LearnSpace Server User's GuideDeployment guidelines
The LearnSpace server is a program designed to give access to one or more large shared screens over the network. Following these guidelines will help your deployment of the LearnSpace server work better.
Making the server reachable
In order for clients to contact the server, it must be reachable over the network on TCP port 80. In other words, the computer on which the LearnSpace server program is running must have a reachable address and must be able to accept incoming TCP connections on port 80. This is required for the LearnSpace server to be functional.
With a firewall
If you have a firewall between your clients and the server, you should ensure that HTTP traffic on port 80 will be allowed on connections inbound to the server machine. Also ensure that appropriate firewall rules are in place for the server machine if you are using a firewall other than Windows Firewall.
Improving speed
The server will perform best when there is as few network hops as possible between the clients and the server. If connecting a wireless access point directly to the server machine is not possible, consider finding other ways to minimize the intervening network infrastructure between clients and the server. More network hops will result in larger delays between when a user does something on his or her machine and when it is reflected on the shared display.
To help the speed of the system, ensure that all wired network connections between the clients and the server are capable of sustained 100 Mbit/s throughput or greater (10 Mbit/s connections may result in slower performance). Most likely the speed bottleneck will be in the first wireless hop from the clients to the access point. Consider installing wireless access points that will perform well with large numbers of users and have excellent bandwidth.
More screens
The LearnSpace server will support up to 10 screens controlled by the same display. Providing more screen "real-estate" for users allows more engaging discussions and participation to happen. Consider connecting multiple screens or projectors to a single server machine to enable these richer experiences. These screens must be connected in extended desktop mode. Be sure to restart the LearnSpace server after changing the screen setup.
Also, ensure that each screen connected to the server is displaying a pixel resolution of at least 1024 x 768. Having a higher pixel resolution than this will help because more information can be seen when screens are split between users.