Network Scale:
- How many clients do you have?
- How far apart are the computers?
- What software are you using?
- What software will you use?
- What special requirements do you have?
- How much can you spend?
How many computers do you have?
- The number of client computers you have is the most important factor in network design
- You all other design factors are affected by the size of your network
Peer Network (2-10 Users):
- A peer network provides basic connectivity between computers but does not set apart any central computer as a server or provide many of the security features of a centralized client server network.
- If you have only a few users and security is not a major concern, consider suing a peer network.
Peer networks are good for:
-File sharing
-Printer sharing
-E-mail
-Tight budget
-Easy installation
-Security
-Backup
-Organization of data
-Database application
-Large networks
-Simple administration
-Internet/WAN access
Single-Server Network (10-50 users):
- If you have fewer than about 50 people, you can run your entire organization with a single server.
- This allows you to centralize a number of services and maintain strong control over your network environment.
Single server nets are good for:
-Centralized file services
-Network printing
-E-mail
-Work flow and groupware
-Login security
-Archiving
-Organizing data
-Easy installation
-Simple administration
They are not good for:
-Application serving
-Distributed organizations
-Large organization
Multiserver Networks (50-250 Users):
As your network grows, however, a point will come when you need to begin adding more servers.
Multiserver nets are good for:
-Centralized file services
-Networking printing
-E-mail
-Workflow and groupware
-Login security
-Application services
-Large database
-Internet/WAN access
They are not good for:
-Tight budgets
-Easy installation
-Organizing data
-Simple administration
Multiserver High Speed Backbone Networks (250-1000 Users):
- With more than 250 clients, network planning becomes a lot more challenging.
- This number of clients tends to be spread out over larger areas than can be supported from a central computer room.
- This geographic aspect requires both a distributed network and a lot of servers.
- A network of this size will be connected with a high speed backbone that runs between servers.
It is good for:
-Centralized file services
-Networking printing
-E-mail
-Workflow and groupware
-Login security
-Application services
-Client-server database
-Internet/WAN access
It is not good for:
-Tight budgets
-Easy installation
-Organizing data
-Speed
Enterprise Networks (1000+ Users):
- Enterprise networks are so large they are no longer really considered a single network.
- With more than 1000 users, it’s best to break down the network into multiple connected networks that have different directory services and are split along some natural boundary.
- These smaller networks are then designed according to the criteria presented above smaller networks and then connected with the network and internetwork connectivity services.
It is good for:
-Networking printing
-E-mail
-Workflow and groupware
-Login security
-Application services
-Client-server database
-Internet access
It is not good for:
-Tight budgets
-Easy installation
-Centralized file services
-Organizing data
-Speed
How far Apart Are the Computers?
- The distance to the most distant client computer is important; it will help you determine which network protocol you should use and what type of cabling will work for your situation.
- Walking Rule: If you are less than 6 ft tall, multiply the number of paces by 2 ft. If you are over 6 ft, multiply the number of paces by 30 inches; then divide by 12 to get the number of feet. Add 20 ft for vertical rise to the ceiling and back down. The result will be a good estimate of the number of cable-feet between your most distant client and your network equipment area.
What software are you using?
- Software and files are the data that flows over a network, so knowing what type of software is in use will give you a good estimate of how much data per client will traverse the network.
- Word processors and Spreadsheets, Graphics and CAD, Database software
What software will you use?
- An important software consideration in addition to the software currently in use is the software you will add once your network is up and running.
- Networks naturally improve the communications processes in networked organizations with tools such as e-mail, internet connectivity and groupware.
What Special Requirement do you have?
- Do you have some special need for security on your network?
- Are any of your computers more than 100 m from where you will locate your hub?
- Have there been any problems with electrical interference that you know about?
- These issues will play a part in determing what sort of cabling and network devices you will need to install.
How much can you spend?
- The amount of money you can spend is a factor that will determine which solutions are available to you.
- Be sure to take the time to determine how much money you will be able to justify spending on your network.
