1. Basic Computer Networking at the Toolik Field Station
Dr. Todd Valentic
Center for Geospace Studies
SRI International

2. Basic Network Components
Hosts
NIC
Interconnect
Switch
Router
– Computers, printers, servers
– Network interface card
– Cables or wireless
– Common connection point
– Communicates with external networks

3. Wireless Networking - Connect to wired LAN through an access point.
- Hosts use a wireless network
interface card (NIC) to talk to
the access point.
- IEEE b - 11Mbps
- IEEE a - 54Mbps
- IEEE g - 11/54Mbps
Toolik wireless network
is IEEE b.

4. Wireless Bridges
Access points can also be used to connect two wired networks
One central access point, several remote access points
Each access point can also service local wireless hosts

5. Toolik Field Station Network

6. Toolik Network Issues
Good news: key network infrastructure is holding up well and meeting demand.
T1 offsite fiber can handle current load.
Ability to add more voice-over-IP phones.
802.11b wireless migration to g (backwards compatible, 5 times faster)
As Station usage increases, consider installing fiber to select buildings