# RAT IT Infrastructure Overview **Status:** Documentation in progress - network infrastructure needs clarification **Latest Update (2025-11-10):** Proposed new design using Netgear switch as distribution point for both internet and QNAP media server access. ## Purpose This folder documents the Recording Arts & Technology IT infrastructure at Southwestern College, including network topology, equipment inventory, and configuration details. This is **private documentation** for administrative and technical reference. ## Proposed Network Design (November 2025) **Goal:** All classroom computers get BOTH internet and QNAP media server access through single ethernet connection. **Proposed Setup:** ``` [Cisco Switch - Internet Gateway] ← Managed by IT ↓ (1G or 10G uplink) [Netgear M4350/M4300 Switch] ← We manage this ↑ (10G SFP+ local connection) [QNAP Media Server in Machine Room] ← Full autonomy ↓ (Netgear distributes to all 48 ports) [Classroom Wall Panels] ↓ [Each Mac gets: Internet + QNAP via ONE cable] ``` **Why this design:** - ✅ QNAP gets 10G connection via SFP+ - ✅ Netgear distributes both internet and QNAP to all ports - ✅ IT maintains control of Cisco/internet gateway - ✅ We maintain full autonomy over QNAP and Netgear switch - ✅ One cable per classroom computer (not two) - ✅ QNAP in Machine Room for easy access/management/KVM display **Separate Dante Network:** - USB-C Audinate dongles on each Mac (second NIC) - Patched to separate Ubiquiti Dante switch - Completely isolated from internet/QNAP network **Questions for IT:** See [[Questions for IT Department]] ## Current Understanding The RAT network infrastructure spans three main locations: 1. **FTMA Building** - Entry point with SFP Panel, Patch Panel, and Cisco Internet Switches 2. **IDF Room** - Distribution point with multiple switches, router, and patch panels 3. **Machine Room** - Equipment location with Dante network, NAS, and various switches ### Key Confusion Points - **Public vs Private Network Architecture:** Internet comes in publicly, but becomes private at our router - need to clarify exactly where this transition happens - **Cisco Switch Configuration:** Multiple Cisco 3850 switches in IDF room with unclear roles - **SFP Connection Labels:** Mislabeling between 850 D1-15/D1-16 and 900 D1-16 needs resolution - **Drive Configuration:** Drives showing as full - need capacity management documentation ## Network Equipment Inventory ### IDF Room - **Ubiquiti Gigabit Network Switch (Dante)** - Dedicated to Dante audio network - **Cisco 3850 Switch** (x3) - One labeled "internet", two others with unclear roles - **Ubiquiti Router** - Primary router (public/private network boundary?) - **SFP Panel** with patch connections to Machine Room - **Patch Panel** ### Machine Room - **Netgear M4300-52G-PoE+** (Model: NET-M4300-52G-APSPOE+PC) - 48 x Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Ports - 2 x 10G Ethernet Ports - 2 x 10G SFP+ Ports - 176 Gb/s Switching Capacity - 860W PoE budget - **NAS** - Network-attached storage - **Dante Uplink** - **NDI** connection - **Internet Uplink** - **Computer** and **SSL** console connections - **Netgear 10 Gigabit Switch** - Additional high-speed switching ### FTMA Building - **Cisco Internet Switches** - Entry point for WAN connection - **SFP Panel** and **Patch Panel** ### Legacy Equipment - **PoE Switch** - **D-Link Web Switch** - **SSL Switch** ## Network Topology See `Network Topology Diagram.md` for visual reference showing connections between all three locations. ## Documentation Needs - [ ] Clarify public/private network boundary and routing - [ ] Document IP address schemes for each network segment - [ ] Identify purpose/role of each Cisco 3850 switch - [ ] Resolve SFP labeling discrepancy (850 vs 900) - [ ] Document VLAN configuration (if any) - [ ] Create drive capacity management procedures - [ ] Map all physical cable runs between locations - [ ] Document switch port assignments - [ ] Create network troubleshooting guide ## Related Documentation - [[Network Topology Diagram]] - Visual representation of three-location network - [[Equipment Inventory]] - Detailed specs and locations - [[Network Configuration]] - IP schemes, VLANs, routing (to be created) - [[Drive Management]] - Storage capacity and usage (to be created) ## Questions to Answer 1. **Where exactly does internet become private?** Is it at the Ubiquiti Router in IDF room? 2. **What are the three Cisco 3850 switches doing?** One is marked "internet" - what about the other two? 3. **SFP labeling:** Which is correct - 850 D1-15/16 or 900 D1-16? Need to physically verify. 4. **Drive capacity:** What drives are showing as full? Are they on the NAS? 5. **10G connectivity:** How are the SFP+ connections being used between IDF and Machine Room? 6. **Dante network:** Is the Ubiquiti Dante switch completely isolated or does it connect to main network?