[WEB4LIB] LANs

[TMGB]

In addition to  whats already been discussed see below.

"A.K. Smiley Public Library" wrote:
> 
> 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.

You may also want to investigate the use of optical fiber and wireless. 
The University's Media Services is housed here in the library and I know
they have recently added in optical fiber but I'm not sure if this is
used with internet/network applications or audio/video purposes. 
Wireless is fast, at least from the PC to the Base unit after the base
unit it all depends on your wiring.

> 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?

You can put in your Cat 5 cabling in now and in the future, or present,
with wireless you will be able to expand one wall connection to be used
with multiple wireless cards with excellent communications (at least
from card to wall base unit).  This also means you wouldn't have to add
in new cable in an existing structure.



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

-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas McMillan Grant Bennett           Appalachian State University
Computer Consultant II                  University Library
bennettt at am.appstate.edu               
http://www.library.appstate.edu/admin/
Voice:  828 262 6587			FAX:    828 262 3001

Windows 95 is a 32-bit extension to a 16-bit patch for an 8-bit
operating system that was originally coded for a 4-bit microprocessor.
 - Chris Dunphy     Boot Magazine