Classroom Network Setup
What is the goal of this guide?
This guide explains how to set up the local classroom network. The goal is to create a stable, offline network with one computer acting as a server to provide Wi-Fi for the other client machines.
CRITICAL CONFIGURATION RULES
- ONE SERVER ONLY: You can only have one computer configured as a
serveron the network at any time. Multiple servers will cause the entire network to fail. - SERVER MUST USE ETHERNET: The server machine must not be connected to Wi-Fi. It must use a wired Ethernet connection to the router.
Phase 1: Physical Setup
Click to see details for this phase…
This phase involves physically connecting the server and routers.
1. Choose and Connect the Server
How to choose a server…
Select one computer to be the server. This should ideally be a relatively fast machine with an Ethernet port. Connect this server directly to your primary router using an Ethernet cable.
2. Place and Connect Router(s)
Router placement tips…
- Single Router: Place the router in a central location to provide the best coverage for the classroom.
- Two Routers: If using a second router, connect it to the first one with an Ethernet cable and place them as far apart as possible to maximize Wi-Fi coverage.
3. Connect Clients via Ethernet (Recommended)
Why use Ethernet…
Whenever possible, connect client computers to a router using an Ethernet cable. This reduces Wi-Fi congestion and provides a more stable connection for those machines.
Phase 2: Software Configuration
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This phase involves configuring the server and client machines using the
tl-sys-configure tool.
1. Configure the Server
How to configure the server…
On your chosen server machine, run tl-sys-configure and set its Role to server.
Caution
Double-check that no other computer on the network is set to the server role.
2. Configure the Clients
How to configure clients…
On each client machine, run tl-sys-configure and:
- Set the Role to
client. - Set the Wi-Fi name (SSID) to match the network you want it to connect to.
3. Balance the Network Load
How to balance the load…
To prevent network congestion, distribute clients evenly across your access points.
- Single Router: All clients should be configured with the same Wi-Fi SSID.
- Two Routers: Configure roughly half of your wireless clients to connect to the first router’s Wi-Fi SSID, and the other half to the second router’s SSID.
4. Disable Wi-Fi on Wired Machines
Why disable Wi-Fi…
On all computers that are connected via an Ethernet cable (including the server), disable the Wi-Fi. You can do this using the network applet in the system tray or a physical hardware switch on the device.
Important
It is critical that the server is not connected to Wi-Fi.
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