Solutions

Example Solution #1 - Small office

This example shows a typical small office environment. Through the use of central file storage and simple networking we can provide many benefits to a small office at a reasonable price with low maintenance costs. Just some of these benefits are listed below: All machines networked via 100Mb Ethernet switch Domain Controller running Windows 2003/SBS Server, offering centralised file storage with secure shared folders on fast and reliable hardware with native disk redundancy and tape backup Group policy controlling workstation access, preventing both accidental and malicious damage Shared access to printing resources Routed internet access using an inexpensive broadband service Internet access routed to all workstations, with individual POP3 email Full nightly backups of critical files on the central server to tape Remote support (remote control facility of server and all workstations by FIRST4TECH Technical Consultants)

Download full size PDF - network_diagram_ex1.pdf (123 KB)

Example Solution #2 - Multi-site business with remote office and roaming users

This second example shows a larger organisation spanning two sites with more demanding requirements from their IT usage. Through the use of multiple servers and more advanced networking, a high quality, low maintenance solution can be achieved. Below are some of the key features of this example: All machines networked via 100Mb Ethernet switch Domain Controller running Windows 2003 Server, offering centralised file storage with secure shared folders on fast and reliable hardware with native disk redundancy and tape backup Additional Domain Controller running Windows 20003 Server, offering improved performance and redundancy Group policy controlling workstation access, preventing both accidental and malicious damage Terminal Services providing higher levels of application management, more efficient data access over low bandwidth, use of cheaper hardware solutions and better overall management Thin Clients (Wyse Units). Low cost workstations with near zero management requirements Shared access to printing resources as well as high quality shared multi function printing and scanning devices Routed Internet access using SDSL broadband service Internet access routed to all workstations with use of filters if required Sites securely linked via an IPSEC VPN tunnel between firewall appliances on the end of each SDSL connection Remote user access via VPN Client Application and dialup/ADSL connection Microsoft Exchange providing centralised mail storage and calendar functions as well as remote access to email via a webmail interface Full nightly backups of critical files and mail store to tape Remote support (remote control facility of server and all workstations by FIRST4TECH Technical Consultants)

Download full size PDF - network_diagram_ex2.pdf (383 KB)

Example Solution #3 - Large scale Web Hosting

The third example highlights a company which has existing IT knowledge but wishes to call on the expertise that FIRST4TECH can offer in providing very demanding, leading edge technology solutions. Using advanced server, networking and software infrastructure we can provision top level systems for very specific tasks requiring high availability, full redundancy, rapid deployment, accurate telemetry, and reliable monitoring.

Download full size PDF - network_diagram_ex3.pdf (52 KB)

In this example we've taken a company with a requirement for an Internet Web Hosting solution. Here are some of the key features: Resilient high-bandwidth internet connectivity using 100Mb primary and 10Mb backup Leased Line circuits. Automatic failover will occur in the event of primary failure. Active/Standby failover core routing via HSRP via interconnect between each router Multiple internal and external switch stacks with Active/Standby failover Cisco ASA firewall solution for security and VLAN aware ‘context’ configuration for virtual LANs VLAN technology allowing seperation of hosts/devices on the same physical network Firewalls in Active/Active mode with state and configuration replication between devices, allowing customisable heartbeat/health checks and interface failover criteria Redhat Linux and Windows Operating Systems running specific applications for the environment required Linux Applications compiled from source for exact usage Fast, reliable database platform for website backend High Speed Network attached disk storage with access via CIFS for windows environments and NFS for Linux Rapid Deployment solutions, (eg. Altiris Proliant) HP Proliant standard rack mount servers offering high reliability and built in redundancy HP Proliant Blade Servers offering densely populated, rapid deployable servers in a massively redundant architecture System telemetry and monitoring using SNMP and custom applications for specific Operating Systems and hardware platforms Alerting via email or SMS

Download full size PDF - network_diagram_racklayout.pdf (791 KB)