View source for XS Recommended Hardware

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[[Category:SchoolServer]]

This is a description of the hardware recommended for the [[School server]]. Unlike the current laptop, the school server is currently off-the-shelf (OTS) hardware. This document outlines general criteria for the School Server and has some specific notes about what we recommend for the XS.

=Overview=

Overall considerations

* Known to be compatible with Fedora (Fedora 7 / Fedora 9) which is a modern Linux distribution.
* Low power consumption
* Operation in environmentally challenging conditions

=Hardware known to work=

This hardware has been tested with the XS images - add your own, if possible with notes as to its suitability for the rule

* HP/Compaq dx2250 - used by Martin Langhoff as test XS, low memory. Is RH-certified, and ships with a factory RH install.
* Laptop Dell Latitude D380 - used by Martin Langhoff as test XS.
* Dell PowerEdge SC440 - used by Martin Langhoff as test XS.

As our work is based on a Fedora Linux, the Hardware compatibility notes for Fedora and RH systems is the best guide. See:

* [https://hardware.redhat.com/ RedHat's Certified Hardware list]
* [http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/FAQ#Is_there_a_certification_program_for_hardware_that_works_with_Fedora.3F Notes on HCLs for Fedora and Smolt]
* [http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/HCL Fedora HCL] - appears temporarily abandoned, but Smolt stats can be of use to see whether a particular HW is used in the field with Fedora systems - see the [http://smolt.fedoraproject.org stats page] - the [https://fedorahosted.org/smolt project page] explains how it works.

=Hardware Profile=

* 1GHz+ x86 processor
* 1+ GB main memory
* Four to six USB interfaces, with power for three Marvell Wifi nodes and an external disk drive.
* One 300GB+ 3.5in SATA drive (500 GB makes more sense right now)
* Power and space for a second disk drive
* Two 100baseT network interfaces (one will do in some cases)
* Minimal fans
** replace them with heatsinks where possible
** easily replaceable
* Minimal openings in the case to avoid dust, etc
* Test it in the heat - should work in up to 50 deg C

===Scaling up===

For larger schools, add RAM, disk storage and CPU (in that order).

==Environmental notes==

The location where the HW will be deployed determines the environmental requirements. Our guidelines are as follows:

* Temperature: Should meet the same environmental specifications for temperature as the laptop. This is 50 C ambient.
* Dust: For dusty environments, the hardware should be in an enclosure without vents, have no fans, and have protection for ports such as USB ports.
* Water, humidity: For humid environments the server should be capable of long-term operation in a constantly humid (100%) environment.
* Connectors and buttons should be resistant to water and dust intrusion.  Buttons should  be sealed against water, and connectors located and cables dressed to prevent water intrusion.

==Other considerations==

* Mounting: the hardware should be able to run from a flat surface or be mounted on a wall and/or hangable.
* Drop and Shake: should meet higher drop and shake specifications than standard consumer desktop PCs, to account for rough transport in the delivery.

=XSX Specifications=

OTS systems builders should aim for these XSX specs:

* 1GHz+ x86 processor
* 1+ GB main memory
* Four to six USB interfaces, with power for three Marvell Wifi nodes and an external disk drive.
* One 300GB+ 3.5in SATA drive (500 GB makes more sense right now)
* Power and space for a second disk drive
* Two 100baseT network interfaces (one will do in some cases)
* Minimal fans 
** replace them with heatsinks where possible
** easily replaceable
* Minimal openings in the case to avoid dust, etc
* Test it in the heat - should work in up to 50 deg C
* Test the actual network performance

There are many hardware platforms meeting these specifications.  We are working on a recommendation for a low power version.