zbryne
join:2005-04-11
Ardmore, PA
| reply to zbryne
Re: Senior Project Ideas
I'm not really sure if i will be providing the computers. If i can, well that would be great! I had intentions of just providing the network but have realised that not every an underprivileged family has many computers. So really i might end up just trying my community center for people that would need a network. |
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jpg366
join:2004-04-09
Humble, TX
 ·RoadRunner Cable
·Mediacom
 ·AT&T Southeast
| reply to Link Logger
said by Link Logger  :...Wasn't quite what I was thinking .... No doubt we're coming from different directions on this. I personally know only a bit about Linux, but was thinking that if the objective is to deliver some kind of PC performance at the lowest possible price, then open systems might be a reasonable way. That is, not what one student can obtain through grants and gifts, but what an average "Joe" could do with cheap, older hardware. So, zbryne, what is your objective (besides a good grade)? What would your "customer" want to learn? What if the "customer" were a Katrina survivor with almost nothing for assets? |
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Link Logger
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-29
Calgary, AB
·Shaw
| reply to jpg366
said by jpg366 :Even older hardware can perform well using smaller (and free) Linux systems Wasn't quite what I was thinking of as most recycled computers come complete with Windows license (ie one of our local recycle computer dealers »www.vfxweb.com includes the license), as they get the license from the company they 'salvage' the computers from (or at least that is their story), so you should be able to get the same deal (ie the license sticker is stuck to the case) directly from the company if you ask nicely as they might have some old systems running for example Windows 2000 where they had upgraded their minimum hardware and OS to XP.
You might even consider calling your local Microsoft rep and describe your project to them and see what happens as you have two good points to your story, first your a student doing a school project (involving computers) and second your doing some charity work. You never know how far that can get you with some companies in terms of soliciting help from them. I know if you try the 'cheap lazy bastard' story, any sane company will rightly tell you to oiss pff, but you have some valid reasons, so try them, the worst they can do is say no.
Blake
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Vendor: Firewall Logging Software »www.SonicLogger.com - SonicWall and 3Com »www.LinkLogger.com - Linksys, Netgear and Zyxel |
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jpg366
join:2004-04-09
Humble, TX
·RoadRunner Cable
·Mediacom
·AT&T Southeast
| reply to Link Logger
said by Link Logger :Also look into any local computer recyclers ... Excellent point. Even older hardware can perform well using smaller (and free) Linux systems, and there is a huge list of free open systems software for it. Getting a live-CD set can get you up and running very quickly.
Think about how low you might go in total system price, say for a box that can find and connect to a free wifi access point for Internet browsing. |
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Link Logger
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-29
Calgary, AB
·Shaw
| reply to jpg366
Also look into any local computer recyclers or perhaps some of the larger companies in your area as they might have a couple of obsoleted systems etc they could give you for this worthy cause.
Blake
--
Vendor: Firewall Logging Software »www.SonicLogger.com - SonicWall and 3Com »www.LinkLogger.com - Linksys, Netgear and Zyxel |
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jpg366
join:2004-04-09
Humble, TX | reply to zbryne
I suggest you use ebay to acquire equipment and see if sellers might give you a break on pricing. Some may even donate if you can provide some validation of your project. |
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zbryne
join:2005-04-11
Ardmore, PA | reply to zbryne
Well, I've decided that I want to build a small network for an underprivileged family. I'm pretty sure i will not have any troubles doing this but it will cost me a bit of money. |
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zbryne
join:2005-04-11
Ardmore, PA
1 edit | reply to zbryne
Another factor of this is that i need someone to "sponsor" me, basically someone in the field that knows what they are doing and are willing to make sure that i get the hours in and assist me if help needed. As for the other things my networking instructor might allow me to fool with the votech VoIP system but if i could find more things to do within the votech network it wouldnt feel so awkward as to doing it some other place. |
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rolande
Certifiable
Premium,Mod
join:2002-05-24
Powell, OH
clubs:
Host:
Linksys
AT&T Midwest
| reply to zbryne
What kind of hardware do you have available for "playing"? It all depends on how pointy-headed you want to get. Here are ideas...
•Experiment with the effects of serialization delay on latency as bandwidth utilization increases on WAN circuits
•Experiment with VoIP quality across a WAN circuit under certain load conditions with and without different methods of QoS
•Compare the benefits and drawbacks of the most commonly used routing protocols using lab scenarios demonstrating performance, convergence, ease of configuration and management etc.
•Compare performance/throughput of a switch versus a hub in different scenarios with 2 or more workstations sending and receiving large amounts of data simultaneously
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Ignorance is temporary...stupidity lasts forever! |
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phriday613
Your Avatar Is Nice... For Me To Poop On
Premium
join:2002-02-06
Eastchester, NY
clubs: | reply to zbryne
VoIP is hot.. why not do something on Call Manager |
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zbryne
join:2005-04-11
Ardmore, PA | reply to zbryne
I have to present a 15 minute presentation on my experience. I also have to do a journal. I will be spending 20 days and 6 hours each day doing this. |
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rolande
Certifiable
Premium,Mod
join:2002-05-24
Powell, OH
clubs: | reply to zbryne
What is the objective? Do you have to present something in the end like with a "Science Fair" or what is it exactly you are supposed to be getting out of this experiment?
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Ignorance is temporary...stupidity lasts forever! |
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zbryne
join:2005-04-11
Ardmore, PA
|  Alright, well at the end of the year for seniors at my school we get 3 weeks out of school to do anything experimental (Productive) that we choose. I would like to do something in networking since I'm currently in vocational school for cisco but not very far into the program. I plan on doing something in networking but do not have very good ideas of something that i could do since I do not feel i know enough in the field. If anyone has ideas of something that I could due during this time it would help.
Thanks. ZB |
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