[K12OSN] Networking a new school for K12LTSP?

[Steven Santos]

> 2) What is the difference between solid wires and regular cat 6?  Is
> there a name for this specification?

Cat6 is a specification on how much bandwidth a given cable can carry.
Solid cable is just that, solid wires twisted into pairs, with 4 pair in
each cable.  Solid cable isn't as flexble as braided cable, but it will last
longer.  Braided cable is a lot more flexable (i.e. it bends better), often
less expensive but looses more in the transmission. Braided cable take a
number of thiner strands and braids them togeather.  Any strand may be
broken in one or more places, and still work (good in theory, good in
specific uses, but due to how electricity works, not the best solution to
everything).

Having done a little looking around, I found several Cat3, 4 and 5 cables
that are not solid, but I didn't find any cat6.

> 3) Is it always the case that it's better to have a room with 4 drops
> for 4 computers, rather than 1 drop and a switch for the 4 computers
> to plug into?

Yes, and the more the better. 20 drops per classroom is a good number.

> 5) We're going to, due to the distances involved, have a primary
> server room where the network cables terminate, and a secondary room
> as well.  Is it necessary to connect them via fiber? The distance
> between them is probably 100 feet.  I'm asking because the hardware to
> convert fiber <-> copper is rather expensive.  Is it not easier to run
> several cat6 and somehow bridge them? (technical details fuzzy, but I
> think you know what I mean! :) )

Run the fiber anyways.  Even if you use copper for now, you will likely need
it in the future. Not much to install now, but can be 10x the cost to run
later.

> 6) For wiring wireless -- this may be something we do in the future?
> Can I ask them to run cables and power to specific spots in the
> ceiling and then just leave it as is?

Yes.

> 8) How much of an issue are florescent lights?  Our building is filled
> with them -- should I make a point to mention this?

Yes, make a point to mention it.  Sometimes they are a major issue,
sometimes not.  Plan where you will run to avoid them if possible.  Add some
extra sheilding - say like low-voltage conduate - don't run directly over a
light and it shouldn't be an issue.