K-12 Local Area Network (LAN) design guide

Abstract

This thesis is presented as a Local Area Network (LAN) design and planning guide for kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) educators preparing to design and implement LANs in K-12 schools and libraries. Data was collected during the implementation of LANs in K-12 schools of the Monterey Peninsula Uniform School District (MPUSD). Though the author recognizes that each school will have unique issues it is also reasonable to assume that other K-12 schools will have needs and face challenges similar to those of the MPUSD. This document provides a person who is not a network professional with a LAN design guide based on network design practices, and lessons learned from the MPUSD LAN implementation. The information in this document is also relevant to Navy commands preparing to implement LANs in small and medium sized offices and training schools. Navy commands and schools will face many of the same challenges that the MPUSD schools faced when planning and implementing LANs. The author focuses on areas that were most effective or most challenging during the MPUSD LAN implementation. Highlights of successful initiatives employed by educators during the MPUSD network installation process should prove valuable to other educators preparing to implement LANs in K-12 schools.