An outline for planning an academic wide-area network
Jr. James H. Rossell · T.H.E. Journal Technological Horizons in Education · 1991
For those unfamiliar with the concept of a wide-area network (WAN) the following definition will help to orient the reader. A wide-area network is a concept of configuration and integration of resources designed to complement a site's current LAN and mainframe technologies while providing a coherent and organized approach to the integration of personal computer-based network technology to a wider geographical region. Wide-area networking involves a diversity of technologies that cover broad areas of functionality, design and implementation. A wide-area network is, in each instance, unique; it is predicated upon unique needs and constraints for a given installation. A WAN can provide educational institutions with: * Connectivity; * Resource sharing; * Off-loading mainframe processing; * Integration of mainframe co-processing; and * Efficient and effective e-mail systems. Implementation Guidelines Following are several guidelines that should be considered when planning a wide-area network implementation. I. Intended Utilization A wide-area network may be utilized for a diversity of applications. Based upon the intended use, a WAN's design characteristics may encompass a wide latitude of technologies. A good design will proceed from the top down, since the user's needs dictate much of the technology required. Ia. Demands of academic wide-area networking can necessitate a design that will exceed those of a commercial user. Ib. An accurate evaluation of WAN utilization is mandatory. Without a thorough review of initial and potential use of the network, its design would be predicated on potentially false assumptions. This could evolve into a design that is either deficient in performance and flexibility or is excessive and incompatible with the organization's currently established base of installed technology. II. Diversity of Technologies Wide-area technology encompasses a broad variety of available components. These components cover the gamut in performance capabilities. Integration of these diverse technologies offers significant challenges to the WAN designer. III. Incorporate Appropriate Technologies Incorporating state-of-the-art technology into a wide-area network can be quite challenging. Allowing for future expansion and future utilization are extremely important issues in the design of an academic WAN. It must incorporate maximum flexibility and effectively utilize the available technologies. IIIa. Supporting academic programs through a wide-area network could easily require higher levels of support than those for the business environment. This is due to characteristics of academic computing such as constant student and staff turnover (they graduate or move), users' levels of expertise ranging from nil to infinity, and the ever-changing nature of semester-based coursework (one semester requires statistical software, the next needs graphics). IIIb. In many instances the performance characteristics needed for an academic WAN will exceed those for a business wide-area network. At colleges and universities, for example, research and advanced applications demand optimum performance from hardware. In addition, the amount of data traffic can be phenomenal, depending on the size and nature of the school. IIIc. Ease of operation, minimal maintenance and serviceability are key considerations for an academic wide-area network. IV. Testing and Evaluation Develop adequate evaluation strategies in cooperation with both the hardware manufacturers and the WAN designers. Utilize design goals to accurately measure performance over a broad range of conditions. Test key components and the initial design's characteristics thoroughly. Develop performance standards for peripherals. In other words, push the technology to its limits. …