SmartClass is the only language lab platform that supports connectivity options for each of the three major network types that are commonly deployed in school language lab environments.
By Gerry Sullivan
Date of Creation: 2019-11-13
Last Update: 2019-11-13
The choice of which network to deploy for a language lab will be influenced by the type of technology being used, (e.g. desktop computers, laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, BYOD), the availability of a dedicated room, the need to support specific real-time didactic capabilities (e.g. conversation pairing), and the level of performance (speed, quality, & flexibility) required.
The three major network types that are commonly deployed in school language lab environments are:
- ASDN (Application-Specific Dedicated Network)
- LAN (Local Area Network)
- WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
This document provides an overview of the benefits and limitations of each network type so that you can make an informed decision regarding which network is best for your school’s language lab.
ASDN – APPLICATION-SPECIFIC DEDICATED NETWORK
A SmartClass ASDN is used in combination with a traditional data network (LAN). The ASDN uses dedicated cabling and hardware switching modules to offload media-rich data (audio, screen video, and/or both) from the school’s data network.
| BENEFITS | LIMITATIONS |
| ☑️ Best overall performance | ❎ Works only with desktop computers |
| ☑️ Superb HD video quality | ❎ Uses wired network connections |
| ☑️ Excellent Hi-Fi audio quality | ❎ Requires a dedicated room |
| ☑️ Does not load the school’s data network | ❎ Most expensive solution |
LAN – LOCAL AREA NETWORK (Wired)
A traditional wired LAN provides excellent value: It has good performance at a modest cost. Modern network switches provide dedicated 1000 Mbps (1Gbps) connections to all devices and employ a backbone that has virtually unlimited bandwidth.
| BENEFITS | LIMITATIONS |
| ☑️ Best overall value | ❎ Works only with desktop & Laptop computers |
| ☑️ Good video quality | ❎ Uses wired network connections |
| ☑️ Good audio quality | ❎ Requires a dedicated room |
WLAN – WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK (WIFI)
A WLAN network solution supports the broadest range of student devices, including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, Chromebooks, and even smartphones. Additionally, no dedicated cabling is required. WLANs have the greatest performance challenges, as they commonly have a limited usable bandwidth of less than 150 Mbps that is shared by all devices, and they are susceptible to RF interference from other devices and other networks.
| BENEFITS | LIMITATIONS |
| ☑️ Works with all devices (e.g. tablets, etc.) | ❎ Potential performance restrictions |
| ☑️ Wireless | ❎ Susceptible to RF interference |
| ☑️ Portable |
Contact us if you would like more information.