During any given weekday, students and faculty alike have the same question: "Why won't the Internet work?" Radford University's network is the key to understanding this problem.
According to Jim Brogden, RU's Network Supervisor, a network is a collection of servers, communications lines, and associated switching and
routing equipment.
The server is a computer that allows anyone on or off campus to use the Internet
from our rooms. We connect to the server through the ethernet card or modems in our computers. Once connected, we are on a "live" wire which keeps a constant connection with the server. The communication then comes to and from our computers.
The server has routers and switches that make it possible to keep a high volume of connections stable throughout the day. According to Whatis.com, a switch determines the destination of information. A router is a device that determines the next network point to which information should be forwarded.
The Radford University server joins with an advanced, broadband network connection called Net.Work.Virginia, which links all the educational institutes in Virginia together.
A router connects Radford to the Net.Work.Virginia server, where we get our direct link to the Internet. That router is usually the device which crashes, preventing our use of e-mail, the Internet,
or any other net-powered communications.
So how do we fix this problem? Brogden says the solution is updating the system with spare equipment to fix the network problems. Funding for upgrades is a whole different issue, however.
What do you think? Leave your feedback below.
By clicking on "Submit," you assert that you are who you represent to be and your
comments abide by section 20 of Radford's Student Handbook (for RU students), and by the Virginia State and Federal laws including but not limited to libel, copyright law, and invasion of privacy. The comments posted on this site are not necessarily representative of the views of Radford University, its
administration, faculty, staff or all of its students. For more information, read our policy on feedback fora.
Responses: Refresh page to view latest entries.
Comments:
I want to know why there is so much instability within particular residence halls...I've heard that on-line gaming has something to do with slowing the system...but honestly...can it slow things down so much for so many people?
Name:Don Major: Bus Admin Comments:
Why did RU decide not to participate in the Internet2 program??
Most of the other VA schools are.
