Georgia - Networking

RE: Broadband

2010-02-27T21:14:25Z

It's hard to know how far the company plans to take this. Running a national fiber backbone is one thing; getting out in the streets, digging trenches, and wiring homes is another. As Verizon's FiOS project has shown, stringing fiber to the home can be hugely expensive.

RE: Broadband

2010-02-11T15:46:39Z

I attended the session yesterday at the Technology Essentials 2010, "Funding for Broadband: Indiana & Beyond". One of the things mentioned was the FCC's National Broadband Proposal was that 768 Kbps was the minimum threshold to qualify as broadband. I realize, that, for areas that only have dial-up or only very expensive access to higher rates, 768 Kbps would be a huge improvement. Unfortunately, for many libraries, even ALAs recommended 1.5 Mbps is way too low. I realize that there are many factors that limit the expansion of broadband in such a large country as the U.S. But many other countries offer far superior broadband speeds (see http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20090826/cwa/). I was interested to see this article, "Google Set to Showcase Fast Internet" (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/11/technology/companies/11google.html). I'm not sure how close to the 1 Gbps the end user would see, but, wow, 1 Gbps! Now that's broadband ;-)

DNS -- open / public services

2009-12-09T18:35:15Z

OpenDNS (http://www.opendns.com/) and Google Public DNS (http://code.google.com/speed/public-dns/) are two DNS (Domain Name System) resolution services that libraries or patrons can use for free (OpenDNS has paid versions, too). OpenDNS has been around for some time, while Google Public DNS was just recently announced. Information that can be found on the links to the two services offer explanations of what they do and why it may be advantageous to use over your present DNS service.

RE: Most burning networking questions - post yours here!

2009-12-02T23:22:35Z

Thanks to all who attended the webinar: Library Computer Networking Q&A!

To see all the other questions addressed as a part of the session, to view the chat log, listen to the event or view the full Wimba archive, please be sure to visit the archive page: http://www.webjunction.org/networking/articles/content/86540960.

And please post your additional questions here and our guest experts and other experts who attended will answer!

Most burning networking questions - post yours here!

2009-11-17T16:51:04Z

During the month of November we're collecting your burning questions about library networking. The subject is wide ranging, so let us know what you are most interested in by posting your most burning networking question to this discussion thread or with this hashtag on twitter: #wjcompnet

Then join us on December 2 when we'll host a panel of library technology experts in a special Q&A session to get your questions answered! The panel includes:

-Robert Williams, Technology Consultant at the South Texas Library System
-Chris Jowaisas Library Systems Grants Administrator of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
-Monica M. Schultz, IT Director at the Peninsula Library System
-And will be moderated by TechSoup’s Stephanie Gerding

Please feel free to send your colleagues to BlogJunction to post specific burning questions.

And don't forget to register for the December 2 event to hear your questions answered!

RE: Most burning networking questions - post yours here!

2009-11-17T16:49:56Z

Here are some of the write-in answers to our recent poll:

* DFS Management
* mobile computing
* available bandwidth and authenticating access
* Supporting printing and lock-down security of multiple computers on a network
* Getting IT to open ports for ILLiad
* VMWare and Thin Clients

virtualizing servers - is anyone using VMWARE?

2009-08-12T22:57:30Z

virtualizing servers - is anyone using VMWARE?

Switching network switches

2009-08-05T17:03:27Z

I am a novice tech assistant for my library and need to change my library's two network switches out for new ones. I am looking for any advice or direction to resources that may help smooth this transition. I'm switching from 3com to HP Procurve switches that are unmanaged, 24port switches connected to a firewall and a router.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Jill

Broadband via Stimulus

2009-07-30T21:14:54Z

I blogged about the great resources on ALA's site today.

What are you and your library doing to get in on the stimulus package?

Desktop Security Software

2009-06-24T06:39:36Z

desktop security software on a mac, or is it just for pc's?

Mac vs PC

2009-06-24T06:37:26Z

Desktop Security Software

Thanks a million

Sorry, this was supposed to be added on to my first question. I will get the hang of this. Thanks again

RE: Broadband over Powerlines

2008-11-13T14:52:16Z

A more targeted approach: -- "Rural areas could get broadband Internet via power lines" http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/biztech/11/12/ibm.broadband.ap/index.html

RE: Allowing only certain sites to be viewed on catalog pcs

2008-08-04T17:16:36Z

Dave,

You could set this up in your routers/switches but also in Windows XP through Internet Explorer.

Information on doing this can be found at http://www.boutell.com/newfaq/browser/restrictie.html

-Mike

RE: Re: Web page authentication for WebFeat access

2008-08-04T17:10:32Z

Harold,

Are your Libraries IP's in the WebFeat Express Console (wfx.webfeat.org)?

If they are, then you wont be asked for a login because you are being authenticated as "on site" through your libraries IP addresses.

Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-16T02:40:09Z

In this instance, it sounds like the bandwidth / speed you would be getting under this setup would be similar to a business class cable offering. Depending on the service options of the cable company, they might be able to offer you more bandwidth for a lower cost.

One factor I would want to include is whether you need to provide content to the external world (i.e. a web server or other type of content / media server). If you are just looking for more bandwidth so the public computers can access external / internet resources faster, then obviously downstream speeds are of a greater interest than other factors.

My advice would be to look not only at the speed offered, but also at things like a service level agreement (SLA) offered by the provider. This should be some type of measure of latency, packet loss, response time in case of downed lines or outages, etc. Usually with "consumer" or SOHO (Small Office / Home Office) internet connection services, you pay less, but the guarantees for service and reliability are not guaranteed, but instead "best effort".

Depending on your location, you might be able to get a dual/bundled T1 service for less than $1,477mo. Foe example, Speakeasy is offering a similar connection offering 3Mbps for $749/month for 36 month contract with free installation. The offer is located here:
http://www.speakeasy.net/promos/bondedt1749/

Standard disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Speakeasy, but have heard generally good things about them, but that was before they were acquired by Best Buy.

Also, the thing that I like about Speakeasy is they put their SLA right on their web site: http://www.speakeasy.net/sla/

The text for the T1 SLA is pretty straight-forward.

Hope this helped, but let us know if you have other questions.

Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-15T20:08:30Z

Fiber speed *can* be a *lot* more than copper: http://www.lanshack.com/fiber-optic-tutorial-network.aspx

One issue here, I suppose, will be your upgrade path. 3 Mbpd sounds like a lot but a lot of people with DSL get that for download at home. Nowadays, as more and more people access video (for various legit reasons) there's the issue of many library computers needing near-simultaneous high download speeds.

By the way, an overview on copper speeds (T-1, etc.) can be found here: http://ckp.made-it.com/t1234.html

Again, I'm not a techy. I'd be sure to get a second independent opinion.

Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-15T19:28:12Z

Hi,
We are replacing the T1 line with Fiber Optics offered by the local cable company. It allows us to have 3 Mbps for $1,029/month for 42 months contract. One time install is $990. How is Fiber Optics's speed compared with the Internet Cables services?

T1 line is only 1.5 Mpbs. If we continue with T1 line, the same vendor offer us an second line T1 line Router PAK MLFR (Multiple Loation Frame Relay)for $1,477/month.
I am not sure what else is involed in switching except we need to configure the change of IP addresses.

Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-13T21:31:57Z

Hmm.

Are you talking about fiber optics as part of your *internal* structure or as a replacement for your T-1?

The former might get you around some internal bottleneck, but maybe not for long since there may also be limitations due to your other hardware (servers, routers, etc.).

If your talking about a T-1 coming into your building, these can be doubled easily enough and much more can be added before going to fiber.

(I'm not a techy.)

T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-13T19:27:12Z

We have 55 public computers. We also provide wireless in the Quiet Room using the same T1 line. Usually, there are five to eight users in the Quiet Room. Since we set up the wireless, the internet almost comes to a halt during 12 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily. When I unplug the wireless, the traffic seems improve quite a bit. I am considering to switch from T to Fiber Optics. The vender told me the speed could be double with a little more. Is there any libraries use Fiber Optics. How viable is it?

Re: T1 line vs. DSL - enough bandwidth?

2007-12-13T02:40:34Z

Sorry, I hit the post button by mistake. See the real post below.