Ethernet is the dominant network technology used in schools (and just about every other organization). When connecting computers and other devices to Ethernet, we use the same protocols and the same devices no matter how many nodes are connected. The devices we use to create computer networks are designed to meet three different classes of networks.
- Consumer class—Typically installed in homes, devices in this class are typically used to connect a few dozen devices. These are often configured for “plug-and-play” connections of computers, tablets and smartphones, and a variety of internet of things devices. Typically, these networks allow only a single service set identifier to connect devices via wireless connections. Also, security is limited to only a few options.
- Business class—Business class networks are designed to connect 200-300 devices. These networks require configuration rather than relying on “plug-and-play” configuration f consumer networks. They also allow for more sophisticated security options to be configured.
- Enterprise class—For larger still networks, those connecting several hundreds or thousands of devices, enterprise class networks must be configured. These all for very sophisticated configuration and management and they allow similarly sophisticated security.
One of the challenges for IT professionals is the ease of configuring consumer devices. Many educators who have installed a consumer network may conflate the plug-and-play configuration with the configuration of enterprise networks. Enterprise networks require professional planning and installation and managing them requires a full time staff to manage the network.