Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Technology Planning ...

Technology Infrastructure
Over the past several years, the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District has developed a broad array of
technology services to support its internal programs and the mission of the LEAs in its service area. Most
notably, the OAISD partnered with the LEAs to create the Ottawa Area Wide Area Network (OAWAN)
which interconnects these districts via a fiber optic IP network (see Appendix B). The WAN is connected
to the commodity and Internet 2 via a high-speed connection. OAWAN has removed bandwidth barriers
for its participants and have allowed them to introduce educational technologies into their programs in
ways not possible even a decade ago. Additional gateway services that OAWAN provides include web
hosting, blogs, bulletin boards, e-mail with spam and anti-virus control, content filtering, distance
learning, secure firewall, DNS services, performance monitoring, videoconferencing, and consultative
support.
Internal OAISD Technology Infrastructure Overview
The internal OAISD technology infrastructure is designed to support the work of the ISD that takes place
in 14 locations identified above. This infrastructure includes:
• 1300+ networked computers (desktops and laptops)
• 150+ networked and local printers and 21+ networked copiers/fax machines
• Data Center with 60+ servers, storage area networks (SANs), and core network electronics
• Traditional PBX Phone system with voice mail, faxing, and e-mail integration. The system also
has a VOIP module for future expansion.
• Traditional video delivery system via coaxial cable
• 30+ Networked Audio/Visual (AV) classroom projection systems
The internal network primarily utilizes enterprise-class Extreme Network switches. The seven primary
buildings are connected via gigabit fiber connections (see Appendix B). The remaining sites utilize
dedicated DSL connections with static VPN connections back to the OAISD network. 100Mbps
connections are delivered to most computer s (some CBI’s do not have this capability). High-speed
wireless is provided at ESB, MTEC, CTC, OAC and SPS. The other locations have not yet indicated a
need for wireless.
The Data Center consists of a mix of HP Proliant and Dell enterprise-class servers. The Storage Area
Networks are from EMC (fiber-channel) and Dell EqualLogic (iSCSI). The Data Center has full battery
backup and a generator to prevent power outages. It also has air conditioning separate from the host
building’s HVAC system.
The network Microsoft Windows/Active Directory as its core Network Operating System. The data
center primarily uses VMWare ESX virtualization. The OAISD “near-sources” its email services to with
a cloud-based email provider.
PC workstations (desktop and laptop) are range from 0 to 5 years old. PC workstations run all Windows
XP or 7 professional. Apple Macintosh computers are used primarily in Graphics programs only and vary
in speed and performance. All Macintosh computers are running current versions of Mac OS.
Each major building has its own internal video system to distribute cable TV and other programming via
channelizers. Most buildings have an internal PowerPoint informational system for displaying building
information on a specified channel.
Fixed distance learning classrooms are available in ESB, CTC and MTEC. Portable systems are also
available to allow additional distance learning opportunities throughout the district.
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