Networking DynEd Courseware

All DynEd programs can be networked! Once the content of the courses has been installed onto the network file server, students can easily access the programs from any station on the network. In addition, all student records are automatically stored on the central file server where they can be accessed and evaluated by instructional staff from any computer on the network.

All DynEd Programs are Networkable.

What are the Advantages of Networking DynEd's Programs?

• Eases access to all installed courses and simplifies switching between levels within a course
• Centralizes all student records on the network file server for convenient analysis
• Simplifies installation and updating of DynEd courses (just once on the central server)
  

What kind of Network is Required?

Most modern networks should be able to run DynEd courseware. Client computers may be either Macintosh or Windows, and servers running Novell Netware, Windows NT, AppleShare are all supported. These include all Linux, Windows, Mac servers and even NAS (Network Attached Storage). An overview of some typical network configurations which run DynEd programs, and a detailed listing of the minimum types of client computers needed for different DynEd courses can be found in Example Network Configurations on the following pages.

How adequate any particular network is for running DynEd courseware depends on a number of factors, including how much video the course has, how many simultaneous users there are, and how much other traffic there is on the network. All servers and networks have limitations that may cause them to falter when the load exceeds one of their capacities.

Lessons which use video require streaming data at 90 Kilobytes per second.* Non-video lessons require only 22 Kilobytes of data per second streamed to the computers. A typical 100Base-T connection may handle up to 200 non-video users but only 60 video users. For this reason, programs using DynEd's video-based courses generally need a 1000Base-T connection to run the programs effectively. In addition, DynEd strongly recommends utilizing a "Switch" for connecting the computers, rather than a "Hub." Computers on a "Hub" compete for the bandwidth of the network. A network "Switch," however, reduces contention between each client machine so that the full bandwidth of the cable is used with no competition.

What kind of demand on our Network should I plan for?

It is nearly impossible for DynEd to specify a server and network combination that we can guarantee will handle the number of simultaneous users you want. We outline below the type of network load that can be expected from the use of our programs, but we urge you find a dealer or manufacturer who can suggest a configuration that they are willing to support.

System load can vary from 22 Kilobytes for audio all the way up to 220 Kilobytes (90 Kilobytes in most courses) for video (per second per student). On average, for our video-based courses (Functioning in Business and The Lost Secret) video is playing 80% of the time. For New Dynamic English, Dynamic Business English, and Clear Speech Works the video is playing an average of 20% of the time. For our non-video courses, it can be assumed that audio is playing 90% of the time.

As a rule of thumb, then, when designing a network server for DynEd courseware, a reasonable average data rate is 60 Kilobytes per second per user. So, if the goal is to support 30 simultaneous users, the server must be able to handle a data rate of at least 1.80 Megabytes per second (30 users times 60KB/s). (Don't forget that the server operating system license must also support the desired number of simultaneous users. If you are using Windows 2008, for example, and want 30 simultaneous users, then you will need at least a 30-user Windows 2008 license on your server.)

Will Your Network Work?

If you would like our engineering team to analyze your network configuration, please fill out our Network Evaluation Work sheet (PDF) and fax it to DynEd. Our engineers will be happy to confirm whether or not the system described should be able to handle the number of simultaneous users required.

Ordering DynEd Network Site Licenses

To order a DynEd network site license, please provide the following information:

• Courses required
• Number of simultaneous users for each*
• Period of time for each

Your order will then be processed and you will be supplied with:

• install link
• all relevant support materials in an electronic format - User/Teacher/Study Guides, manuals, etc.
• detailed installation instructions
• the DynEd Records Manager - DynEd network-based record-keeping system
• a DynEd Quick Start Guide with your unique Network Installation Codes or install information

* DynEd's network licenses (and pricing) are based on the number of simultaneous users - i.e., the maximum number of students who can access the course at the same time. Often, this is equivalent to the number of stations in the lab, but it need not be in every case.

Network licenses are time-limited. Internet Records are also time limited but renewed electronically, so no action is required from the customer once the software is installed.

Please contact DynEd or your local DynEd dealer for help in evaluating your needs and for specific prices for the configuration that is most appropriate to your situation.

Installing DynEd Network Courses

Always install from a client machine (not directly onto the network server HD) review the Network Installation Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Disc Space Requirements for Disc-less Network Installation
Products	Disc Space (MB)
Let's Go	1,100
First English	350
English For Success	700
New Dynamic English	1,000
The Lost Secret	390
Dynamic Business English	320
Functioning in Business	400
English by the Numbers	120
Test Mountain	130
Clear Speech Works	730
Advanced Listening (1-9)	800
Hospitality English	160
Teacher Training Course	500
Aviation English for Pilots	480
Aviation English for Controllers	560
Placement Test Aviation	120
Dialogue	450
DynEd Kids	600
Dynamic Classics	230
Placement Tests	140
Speaking Test	30
Speaking Test Business	30
Engage	80

Example Network Configuration #1

Up to 40 non-video or 20* video clients

Server Configuration
Processor:	Intel i3 or higher
Operating System:	Server version of Linux, Windows, or MacOS
Memory (RAM):	16 GB
Network Interface Card:	1000Base-T
Network hardware:	Switch with 1000Base-T Uplink to server
Hard Disc Storage:	Two or more EIDE or SCSI hard drives configured as a RAID (level 1)

Example Network Configuration #2

Up to 120 non-video or 60* video clients

Server Configuration
Processor:	Intel i5 or higher
Operating System:	Server version of Linux, Windows, or MacOS
Memory (RAM):	16 GB
Network Interface Card:	1000Base-T
Network hardware:	1000Base-T Switch with 100Base-T Uplink to server
Hard Disc Storage:	Three or more SCSI hard drives connected to RAID (level 5) Controller

General Recommendations

1. File Servers
   • You should have more than one hard drive partitioned as one volume (RAID).
   • You should have more than 25% free hard drive space after loading all DynEd content.
   • Additional memory will improve performance.
2. Network
   • Switched networks are highly recommended.
     
   • Extraneous network traffic can have a negative impact on the performance of DynEd courseware.
     
   • A 10Base-T cable can carry 6* video (90KB/second) streams, or 40 audio (22KB/second IMA) streams.
     
   • A 100Base-T cable can carry 60* video (90KB/S) streams, or 400 non-video (22KB/S IMA) streams.
     
3. Student Computers (Clients)
   • All clients should have Microphones and Speakers or Headphones.
     
   • All clients must be able to access the file server as a hard drive (volume).
     
   • See the DynEd Users Guide for product specific requirements.

Other Information

• DynEd cannot guarantee network performance; these are guidelines only.
• Internet connectivity is only required when running Internet Records installations.
• DynEd recommends you have knowledgeable network support personnel available.