Computer Requirements for Use of Odyssey Math

Appendix A:
Computer Requirements for Use of Odyssey Math
Odyssey Math Computer Requirements:
Information in this document is currently, however CompassLearning cautions that
on-going industry innovation may yield changes.
Odyssey PreK- 8 Browser Based Workstation Requirements July 2006

Odyssey PreK-8 Print and Scan Option: Scantron scanner available through
CompassLearning.
Notes
1
T-1 = 8 - 16 concurrent users, dependent upon available bandwidth and curriculum
chosen. Call for consultation or request a site assessment.
2
3

Required to run Pre-K learning activities.
Required for ELL content
• Odyssey requires Pop-up blockers be turned off for the Odyssey site.
• Ports 80 and 443 (SSL Encryption) must be open at the firewall.
• Specific browser settings and additional configuration combinations can be
found on the Systems Requirements page at
http://www.compasslearningodyssey.com/systemrequirements.html
• Odyssey PreK-8 may require web caching to enhance performance and increase
the number of concurrent users. See a CompassLearning representative.
• Odyssey PreK-8 Enterprise: The Odyssey Writer curriculum stores student work
portfolios, allow a minimum of 25 MB per school. Additional space may be
required dependent on use model.
• Odyssey PreK-8 Hosted: For Odyssey Writer, 25 MB of online disk storage is
available per school. Additional storage is available at additional cost.
Contact a CompassLearning sales representative.

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CompassLearning Odyssey PreK-8 Bandwidth Requirements and Considerations July 2006
BANDWIDTH

128 kbps per concurrent user to the host when management and content is retrieved for the main host. (Either the
Odyssey PreK-8 Enterprise or Odyssey ASP Web server.)
36 kbps per concurrent user to the host when the content is retrieved from a local web cache sever or appliance.
The number of concurrent users is dependent upon the server configuration, network speed, use and placement of
web cache servers or appliances.

NETWORK

Bandwidth Considerations
Existing network traffic. Is it used for voice too? Streaming video?
Slow or congested network connections using Odyssey PreK-8 will require web caching and will support a limited
number of concurrent users.
Fractional T1s are not supported.
10 mbps or greater typically do not require web caching dependent upon available bandwidth and number of
concurrent users.
Consider measuring bandwidth over a one week period to determine your available bandwidth.
CompassLearning will perform a Site Assessment at no charge to help determine the proper implementation model
for your situation.

ODYSSEY AND WEB CACHING SERVERS

Web Caching Recommended
To enhance web performance and preserve bandwidth, deployment of a Web caching for Odyssey PreK-8 is appropriate for
some infrastructures that do not have adequate bandwidth.
Advantages of Web Caching :
Reduced bandwidth consumption (fewer requests and responses that need to go over the network)
Reduced server load (fewer requests for the Odyssey server to handle)
Reduced latency (responses for cached requests are available immediately and closer to the client)
Increased number of concurrent users for Odyssey and other browser based activities.

WEB CACHE SERVER/APPLIANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Odyssey K-8 is designed from the ground as a browser based application. By design 80% of Odyssey’s content is
cacheable. Implementing a web caching strategy in your network infrastructure will speed the delivery of the content to your
students, while effectively utilizing the available bandwidth.
Odyssey requires 20 GB of web cache hard drive space for efficient operation.
Industry standard web caching software. Windows Server 2000/2003 with MS ISA, Volera, BorderManager, or
other caching engine on an appropriate server that meets or exceeds the system requirements as published by the
developer for the total number of internet/intranet users. (Not just Odyssey concurrent users.)
Industry standard web cache appliance sized for the total number of internet/intranet concurrent users. (Not just
Odyssey concurrent users.)

WIRELESS 802.11a/g NETWORK

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Odyssey operates on properly designed and implemented wireless networks. Recommended users to
access point ratio = 15:1
The number of concurrent users is dependent upon the network speed, environment and number of users per
access point.

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