64kbps for single channel ISDN, 128kbps for ISDN2. Permanent connections range in speeds from about 64kbps to 2mbps and higher. This may result in larger scale procurement of Internet Service provision and remove the need for individual schools to negotiate this aspect of their service. For the moment schools should avoid getting tied into long term contracts for ISP access, which could prevent them taking advantage of such upcoming initiatives. Having a connection is only half the issue as in order to maximise the benefit some degree of management must be performed.
Proxy servers act as an interface between the school network and any external network.
While many ISPs will also be implementing this service, there are gains to be made by running a local instance. This involves preventing the user from changing aspects of the system, which could cause problems The Proxy function provides a single interface between a network and the rest of the world. Many proxy servers also offer a cache. Firewall software works to provide security and protection to the school network from attacks from the outside. Basically, a firewall examines all network traffic to determine whether to forward it towards its destination.