Chapter 10

Connectivity: Opening Up Your LAN

• LAN Hardware Components
  • Connection Media
  • LAN Interfaces
• LAN Software/Network Operating Systems
  • NetWare
  • Windows NT
  • Windows for Workgroups
  • LANtastic
  • AppleTalk
  • TCP/IP
• Remote and Telecommuting Access to Your LAN
  • Modems
  • ISDN
• Setting Up the Network Servers
  • File Servers
  • Print Servers
  • E-Mail Servers
  • Communications Server
  • World Wide Web Servers
• Network Connectivity Hardware
• Summary

A local area network (LAN) at its simplest is comprised of two or more computers connected with cables and network operating software (NOS), which allows all the computers to talk to each other through the cables. Maximizing computer resources and making files and applications easier to share are just some of the reasons for implementing a LAN. If you have two or 502 computer users creating documents and spreadsheets that they want to print, you don't need two or 502 printers. You can share as few or as many printers over the LAN as you choose. The same is true for the applications that the computers use. Instead of buying 502 word processing applications, you can buy one or two copies with the appropriate number of licenses for each user and share the single copy of the application over the network. Many businesses, government offices, schools, colleges, and even some home computer users utilize local area networks to get the most out of their available resources.

Selecting the best LAN for a particular environment is a lot like choosing a car. You must determine the basic functions you need and then work your way down to the details. For example, first you must decide what type of car to purchase. Once you determine that a Chevy Suburban will meet all your needs, you then begin to consider the important, but somewhat minor details, such as the color, type of interior fabric, and rear door options, right down to the type of radio you desire. The same is true for LANs, beginning with choosing the appropriate operating system and the cable connection, as well as choosing which services users may access and at what time they may do so.

Assume that you need to purchase printers for a LAN. Consider the following questions: How many users are on the network? How many printers are necessary for these users? Do any staffers need a personal printer to receive confidential figures? The type of network an office uses to share word processing documents across the room is not necessarily the best network to share medical CAT scan images across a hospital campus.

Determining your needs, the technology to meet those needs, and then setting up a LAN can be a daunting task. In many cases, it may seem as though you have too many options for some products and services, while in other cases, you may have only an option or two. Some background reading on today's trends and tomorrow's predicted trends is worthwhile before you begin laying the foundation for the LAN that will hold your intranet.

This chapter explores computer and network connections and the various hardware and software systems that are available for LANs. Additionally, I'll discuss the services these systems provide and how these services are useful for remote and telecommuter access.

Just as any good architect wouldn't design a "dream home" without getting to know her clients, you must first understand the needs of your LAN clients before you begin designing the LAN architecture. After fully accessing your users' needs, including their capabilities, the function of their work, and whether those functions might change in the future, you will be ready to start designing the LAN best suited for this group of clients.