NetDiverse Managed Internal Broadband Service (MIBS) Engineering Guidelines

Although the below is identified typically for schools, most standards are also valid for libraries and other institutions.

Default* MIBS Service Goals:

  • Ensure at least one AP is physically located in every instructional space, including classrooms, auditorium, gym, library, etc.
  • Provide 1.1 to 1.3 APs per classroom average at the school building for schools approaching 250 students or more.
  • Preferably, no more than three 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signals should be visible at any one point at a signal level of over -85dBm in these cases.
  • Provide, at a minimum, 1 AP per 50 people allowed by fire code in cafeteria, auditorium or other common areas that are used for instruction or testing.   This guideline may be adjusted with 802.11ac Wave 2 access points where AP capacity is increased well beyond the 50 devices per AP.
  • Only Engineer utilizing DFS channels when absolutely necessary
  • Engineer wireless systems to provide -72dBm or better 5GHz signal in all classrooms and common areas.
  • Engineer wireless capacity to support 1.75 devices per student simultaneously in use (based on school policy). This number accounts for multiple devices for some students as well as teacher devices and embedded devices such as Apple TV and Chromecast.
  • New APs should include at least one 5GHz and one 2.4GHz antennas.  Where possible 802.11ac 3×3 MIMO or 802.11ac Wave 2 4×4 MU:MIMO or better antennas should be used.
  • Ensure support for IEEE 802.1X authentication and future integration with identity management systems.
  • Implement solutions that support at least 25 simultaneous 720p video streams in each classroom
  • Where possible, construct new cabling so that all new cable should support 10 Gbps over copper (CAT6A) to each AP, allowing for POE+  At a minimum cabling must meet 1 Gbps to each AP. (CAT5e or CAT6)
  • Where possible, specify that all new cable between wiring closets is fiber and supports 10 Gbps or greater.
  • Engineer the network to provide at least 1.0 Mbps per student from client device to school building edge WAN connection, with no oversubscription inside the school building. Specifically, nowhere in the building should more than 1000 students (approximately) be on the downstream side of a 1 Gbps switch connection.
  • Engineer, Design, and Install the network to provide one Gigabit Ethernet (switch port) connected to every new AP, with future upgradeability to multi-gigabit Ethernet preferred as utilization needs require
  • Establish a goal of 99.9% network uptime during school hours, and 99% network uptime after school hours and weekends and in support best practices to realize these goals
  • Provide fguest network access, that is given lower priority and rate limited to ensure it does not indirectly interfere with instruction related traffic (guest access is based on school policy)
  • Specify current up-to-date IEEE 802.11 standards are implemented

 

The above Service Goals are reasonable targets for Engineering, Design, Implementation and Operational Management in most schools and libraries. Each environment is unique and some geographic, physical, or other variables may require more than the standard MIBS budget to meet all of these goals.

*Some MIBS agreements may have more specific or alternative service goals.