Introduction
Recently the number of Qatari students in overseas colleges is increasing, particularly the number of Qatari students in Bradford College is increasing. Currently there are now over thirty Qatari students attending the college and the number is increasing yearly. By the time the some of the students arrive in the U.K., they find that they are ill prepared so study in the U.K. These students need a preparation course before proceeding to the U.K.
Bradford decided to open an office in Qatar to give a preparation course to Middle Eastern students who are interested in joining the college. The college needs to link the office in Qatar and the college in the U.K. in a secure manner in order to share information securely. Bradford decided to interview the students before they come to the U.K. in order to test their knowledge and language to make it easier for them to decide in which level they should be in.
Video conferencing and webinar functionality will be used to give the potential students more information about the college and a chance to get a clear image of what the college expects from them. This will help them clarify the image they had about the College and the way the college is in reality
Initial Research
In order to do this project, I’ve searched websites and books to get more information on how to install the servers and connect them and how to share folders and support software that will meet Bradford’s.
With the security concerns of today’s digital world it is imperative that networks are protected with firewalls. Firewalls are very important for keeping the unwanted access far away and permitting only the wanted access. They type of firewall to be implemented will depend on the type of services you plan on offering. The IP addresses need to be configured properly to allow access to the network.
Industry giants in the networking and communication fields such as Cisco and Alcatel-Lucent have a wide array of ready-made solution and tailor-made solutions that can be used in E-learning. Their knowledge and expertise can provide secure systems or equipment’s that will ensure that the channels of communication are secure and that only authorized or intended users have access to the systems.
Most of the international universities have ready established online correspondence channels with trained professionals who are always available to counsel students from other countries on a broad range of matters.
Harvard University for example has informative videos that can be made available to potential students on demand; these videos are well detailed and offer the students a glimpse into the life that is expected at the campus. It further explains to them the type of culture to expect at the campus as well as orientation to campus and community life in the U.S.
Perth University in Australia has a very detailed brochure that is sent the potential students to familiarize then with life at the campus and life in general in Australia. It is very detailed and it has advice on matters pertaining to immigration and visa matters. The campus has gone a further step to provide Skype services that are available on demand to provide linkages between would be students and instructors as well as academic advisers.
Oxford University in the U.K. also has a very detailed brochure that is sent to the students. This brochure covers a wide range of information and concerns of the international students. It covers issues ranging from on campus and off campus accommodation for students, personal and health concerns, religion, general and academic planning as well as financial issues. On top of that they have a very detailed web site that contains all the information on the brochure. In addition to the above, the university also has regional offices in almost all the major regions and countries worldwide to provide additional information. Where there are none, the university has contracted local agencies to provide the information.
How to install windows server 2003, in Hands-On Microsoft Windows Server 2003, by Michael Palmer: a step by step explanation to how install windows server and how to apply all configurations.
How to install Active Directory, in Hands-On Microsoft Windows Server 2003, by Michael Palmer: explanation to how install Active Directory and how to deal with it.
How to manage windows server 2003, in Hands-On Microsoft Windows Server 2003, by Michael Palmer: very clear explanation in how to create users and groups and how to set different permissions for each user and group.
How to configure switches and routers, in CCNA Guide to Cisco Networking, by Kelly Caudle and Kelly Cannon: an introduction of networks and how to configure and use switches and routers. Good explanation of network topologies and network architectures.
Aims
- Provide Bradford College with a secure network in order to share files between the two sites.
- Provide Bradford college the webinar technology in order to make it easier to interview the students before they come
- Provide the students all kinds of solutions and answers to their questions and concerns
- Prepare the students for their studies to make them ready to enroll with the college system
Objectives
THESE are some of the objectives I could come up with. Please modify it. What you instructor meant with objectives is WHAT IS IT THE YOU INTEND TO DO WITH YOUR SYSTEM.
The objective of this study is to create an interactive user-centered
video conferencing system that will enable effective communication between Qatar and the U.K. they system will be able to;
- Download content – potential students will able to access, analyze, interpret and exchange information using a variety of technologies, including videoconferencing.
- Students will be able to communicate locally and globally
- Display Content – Present the uploaded content in a stylish manner.
- Connect the two sites in a secure way by using MPLS.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Software Requirements
- Windows server 2003 for the servers
- Windows XP for the clients
More software may be required.
Hardware requirements
Server
- Minimum CPU speed 133 MHz and recommended 733 MHz.
- Minimum RAM 128 MB and recommended 256 MB.
- Minimum 20 GB free space of hard drive to install the server.
- CD ROM or DVD drive.
Client
- 128 MB of RAM or higher.
- 20 GB of available hard drive space.
- PC with 300 MHz processor.
- CD ROM or DVD drive.
A microphone and webcam is needed for the Webinar.
- Further requirements might be needed for the project.
Deliverables
- Provide a simulation of the network.
- Provide a full documentation of the project.
- Produce designing of the plan.
- Provide the college with a web conferencing system.
- Provide the college with a secure way by MPLS to share files and documents.
Similar Projects
University of Idaho Engineering Outreach
For the purpose of this research, i will research about how the University of Idaho are
Why Interactive Videoconferencing?
It is stated that interactive Videoconferencing (IV), may be used as an efficient tool for educational means. It appears to be particularly efficient in distance learning, or team activity. The system does not require serious adaptation, and may be accepted with minimal changes in the curriculum. Depending on the technical capacities, it may maintain two-way audio and video signal, however, these capacities may vary depending on the locations and distances of the communicators.
The Technology of IV
The technical features of IV are defined in numerous sources, however, Lever and Jean (2008, p. 350) gives the most detailed explanation of these parameters:
Most IV systems utilize compressed digital video for the transmission of motion images over data networks such as high capacity Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN). The video compression process decreases the amount of data transmitted over the lines by transmitting only the changes in the picture. By minimizing the bandwidth required to transmit the images, video compression also reduces the transmission cost.
As for the matters of technologies that are used for Videoconferences, it should be emphasized that T-1 phone lines are used. They are considered as one of the most reliable alternative of data transmission, however, the monthly costs are too high. Actually, the cost effectiveness increases if the lines are used frequently, and the reliability is high enough for arranging simultaneous data transmissions
Types of interactive Videoconferencing they use
Point-to-point
Interactive videoconferencing is generally used for connecting two locations by means of transmitting video and audio signal. It is considered that the core of any video signal transmission is the suitability of codec packs that are used for processing video. This is generally required for decreasing the stream size, as well as for improving quality of the video and audio. (Galbreath, 1995)
The other equipment’s that will be required are; television monitors, video cassette recorders/players, microphones, cameras, and computers (Reed and Woodruff, 1995).
Point-to-Multipoint
At Idaho University, they also connect more than two centers with the aid of the multi-point control unit. MCU. This type of videoconferencing is effective but the technological challenges scheduling and logistics can be quite imposing.
Advantages of Interactive Video
Interactive video can be effective because it:
- Students and instructors can interact in real time in different sites
- Diverse electronic media that aid in teaching can be incorporated
- Enables connection with experts in other geographical locations (Reed and Woodruff, 1995).
- Special needs students and those at high risk can be taught easily (Woodruff and Mosby, 1996).
- Students in remote areas can have access to quality education.
Limitations of Interactive Video
In fact, any technology is featured by some particular limitations. IV is not an exception:
- The set up costs are high enough, as the cost of equipment is directly proportional to its quality.
- Some codecs are incompatible; however, this universal standard compromises resolution and quality to a certain degree.
- Since there is no direct contact between the instructor and students, some students may lose concentration
- If reading materials are not well prepared, students may find difficulty in accessing the information.
- If the bandwidth is not sufficient, student may observe sluggish or ghost images (Reed and Woodruff, 1995)
- If the system is not installed and configured properly, the data transmission process may be interrupted, which will inevitably effect the quality of the educational process
Types of Videoconferencing Systems Used at Idaho University
- Conference rooms are small, and the system is mainly intended for groups up to 12 students.
- High-quality AV and IV components are used. Codecs are tested for compatibility with lots of other codecs available.
- Personal space is presupposed for every participant. Desktop videoconferencing is regarded as the most effective among other low-cost systems.
Instructional Strategies Implemented at Idaho University
Establish Class Expectations
In accordance with some researches and observations, some students treat the course like a TV entertainment program, hence, the educational values of these courses is decreased. Actually, this is regarded as the planning problem which affects the quality of the material provided.
Reduce Distractions
Students are expected to prevent any noise or excess activity in order not to interrupt others from studying the material. Those students are involved actively into the educational process receive higher grades.
Training for Instructors and Students
At the university, the instructors and technical stuff are also well trained to handle the equipment’s. The critical operations that instructors are enabled to perform are as follows:
- Switching on and off the equipment
- Providing and checking link and its quality
- Control of the video signal and positions of video cameras
- Adjusting and controlling volume and video quality
- Selecting and moderating data for the transmission
- Technical problem solving
- Arranging multi-media presentations
At times at there are technicians who help in monitoring and setting up the equipment’s, however the instructors are encouraged to learn all this because at times the technicians are not around. Students area also trained in handling the equipment’s incase the instructor is new or incapable.
Training students to operate with the equipment may be regarded as one of the strategic values of the educational process. They may help in adjusting the operational equipment, especially if a guest speaker needs assistance
Selecting an Appropriate Design Methodology
The Sashimi Model
Software concept
Software development is one of the key processes, as this stage presupposes defining the key requirements for the project. At this stage all the interested parties should know what is going to be developed, the requirements are written in prose and are not usually very technical. A budget timeline estimate may also be formed. At this stage intensive interaction with the client takes place and an end product or solution for the client is conceived.
Requirement analysis
This process is also known as a feasibility study, at this stage the development will usually visit the client, assess the kind of system the client requires. At this stage, the team will try to come up with the possible software for the automation of the project. Once the feasibility study is done with, the team will have come up with a document that may the following but not limited to; costs, target dates, project schedules, personnel assignments and so on. The chief aim of this stage is to find the need and to define the problem that needs to be solved.
Architectural design
The architectural stage takes as its initial input the requirements that were identified in the requirement stage. These elements are further scrutinized in details to find out if there was anything left behind.
Detailed design
Once the architectural design phase is over, the elements from the stage are then passed on to the detail design stage where they are further analyzed and fine tuned. This is a very crucial stage as it is the last one before the coding phase so all final hitches should be fixed at this stage.
Coding and debugging
This is the most critical stage of the entire software development life cycle. It is the most time consuming and expensive stage. This is where the actualization of the design stages takes place. Once the project has already been coded, it is tested for any bugs which are then corrected accordingly. Once it is established that there are no errors, the software is taken to the next stage.
System testing
After the software has been debugged extensively, it is tested thoroughly to see if it can handle what it was designed to do in the first place. At this stage the personnel who are going to use the software are usually trained at this stage before it is fully released to the client.
Action Plan
An action plan for the project is offered below, and the timelines for the completion for the milestones in their sequential orders.
Questrionnaire research may be regarded as the essential part of the implemenetation plan. Hence, the findings of this part require thorough analysis and implementation into the action plan. It is found that the majority of the cources are taught online, while most training plans stayed unchanged. The cources need an essential improvement and adaptation for the on-line teaching regime. As for the matters of teaching efficiency, the principle of using one teacher to distributed individuals is effective enough; nevertheless, the teaching communities should care of providing an opportunity of one to one teacher – student communication. Considering the fact that distant education is regarded as less efficient in comparison with standard principles, the closer communication will increase the standards of distant learning. Like in a traditional class, few students would like to have long conversations with the tutor.
As for the length of learning sessions, and the amount of hours spent for video courses, the replies in questionnaires differ. Hence, it is hard to make definite conclusions on the matters of the course length, however, the definite requirements for software should be originated: it should not overload the RAM memory of the system in order to avoid lags during data transmission.
As for the matters of answering questions (q.5 in questionnaire), additional requirements for software is originated. Students should have an opportunity to send their questions through messengers, and the teacher will either make personal reply, or a broadcast, if the question is too important for the course.
Collaborative work with the application of video conference principles presupposes increased efficiency of the collective work. However, depending on the specification of the research, conference participants should have an opportunity to extend the possibilities of messaging. Considering the instance of Miranda messenger, collectors have an opportunity to install additional plug-ins for inserting math formulas, graphs and images if required. Hence, text messaging system, along with voice communication opportunity is the inevitable part of the system. Actually, this may be a hybrid of Skype and ICQ, with Miranda opportunities.
Risk Assessments
The project faces a number of risks, which threaten to derail the development process. Some challenged of the project are as follows:
- It is hard to identify the key functional parameters and time requirements for these parameters
Some functionality may prove to be complex as the project progresses. Some unforeseen technical challenges that are beyond my level of understanding and competence may arise.
- Wrong time estimation
The time I have specified as the time I will take to complete the project may not be sufficient. As the project progresses, challenges may arise and to adequately address this challenges may call for additional time.
- Project scope expansion
The scope of the project may expand to cover more than what was initially thought of. It is a well-known fact that as projects progresses, at times the areas and fields to be covered increases. Expansion of the scope threatens to derail the project.
- Wrong budget estimation
Insufficient funds may threaten the progress of the project. I have budgeted for the project but along the way there may be unforeseen expenditures that will cut into the funds. This un-planned for expenses may divert funds that were planned for critical milestones.
MSLA Implementation
First, it should be emphasized that Multiprotocol Label Switching is the data transmission mechanism that emulates various communication network properties apart from the commutation packets network. Actually, the MSLA system may be located between the second (channel) and third (network) levels of OSI model.
While in traditional IP network packets are transmitted from one router to another, and every router makes the decision of the following packet’s route. This is performed by reading the heading of the packet. MPSL does not presuppose any header analysis, and redirection (routing) is performed in accordance with packet markers. The implementation of such a system requires essential packet control performed by the protocol used. Actually, the potential traps should be cared, especially if a service provider is not reliable enough. As it is stated in Perros (2005, p. 413):
If you are looking for globalization and a better QoS, read on to prepare your company for a successful MPLS migration. President and founding partner of Nemertes Research, Johnson spoke at Interop in New York last week on MPLS technology and implementation issues. She says that although MPLS is a technology and not a service, you need to look at the service side of MPLS to avoid any pitfalls and to buy MPLS-based services when choosing a carrier.
The approximate representation of MPLS network is offered on the following scheme. PE points of the network are college servers that create the local college networks. MPSL becomes the joining point of the communication system, and gives an opportunity to perform quicker and more stable connection between participants. The access to MPSL may be restricted or open, depending on the requirements of the network, however, the key principles of MPSL will be helpful for arranging proper two way audio and video connection, and provide an opportunity for sending protected information.
Arrangement of MPSL system is performed by means LSP system, or with LDP protocol. MSLP architecture does not require the obligatory LDP application, however, it is the closest to the final standardization of the required system.
First, UPD commutating routers define their adjacency by multi-address broadcast within the frames of LDP protocol. Besides the closeness on the channel level, LDP is able to adjust connection between “logically adjacent” LSR that do not belong to any channel. This is required for providing the tunnel transmission. Then, after the adjacency is defined, LDP opens the transporting connection between the participants of the session over TCP. Hence, this connection is used for transmitting installation binding requests, and binding information itself. Additionally, session participants check each others’ workability periodically by sending text keepalive messages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this project will provide Bradford College with a secure connection, which will allow them to share documents between the two sites easily. The project will provide Webinar technology, which allow Bradford College to interview and evaluate the students before they come to the college in UK.
In order to establish this project, we have to choose a methodology to help me to get this project done. Each methodology has advantages and limitations, but the best methodology for this project is the Sashimi Model. Sashimi will give me an opportunity to change and repair any mistake may appear in future.
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