Hardware+Recommendations

__//**Hardware Overview**//__

Washington Elementary's infrastructure and equipment were designed and chosen with an eye on the future. 21st century students are quite different from students we have taught in the late 1990's or 2000's. These students have grown up with technology which makes information readily available to them at any time. With the appropriate tools available, teachers will be able to harness the experiences students have gained outside of class and use that in the classroom. We believe the equipment chosen for this school make the school technologically viable for the foreseeable future. Network Hardware

__//**MDF**//__

The cornerstone of Washington Elementary's network is the Main Distribution Frame (MDF), located in the administration block on the first floor. The equipment in the MDF will be responsible for linking Washington's computers, IP telephones, network copier/printers and cafeteria debit-card system with the District's network and the internet. The MDF will consist of the following equipment:


 * Cisco Catalyst 2951 - CISCO2951V/K9 - Router
 * Cisco Catalyst 4900M WS-C4900M - Switch x2
 * Cisco 20 port Expansion Module for 4900M x2
 * Cisco Catalyst 4948 48 Port GigE switch
 * Patch Panel - 48 port x2
 * APC SMARTUPS RT 1500VA RACK-TWR 120V
 * APC Network Monitoring Interface - AP9630
 * APC NetShelter WX 13U Rack

The Cisco Catalyst 2951 is a Gigabit Ethernet capable router which will be used as the conduit for connecting Washington with the outside world. The 2951 will be connected through a fiber interface cable with the Cisco Catalyst 4900M Switch. The 4900M is one of Cisco's newest switches and gives us the ability to save funds in several ways. Its modular design allows the switch to be configured with two 40 port Ethernet modules to provide connectivity with the administrative offices and surrounding classrooms without the need to purchase another switch. Also, it has four built in fiber optic modules which can provide connectivity to four Intermediary Distribution Frames (IDFs) located throughout the building. Thanks to this switch's capabilities, we are saving over $15,000 by integrating the functions of several pieces of equipment into one. The 4900M will be used in concert with the Cisco Catalyst 4948 Gigabit Ethernet capable switch to provide connectivity to Washington's two computer labs, cafeteria and central wireless access point. APC's SMARTUps RT 1500VA rack mountable Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) will be used for power backup and protection for the equipment. The UPS will be remotely monitored by Information Technology Services to ensure uninterrupted operation for the school's network. All equipment will be mounted in an APC NetShelter WX lockable rack for physical protection and security.

__//**IDF**//__

Washington Elementary will have a total of four Intermediary Distribution Frames (IDFs) with two on each floor located in the center of each wing. The primary responsibility for each IDF will be to provide connectivity to the classroom computers, network printers, IP phones and wireless devices. Each IDF will contain the following hardware:


 * Cisco Catalyst 4948 48 Port - GigE switch x2
 * Patch Panel - 48 Port
 * APC NetShelter WX 13U Rack
 * APC SMARTUPS RT 1500VA RACK-TWR 120V
 * APC Network Monitoring Interface - AP9630

The Cisco Catalyst 4948 Gigabit Ethernet switches are the heart of each IDF. Each classroom computer, IP phone and wireless access point in a specific wing and floor will be physically connected to the switches. The switches will be connected via fiber optic cable to ensure the largest amount of bandwidth is available to the devices on the network. The switches are connected to the MDF via a fiber optic cable run which will not be longer than 300 feet. The equipment is powered and protected by APC's SMARTUps RT 1500VA Rack mounted UPS. The UPS will be equipped with a network monitoring card which will be monitored by information technology services to ensure uninterrupted operation of each network segment. All equipment will be mounted in an APC NetShelter WX lockable rack for physical protection and security.

__//**Wireless Access Points**//__

Cisco Aironet 1260 Access Points (AP) will form Washington Elementary's wireless backbone. A total of ten APs will be deployed throughout the school. These APs were chosen for several reasons. First, they are capable of providing optimum client connections regardless of the client's wireless network card. Second, they are equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports which support Power over Ethernet (PoE). Gigabit Ethernet enables the AP to provide as much bandwidth as possible to any wireless devices attached to it. Also, PoE removes the need to wire a 110V outlet near the AP to provide power. Third, integration of multiple in/multiple out (MIMO) technologies allow the AP to provide reliable coverage regardless of changes in the environment. Finally, they can be integrated into the District's Wireless Control System which allows Information Technology Services to remotely maintain the wireless network.

A total of eight access points will be placed in the classroom wings. The final two access points will be placed in the center of the building with one in the cafeteria area near the media center and the other in the administrative area.

__//**Classroom Technology**//__

Each classroom will be equipped with a minimum of seven Dell workstations and one IP phone. Computer desks and chairs will be located near the Ethernet wall places in the rear of the classroom. This arrangement allows teachers to minimize classroom management issues by having student monitors be visible to the teacher at all times. It also allows for a degree of privacy for the teacher if they choose to place their desk near the computers. Cisco Model 7942 IP telephones have been chosen for its compatibility with our current IP phone infrastructure and its bridged Ethernet connection. This allows a single port to power both the phone and connect the teacher's desktop to the network resulting in time and cost savings. Dell's Optiplex 380 desktops will be purchased through Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12's equipment consortium at a cost of $673.33 per computer. The computers will have the following specifications:


 * Intel Core i5 Processor at 2.3 Ghz
 * 2 GB Ram
 * Integrated Video
 * Integrated Audio
 * 250 GB Hard Drive
 * Gigabit Ethernet Network Interface Card
 * DVD Burner
 * Keyboard/Mouse

Smarttech's SMARTBoard X880 Digital Whiteboards with UF75 LCD Projectors have been selected for installation in each classroom. Studies have shown that teachers who, after proper training, integrate smart boards into their classrooms have been able to boost retention, engage the students and lower classroom management issues. Once deployed, these can be powerful tools to use in concert with other professional development to boost student performance.

Washington Elementary will also have two computer labs available for use throughout the day. These rooms will be initially outfitted with 25 Dell Optiplex 380 desktops with the capability of adding a minimum of five computers as the school expands.

A laptop cart with thirty laptops and wireless capability will also be available for use throughout the school day. Dell Latitude 4520 laptops were chosen for this cart and will be purchased through Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12's equipment consortium at a cost of $993.05 per computer. The laptops will have the following specifications:


 * Intel Core i5 Processor at 2.3 Ghz
 * 14.1" LCD/LED Screen
 * 2 GB Ram
 * Integrated Video
 * Integrated Audio
 * Wireless 802.11N Network Interface Card
 * 250 GB Hard Drive
 * DVD Burner

A mobile SMARTBoard X880 and projector can accompany the laptop cart if so desired. These laptops will have identical software to their desktop counterparts to remove any possibility of classroom time loss due to changes in hardware.

Computers currently allocated to Washington Elementary which are less than three years of age will be reallocated to supplement other schools in the district. Computers over three years of age will be recycled in accordance with district data security policies. All computers purchased for Washington Elementary will be replaced on a five year schedule. This allows the district to replace all computers in Washington at a single time and provide a cost savings by purchasing computers in bulk.