1. CHAPTER Network Hardware

2. 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

3. END OF MODULE

4. Web Research Photonic switching –www.agilent.com/comms/photonicswitchwww.agilent.com/comms/photonicswitch –www.cnn.com/techwww.cnn.com/tech

5. MODULE Server and Workstation Hardware

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. MODULE Server Selection

19. 10 Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

20. 25 to 50 Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

21. 100 to 250 Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

22. 500 to 1000 Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

23. 1000+ Users Source: PC Magazine, Nov. 7, 2000

24. Server Performance in Web Page Requests Per Second

25. Server Performance in Megabits Per Second

26. Server Performance in Transactions Per Second

27. Page Requests: Single Vs. Dual

28. Throughput: Single Vs. Dual

29. Transactions: Single Vs. Dual

30. END OF MODULE

32. END OF MODULE END OF CHAPTER