put down the barriers between information held
on several systems only with the help of networks on a borderless communication and
information environment be built. Computer networks allow the user to access remote
programs and remote databases either of the same organization or from other enterprises
or public sources. Besides this major reason, there are other reasons as well why a
computer networks is important: cost reduction, high reliability and greater flexibility.

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 Networks are vital to the business use of computers. If a single computer can make
anyone productive with the standard software such as word processing, spreadsheets and
others then interconnecting multiple computers to a network by bringing individuals and
data together can increase productivity and improves communication. Networking involves
connecting computers for the purpose of sharing information and resources such as data
sharing, device sharing and even application sharing. These benefits that networking
provides will surely save money for it lowers administration costs and increases efficiency,
saving time in controlling software. Networking also makes installation of software
applications a lot more efficient since it lessens the time in going from one unit to another
just to install the same application.

Statement of the Problem

In order to have a clearer view of the objectives, the researchers want to give
solutions to the following problems commonly encountered in the laboratory room.

1. The checking of laboratory works takes time because the teacher needs to check the
diskettes one at a time and diskettes are also known to be an unreliable storage
device for important files because of their proneness to damage.
2. The applications are limited to what is only being installed in the computer – file
sharing is not possible.
3. Students will have to buy diskettes every time they finish their work.
4. The computer teachers find it hard to teach other applications because the
computers do not have the capacity to handle larger applications and at the same
time, software installation is done manually from one computer to another.

Objectives of the Research

This research will benefit the school if they will pursue their plan to connect their
units in a network.

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 This research will serve as a basis regarding the cost and the design of their network
set up.

It will particularly benefit the teachers especially the one who handles Computer
subjects in checking the works of his/her students and to manage the whole laboratory
more efficiently. Setting up a network in their computer laboratory will also encourage the
school administration to give much attention in expanding their laboratory units in order to
cater to students who also want to have knowledge in using a computer.

This research will let the students know the advantage of networking and for them
to have more interest in using a computer.

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 A LOOK AT THE EXISTING COMPUTER LABORATORY

Existing Layout of the Computer Laboratory

Before delving into the to the group’s proposed networking solution for the
computer laboratory of Aritao National High School, let us first examine the current or
existing setup of the school’s computer laboratory. If you get inside the computer
laboratory of Aritao National High School, you will immediately notice that it conforms to
the typical Dep-Ed specification of public school buildings.

Figure 1: Existing layout of Aritao National High School's Computer Laboratory

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 Figure 1 basically depicts the current layout of the computer laboratory. There is
actually no existing network setup in the office. It means that no sharing of resources is
being implemented among the computers. Transfer of data is done by copying files to USB
flashdrive and then moving those flashdrives to the applicable computer unit. If, for
example, a student would like to print his output to the printer and his computer isn’t
physically connected to that peripheral, he will have to copy his document to a diskette and
then insert that disk to the particular computer with the physical connection to the printer.
Imagine if all of the students need to print his or her file. This process can really become
very tedious.

Figure 2: Actual picture of the computer laboratory

There are currently nine (9) computer units available for the teachers. The ratio of
computer to students is currently 1:1. The computers are used for office applications such
as word-processing applications and other educational programs.

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 Figure 3: Another actual picture of the inside of the computer laboratory

Each of the existing computers has one and only one of the following specifications:

# of PC with this Processor Memory Operating System LAN/Ethernet

Specification (RAM) Card
AMD Sempron™ 96 MB Windows XP present
1494 MHz Professional
AMD Sempron™ 224 MB Windows XP present
Professional
AMD Sempron™ 224 MB Windows XP present
Processor 3000t, Professional (5.1,
MMX, 3D Now Build 2600)
Intel Pentium III, 62 MB Microsoft Windows Present
450 MHz 2000 (5.0 Build 2195)
AMD Duron ™ 128 MB Microsoft Windows Present
Processor MMX 3D 98 (4.10, Build 2222)
Now, 1200 MHz
Intel Pentium, 32 MB Microsoft Window 98 Present
MMX
Intel Pentium III 56 MB Microsoft Windows Present
98
Intel Pentium III 62 MB Microsoft Windows Present
98
Table 1: Specifications of the existing computers

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 HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
PROPOSED NETWORK

The Transmission Medium for the Proposed Network

It is fortunate that all of the computers in the laboratory have its own Ethernet or
LAN card which means that no additional cost for buying new network interface cards will
be needed for these existing computers. These Ethernet cards will be connected to the
network switch using UTP cables (also often called Ethernet cables) crimped with RJ45 on
both ends of the cables. The network switch and router will also be connected together
using the same cable specification crimped with RJ45.

Figure 4: UTP Cable

The UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pairs) Cable shown in Figure 5 is the most common
cable used in computer networking and is also found on telephone systems. It has a high
degree of flexibility as well as rugged durability. The group chose to utilize this type of cable
over other alternatives due to its ease of installation and affordability. It is also more than
reliable enough for the type and size of the computer laboratory of the school.

Figure 5: RJ45 connector/jack

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 The RJ45 is more appropriately called the 8 Position 8 Contact (8P8C) modular plug
and jack shown in Figure 6. It is a communications connector also commonly used in
Ethernet. It is what will enable the UTP cable to physically attach to the networks devices.
This is needed to connect the different network devices together such as the NICs to switch
and the switch to router.

The wiring and pin assignment should conform to the TIA-T568B order of
connections on the table below. This order of connection should make the cable a “straight
cable” that is needed when connecting NICs to the hub/switch.

Pin T568A T568B Wire T568A Color T568B Color Pins on plug face (jack is
Pair Pair reversed)
1 3 2 Tip
white/green white/orange
stripe stripe
2 3 2 Ring
green solid orange solid
3 2 3 Tip
white/orange white/green
stripe stripe
4 1 1 Ring
blue solid blue solid
5 1 1 Tip
white/blue white/blue
stripe stripe
6 2 3 Ring
orange solid green solid
7 4 4 Tip
white/brown white/brown
stripe stripe
8 4 4 Ring
brown solid brown solid
Table 2: T568A and T568B Wiring

To conform to TIA-T568B, the pin1 of the RJ45 should correspond to white/orange,

pin2 should correspond to orange, pin3 to white/green, pin4 to blue, pin5 corresponds to
white/blue, pin6 to green, pin7 to white/brown, and pin8 to brown.

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Other Needed Equipments for the Proposed Network

Network Interface Cards (NIC)

Each of the computers in the laboratory is required to have its own NIC (also called
LAN card). A network interface card (NIC) is a computer circuit board or card that is
installed in a computer so that it can be connected to a network. Personal
computers and workstations on a local area network (LAN) typically contain a
network interface card specifically designed for the LAN transmission technology,
such as Ethernet (that’s why it’s also called Ethernet card) or Token Ring. Network
interface cards provide a dedicated, full-time connection to a network.

Figure 6: The Network Interface Card or NIC (also called LAN Card)

Network Switch

The network switch (or simply switch) will serve as the network’s central hub. It is a
computer networking device that connects network segments. For Aritao National
High School’s Computer Laboratory, the group considered a 24-port switch which
would be enough to cater to the current number of computers and even to
additional computers in the future.

Figure 7: Network switch

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 A detailed specification of the switch that will be used can be found on Appendix of
this paper.

Network Router

The switch would have been enough if we are only concerned with creating a local
area network but since we are also considering the need to access a WAN or a wide
area network (the Internet is the most well-known WAN), the router comes into
place. The router for the proposed network is intended for internet connectivity.

Figure 8: The router for the network

For a more detailed specification of the router, check the Appendix of this paper.

Crimping tool

It is a tool designed to crimp or connect a connector to the end of a network cable or

phone cable. For our particular use, network cables will be created using a crimping
tool to connect the RJ-45 connectors to the end of the UTP cable. Figure 10 shows
an example of a crimping tool for RJ45 connectors.

Figure 9: A Crimp Tool for RJ45 Connectors

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Software Needed for the Computers on the Network

Computer software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer

programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system.
The computers in the laboratory will basically have the following software installed on each.

Operating System

An operating system (OS) is the software that manages the resources of a computer.
It is the software that controls the operation of a computer and directs the
processing of programs. It is the environment on which all other applications (be it a
word processor or a web browser or other applications) run on top of.

The two most popular categories that an operating system may fall into are Client
OS and the Server OS. The most popular client OSes (also called desktop operating
systems) for the PC (personal computer) are: the Windows XP and Linux (particularly
Ubuntu Desktop Edition). The most popular server OSes are Windows Server 2003,
Windows 2000 Server and Linux-based server operating systems like Red Hat, SUSE
Linux, and even Ubuntu Server Edition.

Further discussions about operating systems and the ones suitable for the
computers for the proposed network can be read on the succeeding chapter.

Office/Productivity Applications

Like the Windows operating systems that are already present in the existing
computers, Microsoft Office Applications are also already installed.

The Microsoft Office suite contains Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others. An
alternative to Microsoft Office is the productivity suite called OpenOffice.org which
basically offers the same functions and applications as the former but can be used
freely without any licensing costs unlike that of Microsoft’s product that tend to be
expensive. These suites contain programs used for word processing, spreadsheets,
presentations, graphics, databases and more.
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Web Browser

A web browser is a software application which enables a user to display and interact
with text, images, videos, music and other information typically located on a Web
page at a website on the World Wide Web or a local area network. Text and images
on a Web page can contain hyperlinks to other Web pages at the same or different
website. Web browsers allow a user to quickly and easily access information
provided on many Web pages at many websites by traversing these links.

Popular web browsers include: Internet Explorer which also comes built-in the
windows operating system, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. All this browsers cost nothing
to use.

The proposed network would be having an internet connection that is why these
web browsers would become part of the usual programs that the students would be
using in the future in their classes assuming that the school would pursue this
proposal.

Internet Service Provider

An Internet service provider (abbr. ISP, also called Internet access provider or IAP) is
a business or organization that provides consumers or businesses access to the Internet and
related services.

In the province, there are currently two popular internet service providers: Smart
and Digitel. For the proposed network, the group suggests the Smart Bro because the
company’s service is more affordable and yet remains as reliable and as fast as the service
provided by Digitel. Further description of SMART’s internet service can be read on this
paper’s appendix.

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 THE PROPOSED NETWORK SETUP

The Topology for the Proposed Network

Topology refers to the way in which the network of computers is connected. There
are various types of network topology each with its advantages and disadvantages. For this
particular computer laboratory, the group believes that the best topology for it is the STAR.
It has the best balance when it comes to cable requirement, reliability, ease of installation,
ease of troubleshooting of problems, and network expandability.

Figure 10: The proposed STAR network topology for the computer laboratory

As Figure 10 suggests, all the computers in the computer laboratory would be

connected to a network switch as their “central hub”. The network switch is in turn
connected to the network router. The router in turn would be used to connect to an

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internet service provider’s line. This setup will enable the computers to share resources like
files and printer. The computers could also share the same internet connection which
means each could have an access to the World Wide Web provided that the network and
internet settings had been properly set-up.

In a star network topology, the network can still function even if one or more
computers fail, break-down, or are simply turned-off. This is really advantageous since all
the computers need not be running all the time just to access a part of the network. Only
the computers that need to access and/or be accessed has to be running for proper sharing
of files and resources to take place.

The Proposed Network Architecture/Model

The network architecture that the proposed network can be modeled into is either
Centralized (Client-Server) or Workgroup (Peer-to-Peer).

Centralized or client-server architecture is ideal for networks with more than 10

computers. It is composed of two types of nodes: the client and the server. The server is
that one computer that manages or controls access and resources to guarantee that only
those clients with the appropriate permissions may access and change data. The client
computers are the ones used by the students where they run applications or where do their
lessons or activities in class. This model is also easier to secure and manage.

Figure 11: An example of a client-server network

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 Peer-to-peer (abbreviated as P2P) or workgroup is a type of network in which each
computer has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. This differs from client/server
architectures, in which some computers are dedicated to serving the others. Peer-to-peer
networks are generally simpler when it has 10 or less computers but the network becomes
harder to manage as it grows more than that number.

Figure 12: Simple diagram of a P2P network

Since there are already 17 computers in the computer laboratory, the group’s
proposal is to utilize the client-server model. This model offers better security and
manageability. The client-server model becomes even more suitable for Aritao High
School’s computer laboratory as it grows from 17 computers now to more than 22
computer units five years from now. The school plans to procure at most one computer a
year using the computer laboratory fees of their students. Indeed, this number of computer
dictates the use of the client-server model.

Further Discussion on the Operating System to be Used

Due to the reasons above, the need for a server operating system arises. None of
the existing computers so far has a server operating system installed. This leads to the
group’s recommendation for the school to acquire at least one server OS for the computer
unit that would act as the network’s server. As already discussed in the previous section,
there are various server OSes to choose from. The group recommends a Linux-based server
operating system among the rest. A cost-benefit analysis regarding this can be read on the
succeeding discussions.
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Applying the Network Topology and Architecture

If the proposed network topology and model is applied on the existing physical
layout of the room, the computer laboratory would closely look like the one in figure 13.

Figure 13: The proposed network topology if implemented in the computer laboratory’s existing layout.

With this setup, the following materials with corresponding costs are estimated to be
needed:

UTP Cable length (factor of safety considered) = 92 meters @ 10 pesos/meter

RJ45 Jack (factor of safety considered) = 45 pieces @ 4 pesos/piece
RJ45 Crimping Tool = 1 piece @ 360/piece

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 Linksys SR224 24-port Switch = 1 unit @ 4520 pesos/unit
Linksys BEFSR41 4port DSL Router = 1 unit @ 1820 pesos/unit

Assuming that the school would like to have its own internet connection, the
following additional cost is required (considering a 5 year subscription):

SMART Bro Plan 999 = 60 months @ 999 pesos/month

The existing computers already have operating systems featuring the Windows
Client Operating Systems with different versions and a summary could be seen on table 2 of
the succeeding chapter. The currently installed OS on each computer would suffice for the
client node of the client-server network model. For the server node, the group proposes the
use of Linux-based Server Operating System against the popular but proprietary and more
Windows Server.

Windows Server2003 = $999 dollars/license or ~45,000 pesos/license

Ubuntu Server Edition (Linux-based OS) = free

The money in purchasing a license of the Windows Server could be appropriated for
the purchase of 2 to 3 computers instead. The need for more computers in the laboratory
(considering that the ratio of users to computers is 4:1) outweigh the need for the
proprietary server OS and add to that the existence of a free alternative really makes our
group to lean towards the latter. Although some may argue that the Linux-based Server OS
is more difficult and complicated to use than the Windows-based operating system, even
the cost in training the staffs or computer teachers for this cause is still way cheaper. Our
assumption is that a Linux Server Administration Training program would cost:

Linux professional training program for teacher = ~10,000 pesos

If the proposed network topology and network model has to be implemented on the
current and existing laboratory setup, the cost to network the room would amount to
(consider the items in boldface above):

Cost to Network plus Internet Connectivity plus Teacher’s Training = ~77,740 pesos

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Future Considerations

According to the instructor in charge of the computer laboratory, Aritao National

High School does its best in investing for new computer units that would be used by their
students. The instructor said that the school tries its best to purchase at most one (1)
computer unit every year. If the group may suggest, the following specifications (according
to the group’s research) offers the best performance/cost ratio as far as school or
educational usage is concerned:

Processor: Intel® Celeron D 347 (3.06G) SC

Motherboard: Foxconn P4M800P7MB-RS2H VIA P4M800 Chipset
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (OEM)
Productivity Suite: Open Office (Full Version with CD)
Video Card: Integrated Video
Memory: 512MB DDR2 667MHz Memory w/ Lifetime Warranty (1x512MB)
Hard Drive: 80GB 7200RPM Hard Drive SATA2 3gb/s 2X faster
Optical Drive: 52x/32x/52x CD-ReWriter Drive
Media Drive: 1.44 Floppy Disk Drive
Monitor: 15" Qube CRT Monitor Low Radiation
Power: Surge Protector
Mouse: PS2 QUBE Optical Mouse (w/o Mouse Pad)
Keyboard: Qube Multimedia Keyboard
Speakers: USB 900W MultiMedia Speaker System
Casing: Qube Ultimate Chassis - Silver w/ 600W PSU & Hi Def. Sound Support (Only at
Qube) + Blue LED Light Exhaust Fan
Power Supply: Built in
Price: P 16,000.00

In five years time and if the school could stick to its commitment in purchasing one
computer per year, there would be five (5) additional units for laboratory use. If they would
stick to the group’s recommended computer specifications, it would cost the school:

Complete Computer Set = 5 units @ 16,000 pesos/unit

Adding five additional computers to the computer room would necessitate the
revision of the existing layout of the laboratory. The group suggests the following changes
shown in figure. The figure also shows the proposed network topology (STAR).

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The total cost to network the laboratory plus internet connectivity (5 years subscription)
plus teacher’s training Linux Server Administration plus the procurement of additional
computer units (all in 5 years) all amounted to ~158,135 pesos:

UTP Cable length (factor of safety considered) = 127.5 meters @ 10 pesos/meter

RJ45 Jack (factor of safety considered) = 55 pieces @ 4 pesos/piece
RJ45 Crimping Tool = 1 piece @ 360/piece
Linksys SR224 24-port Switch = 1 unit @ 4520 pesos/unit
Linksys BEFSR41 4port DSL Router = 1 unit @ 1820 pesos/unit
SMART Bro Plan 999 = 60 months @ 999 pesos/month
Ubuntu Server Edition (Linux-based OS) = free
Linux professional training program for teacher = ~10,000 pesos
Complete Computer Set = 5 units @ 16,000 pesos/unit

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 SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED NETWORK SOLUTION

The computers in Aritao National High School are currently not networked. This
paper presented the advantages of networking the schools’ computer laboratory.

This paper proposed to network the computers in Client-Server network

architecture utilizing the STAR network topology. It also contained the details of the
hardware, software, and other necessary components to successfully implement the
group’s proposal.

The group came up with

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 APPENDIX: SPECIFICATIONS & PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

SMART Bro Plan 999

Smart Bro Wireless Broadband Internet is offered at Plan 999 with a speed of up to
384 kbps. With Smart Bro Plan 999 you get a broadband connection that’s up to 7x faster
than dial-up, as well as other Value Added Services for your Smart BRO connection,
changing the way you surf the net.

For only P999 per month, you get internet at broadband speed, and more. That
means faster downloading of music, better communication with loved ones, and a more
fulfilling internet experience.

Linksys SR224

With its advanced switching technology, the Linksys 24-Port 10/100 Switch will
boost your network performance with much more than just full duplex data transfer and
dedicated bandwidth. It features non-blocking, wire-speed switching that forwards packets
as fast as your network can deliver them. Also included are Address Learning and Aging to
prevent data transfer errors and Data Flow Control to help prevent packet collisions.

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 You have several installation options. The Switch's compact size fits onto your
desktop, or use the wall mount slots to hang it somewhere out of the way. If your network
equipment is in a rack, install it using the included rack mount brackets.

No matter how intensive your network demands, the Linksys 24-Port 10/100 Switch
has speed, flexibility, and reliability that you can count on.

Model: SR224
Standards: IEEE 802.3, 802.3u
Ports SR224: 24 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 ports
Cabling Type: Cat5 or better
LEDs SR224: System, 1 through 24
Security Feature: Security Slot
Dimensions: 11" x 1.75" x 9.45"
W x H x D: (279 x 45 x 240 mm)
Unit Weight: 0.94 lbs (0.425 kg)
Power: SR224: 3.3V/5A
Certification: FCC Class B, CE
Operating Temperature: 32 to 104ºF (0 to 40ºC)
Storage Temperature: -40 to 158ºF (-40 to 70ºC)
Operating Humidity: 20 to 95%, noncondensing
Storage Humidity: 5 to 90%, noncondensing

Linksys BEFSR41

Think of the EtherFast® Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch as a kind of "splitter"
for your Internet connection. Just connect your DSL or Cable Modem to the Router, and all
the computers in your household can share the Internet -- all at the same time. The built-in
4-port switch lets you attach four local PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and
switches as your network grows.

Once your computers are connected to the Internet through the Router, they can
communicate with each other too, sharing resources and files. All your computers can print

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on a shared printer connected anywhere in the house. And you can share all kinds of files
between computers -- music, digital pictures, and other documents. Keep all your digital
music on one computer, and listen to it anywhere in the house. Organize all of your family's
digital pictures in one place, to simplify finding the ones you want, and ease backup to CD-R.
Play head-to-head computer games within the household, or against Internet opponents.
Utilize extra free space on one computer when another's hard drive starts to fill up.

It's all easier than you think -- the included Setup Wizard takes you through
configuring the Router, step by step. The Router can act as a DHCP server for your network,
so your PCs are configured automatically. Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP) lets specialized
Internet applications configure the Router so you don't have to. Built-in NAT technology
helps keep intruders out of your computers.

With the EtherFast® Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch at the heart of your home
network, you don't need to be a networking genius to share printers, files, and your high-
speed Internet connection.

Model Number: BEFSR41

Standards: IEEE 802.3 (10BaseT), IEEE 802.3u (100BaseTX)
Ports: Four 10/100 RJ-45 Switched Ports
LED Indicators: Power, Ethernet, Internet
OS Support: Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP
Network Protocols: TCP/IP
Dimensions (W x D x H): 186 mm x 154 mm x 48 mm (7.32" x 6.06" x 1.89")
Unit Weight: 11.04 oz. (0.32 kg)
Power Input: External, 9V AC, 1000 mA
Certifications: FCC, CE
Operating Temp.: 32ºF to 104ºF (0ºC to 40ºC)
Storage Temp.: -4ºF to 158ºF (-20ºC to 70ºC)
Operating Humidity: 10% to 85%, Non-Condensing
Storage Humidity: 5% to 90%, Non-Condensing

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