Cost effective way to come out of the slow network

1. RAM in workstations.

�        Increase RAM to prevent paging issues with virtual memory.

�        Increase virtual memory file to be at least 1.5 times the amount of RAM.

2. CPU in workstations.

�        Get Pentium IV CPUs with L2 cache (512 KB) on the processors to permit lightning fast data reuse.

�        Ensure that the bus speed on the motherboard is at least 133 MHz or better.

3. Increase in number of nodes.

�        Analyze network to discover traffic patterns, top talkers, and top listeners.

�        Segment the network into smaller segments to decrease the possibilities of collisions.

�        Also, ensure that the NICs are 10/100 BaseT, and that the cabling is a minimum of CAT-5 UTP.

�        Recommend switches over hubs, because of greater throughput and better efficiency over standard hubs.

Reasons:

Solutions:

4. Increase in traffic and loading.

�        Analyze network to discover traffic patterns, top talkers, and top listeners.

�        Segment the network into smaller segments to decrease the possibilities of collisions.

�        Also, ensure that the NICs are 10/100 BaseT, and that the cabling is a minimum of CAT-5 UTP.

�        Recommend switches over hubs, because of greater throughput and better efficiency over standard hubs.

5.Upgrades in applications (i.e., upgrade in Windows)

�        Ensure that windows registry settings for TCP/IP are optimized.

�        Ensure that each workstation has the most current NIC drivers for the operating system to be able to talk well to the NIC.

�        Ensure that all necessary hot fixes, service packs and patches are applied, both for the operating system and all networked applications that are running on the workstation.

Reasons:

Solutions:

6. New applications (i.e., access to Internet).

�        Check the specs on bandwidth demands (if available) to ensure that the infrastructure supports it.

�        Ensure that none of the new applications have modified any of the operating system files, system settings, and/or any pre-existing applications, such as Internet Explorer.

�        Ensure that each workstation has the most current NIC drivers for the operating system to be able to talk well to the NIC.

�        Ensure that all necessary hot fixes, service packs and patches are applied, both for the operating system and all networked applications that are running on the workstation.

Reasons:

Solutions:

7.Increase in graphics use.

�        Analyze network to discover traffic patterns, top talkers, and top listeners.

�        Ensure that the WAN circuit will support the required bandwidth.

�        Segment the network into smaller segments to decrease the possibilities of collisions.

�        Also, ensure that the NICs are 10/100 BaseT, and that the cabling is a minimum of CAT-5 UTP.

�        Recommend switches over hubs, because of greater throughput and better efficiency over standard hubs.

�        Ensure that windows registry settings for TCP/IP are optimized.

�        Ensure that each workstation has the most current NIC drivers for the operating system to be able to talk well to the NIC.

�        Ensure that all necessary hot fixes, service packs and patches are applied, both for the operating system and all networked applications that are running on the workstation.

Reasons:

Solutions:

8.Configuration problems.

�        Ensure that the TCP/IP settings are correct: Especially check:

o       IP address to be certain it is on the same network as the rest of the machines.

o       Gateway IP address

o       DNS IP address

o       Subnet mask

�        Ensure that the DNS Server configuration is set up properly to forward external requests.

�        Ensure that the internal IP networked resources that are needed are configured in the DNS.

�        Ensure that the DNS is being updated as needed.

�        Check the WINS settings on the client.

�        Check the WINS Server is one is being used to ensure that it is configured correctly.

�        If the network clients use DHCP, ensure that the DHCP Server is configured properly to set up the following correctly:

o       IP

o       Subnet mask

o       Gateway IP

o       DNS Addresses  Primary and Secondary

o       WINS Address

o       Desired leasing period

�        If the network clients use DHCP, ensure that the DHCP Client workstation is configured properly to be a DHCP client.

�        Ensure that windows registry settings for TCP/IP are optimized.

�        Ensure that each workstation has the most current NIC drivers for the operating system to be able to talk well to the NIC.

�        Ensure that all necessary hot fixes, service packs and patches are applied, both for the operating system and all networked applications that are running on the workstation.

�        Check for multiple protocols that may be bound to the NIC card, and eliminate all unnecessary protocols, for example if NETBEUI and/or IPX/SPX are present.