New Computer Networking Lab and Classroom

Summary

The video tour showcases Central Oregon Community College's new networking lab and computer classroom. It features 40 workstations, each with two computers for diverse IT tasks. The lab includes a teacher's workstation with a Crestron control system and video projection. The networking closet houses three Net lab pods for Cisco CCNA classes, equipped with excellent cable management and state-of-the-art equipment. The lab also boasts a netlab server for various IT labs, custom-built router/firewall for remote VPN access, and virtualization servers running VMware ESXi and Venter. The project was a collaborative effort involving multiple departments and individuals, resulting in a top-notch educational facility.

Takeaways

• 🏫 The video is a tour of the new networking lab and computer classroom at Central Oregon Community College.
• 💻 The lab is designed to accommodate 40 workstations, each with two computers for diverse educational needs.
• 🔒 One computer at each station is domain-controlled by the IT department, while the other is off-domain for flexible use.
• 📹 There is video projection and a teacher workstation equipped with a Crestron control system.
• 🛠️ The teacher's computer also has dual setups, allowing for both domain and off-domain operations.
• 🔌 The networking closet houses equipment with meticulous cable management and three Net lab pods for Cisco CCNA classes.
• 👨‍💻 The lab's infrastructure was expertly set up by Bruce Thompson, with gratitude owed to him and the IT services department.
• 🖥️ The netlab server supports various labs including CCNA, VMware, A+, and Linux, enhancing the learning experience.
• 🌐 Students have the capability to VPN in from outside, thanks to the lab's custom-built router and independent internet connection.
• 💾 Two virtualization servers run VMware ESXi and Venter, with plans to upgrade RAM and processors for enhanced performance.
• 🔄 The lab is equipped with a fast Ethernet switch, with future plans to upgrade to a gigabit switch for faster connectivity.
• 🙌 Special thanks are given to various individuals and departments for their contributions to the project's successful completion.

Q & A

Where is the new networking lab and computer classroom located?

The new networking lab and computer classroom are located at Central Oregon Community College.

What is the capacity of the main room in terms of workstations?

The main room has the capacity to accommodate 40 workstations.

How many computers does each station in the lab have?

Each station has two computers.

What is the purpose of having two computers at each station?

One computer is on the active directory domain controlled by the IT department, and the other is off the domain for various tasks like computer maintenance, networking, and security.

What is special about the teacher's workstation in terms of control systems?

The teacher's workstation features a Crestron control system and a custom-designed podium.

What is the purpose of the networking closet?

The networking closet houses equipment and connections for the classroom's network infrastructure, including separate sections controlled by the classroom and the IT services department.

What is the current setup in the networking closet for the Cisco CCNA class?

The networking closet is running three Net lab pods for the Cisco CCNA class, with pod three still being set up.

Who is responsible for the wiring in the networking closet?

Bruce Thompson is responsible for all of the wiring in the networking closet.

What type of server is used in the lab for various IT labs?

A netlab server is used, which runs CCNA, VMware, A+, and Linux labs.

What kind of internet connection does the lab have for remote access?

The lab has its own internet connection to the outside, allowing students to VPN in from outside and work on labs remotely.

What are the current specifications of the virtualization servers?

The virtualization servers are running VMware ESXi and Venter with about 128 GB of RAM, 24 processors, and two 12-core processors each. There are plans to upgrade them to 256 GB of RAM.

What is the current plan for the lab's network switch?

There are plans to upgrade the switch from a fast Ethernet switch to a gigabit switch.

Who contributed to the design and setup of the networking lab?

Darren McCrae designed the project, with contributions from the IT services department, including Ryan Hild, Debrand, Laura Bomy, Dan Chini, Matt McCoy, and others.

Who was responsible for the furniture and desk arrangements in the lab?

Julie Moer was responsible for the furniture and custom-built desks to accommodate the two computers at each station.