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Introduction
 Many school networks have been built up over time as a consequence many are not designed to cope with the latest applications and resources. Bottlenecks created by hubs or misconfigured equipment can restrict performance, pupils using inappropriate applications can constrain access speeds and leave your network open to attack from viruses, spyware and intrusion attacks.
Are you suffering performance, security or application problems, with limited resources it is difficult to identify the cause. The Northern Grid Network Assessment service helps schools to solve these problems by giving the network a thorough healthcheck. An experienced engineer will come to the school and talk to network users to discuss any important issues he will then spend time on various parts of the LAN, checking for bottlenecks, viruses, unusual traffic flows etc. We will then send a full written report on our findings, including any recommendations.
Description of the Service
Networks in schools are upgraded in steps and as a consequence are often ill equipped to maximise broadband connections. Security threats have increased and are real. A firewall alone is not sufficient to protect school network.
The Northern Grid Assessment Service identifies:
* If your network is restricting pupil's progress.
* If your network is compliant with KS3 ICT Tests & BECTA recommended requirements.
* The reason for slow Internet access.
* Viruses, Trojans and Spyware present on your network.
* Vulnerability to viruses from emails effectiveness, home PCs, pupils and other sources.
* Protocols for Video Conferencing.
* If pupils are running illegal applications such as music sharing.
* If faulty or misconfigured devices are degrading network performance.
* Security risks from unauthorised access.
* Bandwidth degradation caused by excessive broadcasts.
Features of the Service
The tests use latest software tools, utilities and are designed specifically for schools. After analysis of results, schools will receive a report that contains full findings and recommendations on how to fix problems.
Comparative measurements of performance are made to deduce if download speed is as expected. Slow access to the Internet or other has many causes so a methodical approach will track down specific problems. Specialist software is used to monitor and test the performance of the network and map traffic flows. The Northern Grid and Easynet will work together to identify and resolve issues.
The tests include:
* Network overview to check that the network is optimally configured.
* Performance tests from various points on the network to track down bottlenecks.
* Security check including assessment of security policy.
* On-site traffic analysis to identify security breaches or any inappropriate or illegal applications.
* Performance testing from the site to the Northern Grid core network and the Internet.
* Checks for viruses, worms and trojans on your network.
A network monitor (Observer) is attached to your LAN and used to analyse packets on the network. This helps to highlight many problems such as:
* Known virus signatures.
* Peer 2 Peer traffic such as music sharing.
* Devices that may be range sweeping i.e. attempting to access whole ranges of IP addresses.
Security
The Northern Grid network protects schools from most security threats, including use of centrally maintained firewall and supporting local cache servers at each school. However security intrusions are on the increase and are becoming ever more complex so additional local measures are required.
Healthchecks will improve the design and implementation of a security policy that ensures that desktops are locked down.
Please contact Northern Grid to enquire about this bespoke service at
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School Network typical network configuration
Just a few of the common problems found on a school network can be found in the file below
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Labels: eSecurity
