Networks 101
 There are literally tens of thousands of information sources about networks and networking that are easily accessible. In the end, though, after wading through hundreds of pages crammed with information, it all comes down to one thing: the primary purpose of a network is the sharing and management of information.
1. The Server Hardware
The server acts as an information bank for network users. It can also manage printing services, email/calendaring services, applications, and in some cases, security services.
The server is the anchor of any network. Any problems with the server have the potential to ripple through the user community, causing downtime and loss of productivity. For this reason, IOSi recommends organizations purchase quality, name brand equipment, with solid warranties and good customer service reputations.
2. The Server Software
In addition to reliable hardware, it is important to include a good software solution in the shopping list. The key here is to pick a manufacturer who is able to provide continued support and product stability. Currently; Microsoft is the leader in the field for both operating systems and groupware for small and medium sized businesses.
3. The UPS
A UPS is essentially a giant battery that attaches to your server. It is designed to act as a barrier between the power source and the server. In the event of a power surge or an outage, it will protect the server from harm. IOSi strongly recommends clients have a “smart” UPS that will actually sense when battery power is running low, and shut the server down gracefully, in an orderly fashion.
4. The Backup Device
There are many different types of backup devices on the market today, ranging from writable CD-ROMs to DLT. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, depending upon the amount of data and requirements for mean time to recovery. Every organization should have a backup strategy that includes daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly backups, including a rotation of tapes taken off-site for safekeeping.
Any company that does not take its backups seriously is risking total loss of data. Given the value of a company's data, and the catastrophic impact of its loss, investing in a solid backup solution is among one of the best uses of IT dollars.
5. The Hub or Switch
Every network includes a device that connects the users to the server, and this device is the slowest part of the network. There are two types of devices used: the hub or the switch.
Hubs are older technology that work on a first come, first basis. A passive hub serves simply as a conduit for the data, enabling it to go from one device (ie: as server) to another (ie: a users' PC). So-called intelligent hubs include additional features that allow monitoring of traffic passing through the hub. Intelligent hubs are also called manageable hubs.
Switches use newer (and better) technology. A switch actually reads the destination address on a data packet and sends it on to the correct port (user). This improves connectivity across the network and speeds user access to the server. Obviously, the faster the device, the better the performance of a network. Currently, switches work at 10-, 100- and 1000-Mbps.
7. Security
Without a barrier between a network and the outside world, an organization is vulnerable to malicious attacks and theft or misuse of confidential information. For this reason, a network exposed to the outside world through an Internet connection must have a firewall in place.
Firewalls inspect incoming and outgoing data packets for protocol, destination, origin and content. They also provide secure communication via remote access (VPN), and site-to-site tunnels. They can be configured to help prevent the misuse of a corporate Internet connection through Web site filtering, blocking and tracking. In addition, firewalls add another layer of protection against viruses, and malicious Internet attacks.
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