Still learning…

Things to learn…

    It has become apparent that I need to further my working knowledge of Cisco networking equipment
    Read through several Cisco Documents – Access Lists, Routing, Switching
    Went through the Cisco Wireless Controller more thoroughly
    Learning about electronic portfolios starting work on template for PGS teachers
    Researched a number of options for the template (design and build a custom interactive Web App, create a template for teachers to use with Microsoft Word, use an existing online e-portfolio service)
    Due to time restrictions, will go with a Word Template or online service for this year
    Spoke with Brian about PGS website
    Discussed the possibility of putting PGS student application online
    Also discussed online evaluation form
    Still need to learn more about VTC technology and IPVCR

 

Setup and documentation…

    Set up http://newcollegeinstitute.pbworks.com – a wiki for documenting/collaborating
    Began documenting the network – switches, routers, servers, etc.
    Configured the wiki to be accessible by invitation only for now
    Invited Michael and Suellyn to aid with documentation and to suggest other possible uses for the wiki
    Evaluated the last laptop cart at PGS’ Martinsville Site for out of date equipment
    6 laptops were in working order
    Updated each of these and uninstalled unnecessary software
    Need to go back through and add these to the inventory sheet

 

iPads…

    Began updating iPads for PGS
    Reset settings, updated, synced, will be utilizing iCloud for backup.
    Used bpace@ph.vccs.edu as Apple ID
    Began research on formats for digital books that will work on iPads

 

Danville Site…

    Started work on Gateway 4100 desktop lab at IALR
    Restored one to factory settings, will image the rest of the lab once it’s configured

 

Issues…

    Replaced hard drive in Suellyn’s HP TouchScreen desktop and installed Windows 7
    Replaced router in King304 and switch in King106 with Cisco Gb switch
    Searched main switch in King for any ports mapped to VLAN16
    Traced down the port that connects the VTC in King 304 and discovered that the port is accumulating an abnormal amount of input and CRC (cyclic redundancy check) errors. This is usually caused by a Layer 1 network error which typically indicates a NIC or cabling problem. Reported the discovery to Michael and he put in a request for the City of Martinsville IT department to repair the drop in that room.

 

Schedule…

    After deliberation between Brian, Leanna, Christina, Michael, and myself, a mutually beneficial work schedule has been reached
    I will work Mondays and Wednesdays for PGS, Tuesdays and Thursdays for NCI, and alternate Fridays between the two
    Hours will be 8:00-5:00 each day, with emergency on-call and overtime possible with NCI

First Days…

New job activities…
    Windows Updates and updating/installing other useful software on laptops
    Cleaned off old user files and other unnecessary files on desktop lab
    Discovered Video Tele-Conferencing – how it works and how to use
    Obtained keys, passwords, alarm codes, supplies
    Acquainted myself with Active Directory, and other network resources
    Changed the administrator password on the PGS laptops (it appeared that students had been logging into that account and installing software)

Scheduling…
Updating and troubleshooting can be quite time consuming. I feel that I may be more efficient at this shared position if I work 2 full days at each position and have Fridays be either alternating or half days. This way I wouldn’t have to leave things “half done” at either place. I mentioned this to Brian. Brian talked to Leanna and NCI is contemplating the schedule change.

Wireless Network…
    Suggested that we create another wireless network for NCI Student computers
    Would allow for easier network troubleshooting and administration of these devices
    Current unsecured network does not allow for use of any internal network resources – only internet traffic
    Mike was already working on this and we tested a WPA2 protected network on Wednesday

Sycom…
    Met with Mike and Alan from SyCom
    Learned a great deal about NCI’s network at it’s current state & where we plan to go with it
    The network is too complex for our needs and could use lots of simplification
    Active Directory is also in dire need of upgrading and cleaning up
    Must keep in mind the implications on the network with the future addition of the new building on the Baldwin block

Research…
    Began research on Governor’s Schools in the state of Virginia
    Visited the websites of several different Academic Year Schools
    I was curious as to the similarities and differences between our PGS program and others throughout the state – both Technological and Academic
    Discovered an interesting device for charging multiple iPads - Kanex Sydnee


Pre-existing Issues…
    Deloris and Cynthia reported that their desktops were unacceptably slow.

    Updated Windows and other applications
    Uninstalled unnecessary applications and browser toolbars
    Stopped unnecessary services and removed them from running at startup
    Seemed to increase the performance of the machines

    On Thursday, I was able to get the new eno board fully functioning
    Discovered a network problem in King 304

    There is a 100Mb Linksys router in that room that is actively routing and performing dhcp service
    The workstation in that room is on a 192.168.1.1 subnet
    This is not in the scope of NCI’s network and could be causing a degradation of video transmission
    Reported this problem to Mike and he placed a request with Debbie to order 2 Cisco Gb switches to replace the router and a 100Mb switch that is in King 106 (could also be causing a “bottleneck” in the network)