Network Planning
Making a Network Plan
1. Don't Rush through the planning phase
2. Write down the network plan
3. Let someone else read your network plan
Taking Stock
What you need to know
- Computers'
processor type and speed
- size
of hard disks and arrangement of partition
- Amount
of RAM
- version
of Windows/Linux
- type
of monitor
- type
of printer
- types
of software
- other
peripheral devices
Why Do You Need a Network, Anyway?
- share
files
- share
data
- share
programs
- share
software
- communications
Three Basic Network Decisions You Can't Avoid
BND #1: What network operating system will you use?
- Windows
XP Professional / Home
- Windows
2000
- Windows
2003 (which version)
- Linux
- Other
(Macintosh, Solaris)
BND #2: What arrangement of server computers will you use?
- Use
a dedicated server (doesn't have to be the biggest and fasted computer)
- Plan
how the program and data files will be arranged
- Consistently
assign drive letters to network drives
- How
many servers and what types (file, printer, domain controllers, etc.)
BND #3: How will you cable the network?
- Cable
- twisted-pair (UTP - 10BaseT)
- coax (thinnet -
10Base2)
- fiber (10BaseF)
- NICs
- hubs
- network
diagram
Networks to Go: Using a Network Starter Kit
Usually peer-to-peer, twisted-pair
cable, router/switch/Access Point
A Sample Network Plan
