LANs

[A.K. Smiley Public Library]

We are currently in the planning stages of creating a LAN (probably windowsNT) of 15 pc's to link our public and staff computers so that we may access the internet via a DSL connection. I have some pretty basic questions about networks and would appreciate any advice or suggestions anyone can offer.

TIA!

1. BANDWIDTH-  For 15 users, how much bandwidth should we start with; 256k..384k..512k?  Do fewer users on a larger line get faster access or is the speed of download limited by the computer itself (processor, ram, etc.)?

2. ETHERNET-   Do Ethernet cables and network cards have speeds?  I've recently heard of "fast" ethernet.

3.  MODEMS-   If we decide to move to cable access when it becomes available in our area, do we just switch the LAN from an ADSL modem to a cable modem or is there more involved? 

4. SECURITY SOFTWARE- What software  do you use on your workstations -  fortres...cybraryn...etc.?  Should I reconsider linking public and staff workstations or are LANs pretty safe?

5.  FUTURE GROWTH-  How far in the future should I plan for - 2 years, 3 years, 6 months? Should I take into consideration the computers we may be adding in the future, or the fact that someday our 30 station OPAC may also go online, or is a LAN pretty flexible about additions?


S. Sanchez
tech at aksmiley.org
A.K. Smiley Public Library
Redlands, Calif.