Network Components Overview

Network Operating System (NOS):

The network operating system is the basis for everything else on the network. It affects what software and solutions can be used.

• Windows 2000 Server - This is recommended NOS in almost all cases. It is the industry standard and offers the most compatibility, features, functionality and support of any NOS.
• Novell NetWare version 3.x 4.x or 5.x - Version 3.x and 4.x are older products that used to be widely used. They are stable and reliable but offer significantly less functionality and features that Windows NT/2000 Server. Many new software programs cannot run on a Netware server. Version 5 is a new version but has not been widely adopted. If you have a Netware server you should think about when & why to convert to NT or 2000.
• Windows Peer to Peer - OK for up to 5 users but not recommended. This is inexpensive for a couple of users but is much less reliable and stable.
• Linux - Complex configuration and lack of standardized support make Linux impractical for most mainstream server use today. May be appropriate for specialized needs such as web or email hosting.

Server:

The quality and features of your server(s) has the single most impact on the reliability of your network. Network performance is also significantly affected by the speed of your server.

• Brand Name – WTI recommends using brand name servers (Compaq, HP, Dell). These servers are the most reliable and most importantly they are tested and certified as compatible with the major network operating systems.

• Processor Speed – As fast as you can afford. The processor has the greatest effect on the speed of the server and cannot be easily upgraded so don’t skimp on the processor. Make sure any servers you purchase support at least two processors. (Most new servers do.) Adding a second processor is an easy way to increase the speed and life span of a server. Generally, when you need a new processor, you need a new server.

• Memory – Most new servers today should come with at least 256MB of memory. 512 mb is better and if it is a larger server go to 1gb of memory..
• Storage - 36GB should be the standard minimum drive space for a server. RPM speed affects the speed of the drive. The standard today is 10,000rpm. Consider upgrading to 15,000rpm drive if performance is a concern. (18GB is acceptable for older or “task” servers or very small networks).
• Hard drives - Should be SCSI. IDE drive are slower and less expandable. IDE may be ok for smaller networks but not generally recommened.
• Fault Tolerance: This is the ability for the server to recover from a hardware failure without downtime. No matter what type of fault tolerance you have, you still need a tape backup.

1. RAID5 Hard Drives – Requires at least three hard drives in the server. If any single drive fails, the server will keep running without interruption. (recommended for larger systems) RAID5 also improves the speed of the server because the load is spread evenly over the drives.

2. Mirrored or Duplexed Hard Drives – One drive is an exact copy of the other. If the first drive fails, the system can be re-booted and run from the second drive. (easy and inexpensive way to get fault tolerance for smaller systems)

3. Redundant Power Supplies – Two or more power supplies. If one fails the server keeps running with the other one. (recommended for larger systems)

• Network Attached Storage (NAS) - Specialized low cost servers that supply large amounts of drive space. WTI recommends these for larger storage needs like imaging.
• Software Requirements – Many software programs have specific requirements for servers that should be considered before purchasing. If you have any software that it critical to the operation of your business, check before buying.

UPS:

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a battery that keeps the server running the case of a power outage and regulates the flow of power removing brown outs and spikes.

• Must be powerful enough for server size.
• Recommend APC Smart UPS for servers. (Automatically shuts down server in power outage)
• Use a UPS for workstations if there are power concerns in your building.

Tape backup:

• Server based, SCSI tape drives are recommended. (Preferably from the same manufacturer as the server).
• Should have enough capacity to backup all data on the server hard drives.
• Veritas Backup Exec tape backup software is recommended. It is an industry standard and has options for anything your network can dish up including multiple servers, Exchange Servers, SQL Servers, etc.
• Multiple servers can be backed-up by having an individual tape drive in each server or a larger centralized backup in one server.

Cabling:

• Should be CAT5e, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
• Should have Patch Panel for anything over 5 users

Hubs and Switches:

• Switches and hubs do the same thing but switches are faster. If you still have hubs, that may be ok for now but buy switches whenever you need something new.
• Must have enough ports for all network attached devices
• Should be 10/100 auto-sensing.

Workstations or PCs:

The quality and speed of you PCs has the single biggest impact on overall network speed. The following are major issues to be considered when evaluating PCs.

• Brand Name: WTI recommends using brand name computers (Compaq, HP or Dell). These PC are generally the most reliable, most well tested for compatibility, and most well supported PCs available. They usually are not much (if at all) more expensive than quality “clone” PCs. Be aware that these manufactures offer both business and personal (or home) models of PCs. You will want to make sure you buy the model of PC designed for business use.
• “Clone” PCs can be of very good quality and may even be well supported by their manufacturer. You simply are taking more chances when buying a clone. Not all computers are the same (even of they have the same specifications). Some “clone’s” are built well and some aren’t. Generally, if the price seems too good to be true, it is.
• Operating System:
• Windows XP Professional - The “current” version of Windows and the recommended system as long as it is compatible with the software you run. Check with your primary software vendors before using. There is also “home” version called Windows XP Home. Do not use Windows XP Home in business environments as it lacks many important networking features. Also consider using Windows XP Professional in your home if you plan on connecting to an office network or networking your computers at home.
• Windows 2000 Professional – Not that different than Windows XP and the next best choice if your software is not compatible with Windows XP.
• Windows 98 Second Edition – Plan on upgrading to Windows XP Professional soon.
• Windows ME (Millennium) – DO NOT USE. It has lots of problems.
• Windows 95 and Windows NT Workstation – These are older versions that can no longer be purchased and should no longer be used.
• Processor Speed: Should be Pentium 4. The processor has the greatest effect on the speed of the PC and they cannot be easily upgraded so don’t skimp on the processor. Generally, when you need a new processor, you need a new PC.
• Memory:
• Windows XP or 2000 - 256MB is minimum we recommend. More is always better. The more memory, the faster the PC. (Memory can be easily upgraded later as needed)
• Windows 98 or 98 – 128MB recommended
• Hard Drive – Most new PCs will come with a 20GB or larger drive. This is adequate for most networks. Because files and programs are stored on the network servers, large drive are generally not needed in PCs.
• Network Card (NIC): Use brand name. Intel or 3Com are preferred.
• CDROM - All PCs should have CDROMs
• CDRW - CD Re-writable drive. At least one PC is every office should have a re-writable CD drive. If the cost is comparable to a CDROM just get a CDRW instead.
• Modem – External modems are easier to troubleshoot and move.
• Sound – Most new PCs come with audio capabilities included. This does not mean it has speakers. You will want to verify that the PC includes speakers if you want sound.
• Software Requirements – Many software programs have specific requirements for PCs that should be considered before purchasing.

Printing:

The best way to handle printing on a network depends a great deal on your business workflows and on what software you are running. One of the major questions is whether to have printers connected to each PC (local) or centralized printers connected to the network. It is common to have a combination of network printers and some local printers as needed. There is no one, right solution for printing but the following offers some guidelines and things to consider:

• Use HP LaserJet printers whenever possible. They are industry standard and well supported.
• WTI generally recommends network printers over local:

1. A single network printer is usually less expensive and faster than many local printers.

2. Print quality is usually better.

3. Network printers are more widely supported by agency management systems.

4. Network printers are easier to administer and support than local printers.

• Ways to connecting printers to the network:

1. Print server (WTI recommends HP JetDriect print servers). They are industry standard, fast, and well supported. This is the best way to connect a network printer.

2. Printer cable connected to server. (Printer must be located close to server).

3. Printers can be connected to a workstation and shared but this is not recommended due to speed and reliability issues.

Remote Access or Dial in:

This is the ability to access the network from a remote location. There are three main methods for providing remote access depending on needs and budget. All of these solutions can be implemented via modems or over the Internet.

• Remote Access Service (RAS)
• Provides a connection into the network via a RAS server. Makes the connection act just like a network card for the remote computer.
• Works fine for email or file transfers but is too slow to run software.
• Included in Windows NT/2000 Server with no additional software to purchase. You just need to turn it on.
• Often used in conjunction with remote control or server based networking to provide additional security.
• Remote Control Software
• Software (like PCAnywhere) that loads on a PC and allows a remote computer to view the screen and control the mouse and keyboard of the “Host” PC.
• Requires a separate computer in the office for each user that needs to be connected.
• Difficult to configure access to multiple PCs behind a firewall.
• Server Based Networking with Terminal Services or Citrix.
• Special version of Windows Nt/2000 Server that allows multiple users to remotely control one server at the same time.
• Some software is not compatible.
• Requires an additional server.
• The only good solution for large numbers of remote users.

Internet Access:

• How you connect: (Speed and number of concurrent users)

1. Modem (Available everywhere but very slow)

2. ISDN (Similar to modem but faster. A viable option if DSL is not available).

3. DSL (Usually the best price / performance where available).

4. Cable (Comparable to DSL but more prone to speed fluctuations that DSL. A good option when DSL is not available.)

5. Wireless (Affordable and potentially very fast where available).

6. Frame Relay or T1 (Fast, reliable and expensive)

• Type of connection:

1. Dynamic (dynamically assigned IP address). Not capable of supporting incoming traffic (hosting Web, email or VPN). This is what you usually get with the least expensive Internet connections.

2. Static (statically assigned IP address). This is always the best choice but can cost more money each month. A ststic IP is required if you want to connect to your network remotely. Can handle incoming traffic (hosting Web, email or VPN)

• Firewall: Allows your users to access the Internet but keeps Internet users from accessing your network. A requirement for any dedicated or static connection.
• Monitoring & Filtering: The ability to track where users go on the Internet and to disallow browsing to sites that contain inappropriate content.

Email / Messaging:

• Internal / Interoffice: Send email within your business without it going out on the Internet. Centralized user and group lists. May have other features like group scheduling and task lists.
• Internet. Send email to valid Internet email addresses.
• Exchange Server - Recommended for a combined solution or just Internal email.
• Outlook Express is for Internet mail only.

Virus Protection:

• Should protect all Servers, PCs and Email Servers.
• Virus definitions must be updated regularly.
• No virus software can protect your network from all viruses, especially new ones.
• WTI recommends Norton Anitvirus because of its automated virus definition updates and its centralized management.

Faxing:

• Send and receive faxes from each users’ desktop.
• Users don’t have to walk to and from the fax machine or wait for other faxes to finish.
• No ink, toner or paper to purchase.
• Can be used for Outbound only, Inbound only or both.
• Inbound faxes can be printed, OCR scanned and automatically routed, or sent to one user who then distributes to others via the software.
• Can be integrated with email so that all faxes can be sent and received via Outlook.
• Some faxing solutions can be integrated with software like agency management systems. Compare price and features, however, before getting using the faxing solution from and agency management vendor.

Imaging

The ability to scan, store and retrieve images of paper documents instead of the originals. This is a broad topic that includes not only hardware and software but business workflows and procedures as well. Some of the issues include:

• Centralized or decentralized scanning? Should you have one or two high speed, centralized scanners or less expensive scanning at each desk?
• Who will perform the scanning? Does each user scan his or her own stuff or does one person scan everything.
• Do you have enough computer storage to support the imaging? Imaging generally requires a large amount of drive space. (Network Attached Storage servers like Snap! Servers are good choices for adding large amounts of drive space cost effectively).
• What software stores, finds, and retrieves the images after scanning?

Wide Area Networking:

• How you connect: (Speed and number of concurrent users)

1. Modem

2. ISDN

3. DSL

4. Wireless

5. Frame Relay

• Router appropriate for the type of connection is required.
• Server Based Networking (Terminal Server / Citrix) is recommended if software is to be run across the WAN link. Required for software that is not specifically designed for wide area networking.