A Computing View of the Total Area Network
John Atkins, Mark Norris · 2001
In this chapter we have described how an Intranet is assembled. In addition to the physical network design we have explained how and why security and management capabilities need to be built in to a practical Intranet. The aim throughout has been to illustrate what a Total Area Network looks like from the computing point of view. Hence the focus has been on the way in which the standards developed for the Internet are used to deliver service to a selected group of users. To effectively address organisational and business realities and deliver the full promise of a Total Area Network, a full-function Intranet suite needs to satisfy three primary requirements: efficient individual and group information management (and distribution facilities); cost-efficient resource management (efficient use of bandwidth and ability to reconfigure according to need); administrative control (the ability to configure the network, cope with faults and manage users). The mechanics behind achieving this set of requirements have been worked through and design obligations and practical issues explained.