CHAPTER Network Hardware

Chapter Objectives Describe the important basic network hardware and the internetworking hardware Discuss the desired characteristics of a server and a workstation Present different switching technologies Examine the routing process with the help of an example

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Web Research Photonic switching – –

MODULE Server and Workstation Hardware

Module Objectives Give an overview of the different types of the server hardware Discuss the desired characteristics of a server Provide a specification for a workstation

Servers Backbone of a network Types –Powerful micros –Servers –Super-servers –Sometimes mini-computers are used as servers In a client-server, the server also acts as an engine of database execution In general, it is used for the sharing of stored data and application

Desired Characteristics of Server: Processor and Storage Requirement Powerful processor –Latest Pentium Processor –Multiple processors, if appropriate Large storage space –Several gigabytes at a minimum –Actual requirement will vary LAN size Fast disk access speed –Less than 10 ms

Desired Characteristics of a Server: CD-ROM Fast CD-ROM drives CD-ROM towers are often preferred

Desired Characteristics of Server: Storage Technology Better hard disk technology –SCSI Fast access Daisy chaining of devices –Latest SCSI technology is required Possible consideration given to fiber- channel in the future

Desired Characteristics of Server: Bus and Memory Technologies Better bus technology –PCI Memory –In excess of 128 Mbytes –SDRAM or similar memory technology functioning at 10 nanoseconds or less –The 168-pin SDRAM is also known as the DIMM chips as opposed to the 72-pin SIMM chips

Desired Characteristics of Server: Reliability Good back-up facilities –Back-up tape Uniterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Fault Tolerant Feature for Servers RAID storage technology –A system based on multiple disk –Hot-swappable disks Redundant power supply –Hot-swappable power supply

Workstation Most applications are executed at the workstation Therefore, it must be powerful in terms of the processor and the memory As a rule of thumb, the workstation must be as powerful as it were to be used as a standalone unit to run the applications

Workstation Processor and Memory Powerful processor –Pentium class processor Adequate memory –32 Mbytes or more –DIMM preferred although fast EDO SIMM may also be used

Workstation Storage and Compatibility Sufficient storage –Storage in gigabytes –Important in a client-server environment –Front-end tools are stored on the workstation Speed of storage –Ultra DMA or SCSI preferred –EIDE may also be used Hardware components with appropriate drivers for the client operating system

Reliability Power surge protector Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), for critical applications

MODULE Server Selection

10 Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

25 to 50 Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

100 to 250 Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

500 to 1000 Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

1000+ Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

Server Performance in Web Page Requests Per Second

Server Performance in Megabits Per Second

Server Performance in Transactions Per Second

Page Requests: Single Vs. Dual

Throughput: Single Vs. Dual

Transactions: Single Vs. Dual

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