Consider Network Capacity
Network capacity is the maximum capacity of a link or network path to convey data from one location in the network to another. Basically, it is how many computers you can put on a network without slowing it down.
People compare network capacity with water flowing through tubes. If there is a small tube and a small amount of water, all is well. When you have a great amount of water trying to flow through a small tube is when problems can occur. The same is true with a network. When a great deal of computers try to access a small wireless network, page view speeds are slowed down, download errors occur, and connectivity issues can happen. Plan for issues such as these when determining your desired capacity. Currently, Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colorado has almost 35, 000 devices active in their district of 48 schools. They currently are looking to expand their network capacity as they are at their maximum. Districts must plan for growth when deciding on capacity. Make certain the network capacity will be enough for years to come.
People compare network capacity with water flowing through tubes. If there is a small tube and a small amount of water, all is well. When you have a great amount of water trying to flow through a small tube is when problems can occur. The same is true with a network. When a great deal of computers try to access a small wireless network, page view speeds are slowed down, download errors occur, and connectivity issues can happen. Plan for issues such as these when determining your desired capacity. Currently, Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colorado has almost 35, 000 devices active in their district of 48 schools. They currently are looking to expand their network capacity as they are at their maximum. Districts must plan for growth when deciding on capacity. Make certain the network capacity will be enough for years to come.
Hardware Required for a Network
Switch
A switch handles multiple connections. Each computer sends traffic to the switch. The switch takes the traffic to the router and the router sends the traffic out to the internet.
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A switch handles multiple connections. Each computer sends traffic to the switch. The switch takes the traffic to the router and the router sends the traffic out to the internet.
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Wireless Access Point
In computer networking, a wireless access point (AP) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, or related standards. The AP usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself.
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Wireless access points are placed strategically inside of buildings so that they provide the best coverage for the wireless devices throughout the building.
In computer networking, a wireless access point (AP) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, or related standards. The AP usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself.
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Wireless access points are placed strategically inside of buildings so that they provide the best coverage for the wireless devices throughout the building.
Router
A router is a device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network. Routers are located at gateways, the places where two or more networks connect.
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A router is a device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network. Routers are located at gateways, the places where two or more networks connect.
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Workstations
Computers or other devices that are connected to the network are workstations. The devices may be wired or wireless. Devices must have a network interface card installed to be able to communicate with the network.
Computers or other devices that are connected to the network are workstations. The devices may be wired or wireless. Devices must have a network interface card installed to be able to communicate with the network.
Server
A server is where information can be stored. It is not a requirement for a wireless network, but staff and students may save files to the server for later retrieval or potential collaboration.
A server is where information can be stored. It is not a requirement for a wireless network, but staff and students may save files to the server for later retrieval or potential collaboration.
Image credits
computers: http://cksolutions.ie/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ComputerNetwork.jpg
switch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_switch
wireless access point: http://www.guardsite.com/images/AccessPoints/AP.jpg
router: http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news2/Cisco-s-New-Linksys-E4200-Dual-Band-Router-Is-Sleek-Cool-Looking-2.jpg
workstation: http://www.buffalocomputerconsulting.com/images/computer.jpg
server: http://www.itdonut.co.uk/sites/default/files/network_servers_249.png