Hardware Configuration

This topic provides topology guidance for printers and WAPs. Note that hardware configuration requirements support a secure online testing environment, which is a state in which a device is restricted from accessing prohibited computer applications (local or internet-based) or copying or sharing test data. The purposes of this environment are to maintain test security and provide a stable testing experience for students across multiple platforms.

Connections Between Printers and Testing Devices

Test administrators and test examiners can print test session information and approve students’ requests to print stimuli or test items (for students assigned the print-on-demand resource). Nevertheless, to maintain a secure test environment, the test administrator’s or test examiner’s device should be connected to a single local or network printer in the testing room, and only the test administrator’s or test examiner’s device should have access to that printer.

Wireless Networking

The following are the most commonly deployed wireless networking standards:

• Wi-Fi 6 has a theoretical throughput of up to 9.6 gigabits per second.
• 802.11ac has a theoretical throughput of up to 1 gigabit per second.
• 802.11n has a theoretical throughput of up to 300 Mbps.
• 802.11g has a theoretical throughput of up to 54 Mbps.
• 802.11b has a theoretical throughput of 11 Mbps.

The recommended number of devices supported by a single wireless connection depends on the standard used for the connection. The two most common networking standards are 802.11g (54 Mbps) and 802.11n (300 Mbps).

Regardless of the number of WAPs, each should be configured to use Wi-Fi Protected Access II Advanced Encryption Standards (WPA2/AES) data encryption.

Hardware for Braille Testing

For information about braille hardware and software requirements, refer to the Testing Students with Visual Impairment Overview topic of the CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Guide.