This week our focus is wireless networks. At Natomas Charter School we maintain multiple wireless networks. We maintain separate networks because our devices need to be filtered at different levels and we need to ensure that our internal network resources are safe from malware and viruses. While useful, the separate networks can be a bit confusing, so here is a listing of each network and its intended use by campus.
Main Campus
Here we maintain four networks - two for devices owned by the school and two for devices owned by students and staffNCS-Staff
This network is used by wireless devices owned by Natomas Charter School, primarily teacher and staff laptops. All of these devices have antivirus and malware protection software and since the devices are used by staff the filtering is fairly open. Only the IT department has access to this password and we add it to all devices when they are set up.
NCS-Student
This network is almost identical to NCS-Staff with more restrictive filtering. It is used to support our school-owned Chromebooks and iPads. Similar to NCS-Staff this password is maintained by the IT department.
NCS-StaffGuest
Bringing your own iPad, iPhone, or laptop to school? No problem. You can use NCS-StaffGuest to connect to the network. It is filtered at the same level as NCS-Guest, but does not allow users to access internal network resources (servers, networked printers, etc.) and instead routes users directly to the Internet. We do this because personal devices may not have adequate antivirus/malware protection software. All NCS staff members have access to this password. I am not posting it here since this is a public site, but feel free to contact the IT department or check your email if you do not know the password. Please do not provide it to students. Last year this happened and everyone ended up having to re-set their devices.
NCS-Guest - This network is available for all students (at teacher-direction) and guests who are not NCS employees. It is filtered like NCS-Student, but similar to NCS-Staff Guest does not allow access to internal network resources. When using NCS-Guest it is important to launch a web-browser after connecting, accept the security certificate, and enter your email address.
PACT & Star
These two campuses have different wireless hardware than the main campus, so their system is slightly different as well.
NCS-Staff
Identical to NCS-Staff at the Main Campus
NCS-Student
Identical to NCS-Student at the Main Campus
NCS-Guest
Very similar to NCS-Guest at the Main Campus and meant for use by student, staff, or outside guest personal devices.
NCS-Staff
Identical to NCS-Staff at the Main Campus
NCS-Student
Identical to NCS-Student at the Main Campus
NCS-Guest
Very similar to NCS-Guest at the Main Campus and meant for use by student, staff, or outside guest personal devices.
Hopefully, this post clears up some confusion about our wireless networks. We are constantly working on improving the system, so you may hear of updates as well in the future. Please let us know if you have any questions. Should you ever come across a site you or your students need simply put in a Help Ticket (or email if it is an emergency) and we will take care of it.
Joe
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