What is a drop?
A drop is wired connection back to a central location on the network. They look like phone jacks. When you plug a networked device into a drop that is active or “hot” the device can be used on the network.
What is the difference between an active or “hot” drop and an inactive drop?
An active or “hot” drop is a drop that goes from the jack to the central location, but is ALSO connected to a port in a hub or switch in that central location. An inactive drop is a drop that is missing that connection to a port in the hub or switch.
How many ports are there in a switch or hub?
There are generally 24 to 48 ports in a switch or hub. One to two ports are reserved for network connections.
Why not make all drops hot?
Great idea, but it is very expensive. The buildings were wired with approximately 6 drops per classroom and enough hot drops for the labs. To make these drops hot, a switch or hub had to be purchased for them to connect. These switches/hubs are expensive. A decision was made to purchase a reasonable number of hubs/switches to enable enough hot drops for networked machines in each classroom. This leaves the possibility for expansion should budgets allow.
How many drops are there in each building?
There are approximately 6 drops in every classroom, somewhere between 15 and 40 in the labs, and it varies in office spaces.
How many of the drops in each building are hot?
Generally one in every classroom is active (hot). Some have 2 drops hot because there is space in the hub or switch. All lab drops are hot. Most office drops are hot, depending upon space and needs.
What does it take to make a drop hot?
Your building principal should make the request. Someone from Technology will assess the hub or switch site. If there is an available port in the hub/switch, it can be easily completed. If there is not an available port in the hub or switch, the building would be responsible for purchasing equipment to accommodate the request. This assumes that power and space are available at the hub/switch site for an additional hub/switch, this is not always the case.
Who is responsible for adding an additional drop?
Maintenance does this work. Additional drops require physical labor to pull the wire, put in the raceways, boxes and jacks.
Who is responsible for making an additional drop hot?
Technology. Please read “what it takes to make a drop hot”
Who is responsible for moving a hot drop from one end of a room to another?
Generally Technology, although maintenance may need to become involved. Please read “what it takes to make a drop hot”
What importance does electricity play?
It only affects power to the switch, but it is very important for the printers, computers, and peripherals. Many buildings are at their capacity on power.
Who do I check with about electricity capacity?
Maintenance
Can I switch these hubs or connections myself?
No one except designated Maintenance or Technology personnel should make these changes. All other personnel are strictly forbidden from touching any hubs/switches and associated cables, etc. without authorization from Technology. Technology keeps a record of where every connection goes and for security, monitoring, and auditing purposes, it is important that any and all changes are authorized and approved.
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