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Network & Wi-Fi

This guide explains how to set up the local network in your classroom. One computer acts as a server; the others act as clients. All computers, including the server, are used by students.

Phase 1: Setting up Cables & Hardware

Section titled “Phase 1: Setting up Cables & Hardware”

This part involves connecting the server and routers together.

  1. Choose and Connect the Server

    Select one computer to be the server. This should be your fastest machine with an Ethernet port. Connect this server directly to your main router using a Ethernet Cable.

  2. Place and Connect Routers

    • One Router: Place it in the middle of the room for best Wi-Fi signal.
    • 2 routers: If you have a second router, connect it to the first one with a cable. Place them as far apart as possible.

  3. Connect Other Computers with Cables (Best)

    Whenever possible, connect the other computers to a router using a Ethernet Cable. This is much faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.

Phase 2: Software Setup

Section titled “Phase 2: Software Setup”

This part involves setting up the Role on each computer using the tl-sys-configure tool.

  1. Set up the Server

    On the main server machine, run tl-sys-configure and set its Role to server.

  2. Set up the Clients

    On each computer configured as a client, run tl-sys-configure and do the following:

    1. Set the Role: Set the Role to client.
    2. Set the Wi-Fi Name: Set the SSID (Wi-Fi name) to match the network you want clients to use.

  3. Turn off Wi-Fi on Wired Machines

    On any computer connected with a cable (including the server), turn off the Wi-Fi. You can use the network icon at the bottom right of the screen, next to the volume and battery icons, to do this.

Fixing Network Problems

Section titled “Fixing Network Problems”

If your classroom network is not working, follow these steps to fix common issues. If you still have trouble, recheck Phase 1 and Phase 2 to ensure everything is connected correctly.

Quick Check List

Section titled “Quick Check List”

Work through these checks in order.

  1. Restart Devices

    Power off your routers and the server (main) computer, then turn them back on.

  2. Check Physical Connections

    • Ensure the grey or white network cables are plugged in firmly at both ends.
    • Check the Server machine has a solid cable connection to the main router.
    • Look at the router lights to ensure they are on and blinking.

  3. Ensure a Single Server

    Check that only one computer on the network is set as the server in tl-sys-configure. Having 2 servers will cause the network to fail.

  4. Check Client Configuration

    On a computer configured as a client that cannot connect, run tl-sys-configure and check:

    1. Role: Set to client.
    2. Wi-Fi Name: Set to the correct network name.

  5. Check Server Status

    On the Server computer, check if the “address server” (DHCP) is running. Open the terminal and type:

    rsv status dhcpd4

    Expected Result: The status should show run. If it shows down, type sudo rsv restart dhcpd4.

Common Problems & Solutions

Section titled “Common Problems & Solutions”
Problem Quick Fix
No Wi-Fi visible Check if the Server and Router are powered on and the Server’s own Wi-Fi is disabled.
“Limited Connection” This usually means the address server is not working. See Step 5 above.
Very Slow Network Too many computers on Wi-Fi. Connect more machines using grey/white cables.

Next:Update the computers. If the network stops working again, use Fixing Network Problems above.