Today, Enterprise network strategy favor multivendor network environment. Therefore a network had been built. But there might be many problems and incompatibilities. Before building the network in our college, we had to choose our components for it. As different components are from different vendors, although it makes efficient strategy, quality management had to be considered more. The fact, supporting of one component to another, was one of the problems too. Likely that, configuration of hardware is also complicated. In this case, defining of network protocol and configuration of software and hardware may need a specialist.
Different network protocols consist of security, complex arrangement of devices and software, hardware (Drivers) and file system inappropriateness. Multi vendors may select to implement a different standard. Some or all of the functions may be unusable as a result of incompatibilities. It is difficult to implement integrated security, connectivity between computers (protocol issues).
Multi-vendor network is using the different network protocols. Using the different network protocols can be land to network traffic, and Packet loss (Too much traffic in the network causes the network to drop packets). And router also will be have problem because need routing more than one network for different network protocols. In this network we have to use two or more platform need to use.
2. Complex configuration of devices
Before building the network, we had to choose our components for it. As different components are from different vendors. It can be Complex configuration of devices. Complex configuration is main problem for hardware incompatibilities. Hardware incompatibilities are using different product from different company. Different company will have different Term and Conditions for service and warranty. The fact, supporting of one component to another, was one of the problems too. Likely that, configuration of hardware is also complicated.
3. Software incompatibilities
Software products from different vendors may be so different that it becomes complex to maintain or use the system. When software fails, a particular program functions normally most of the time, but it occasionally produces a strange, cryptic error. Additionally, software problems are not always reproducible.
4. File system incompatibilities (UNIX WINDOWS)
Multivendor network strategy has redundant systems, however network devices share information files plus execute common protocols, which they rely upon to perform their basic task of packet forwarding. Firstly, we have many problem which the file system of the operating systems must be configured so one operating system can access to another operating system when we install different versions of operating systems from multi-vendors environments. . A good example is an environment in which one computer runs Windows XP or Windows Vista with the client for Microsoft networks, one computer runs Linux with Samba, one client runs Mac OS, and the server runs Windows Server 2003. In this environment, the computer running Windows Server 2003 can support all clients on the network. So, we have to face many problems with the server-based and we changed the client-based, but it may be many problems in the file systems of configurations. For example, a malicious attack on a routing table of one vendor would result in corruption of both vendors' routing tables as routing tables are updated and shared between vendors.
5. Security monitoring tools are sometimes not compatible
If one of the computers has virus, it can be rapidly spread to other computers in a network because all of the computers are connected through a network. Such rapid spread may affect to the computers which have important data so security issues are needed to consider. We had to install security monitoring software. Therefore, in all over view, multivendor network environment has no security although it might be expensive to build.
http://www.superwarehouse.com
Task (2)
Using the internet and any other available library resources, investigate precisely the characteristics of any two Diskless workstation currently (One Linux and One Microsoft Window TM) on the market and Total Cost of ownership for each of the workstation solution in a scenario familiar to you.
Characteristics of a Linux diskless workstation
A thin client computing environment based on a Linux operating system is known as a Linux thin client. A Linux thin client environment offers the benefits of often being free to use and also being open source for the operating system to be customized. This is beneficial to organizations with custom hardware considerations and skilled programmers available to provide special solutions to thin client users.
There are various flavors of Linux thin client environments, including Thinstation. One recent advantage to running a Linux thin client environment is the possibility of running another operating system, such as Windows, inside of a light Linux installation. This can be done using the free Virtual Box software. Diskless Linux computer will become immensely popular and will be the product of this century and in the next century. The diskless Linux computers will be very successful because of the availability of very high-speed network cards at very low prices. Linux thin client is easy to manage, so the small IT staff can concentrated upon the improving the system rather than day-to-day management headaches. It is worked to clearly provide users with a connection to applications and data hosted on a server. It is a stable, reliable and cost effective system that is easy to spread out and use across the system.
Characteristics of Microsoft Window diskless workstation
Microsoft Window diskless workstation has one with no floppy disk drive or hard disk drive using a network adapter with a boot ROM does not work with Windows for Workgroups because the boot ROM set up as a network connection and does not allow the Windows for Workgroups network drivers to coexist with the boot ROM. It is centralized software management and deployment so it is easier IT administration and has more security.
It has Firmware-based software and no disk drive making thin clients to protected viruses or malware. It can be custom configured to meet the exact needs of any application.
It works well where task-based or transaction-based; need to access the Web or Web-based applications. It is a remote terminal that hosts client-side connections to a remote Terminal Server which consists of Remote Desktop Protocol Client.
The following benefits of using windows diskless workstation-
Latest IE Browser
Remote Connection protocols
Wireless Security protocols
Easy recovery from virus or network threats
Built-in Windows firewall
Total cost for ownership for each of the workstation
There is no data storage drive and CD - ROM. So there is no cost for these hardware. For buying the one network software. We don't pay license cost for the clients. So the cost of software applications are cheap. Total cost of ownership is spent on the technology, maintenance cost and the salary of administrator, hardware and software upgrade and many other cost.
Linux diskless workstation
Microsoft diskless workstation
Workstation
$275,444.50
$275,444.50
Server
$24,111.00
$24,111.00
Network Infrastructure
$25,900.00
$7,615.00
Total Cost
$330,170.50
$330,170.50
Ref: http://www.christianet.com/tips/computernetwork.htm
Task (3)
Once you have done the necessary research, you should produce a report that details the following:
A brief description of a Network Computer or Thin Client with example.
A list of the benefits and possible drawbacks associated with the adoption of Network Computer.
The network support infrastructure required to utilize Network Computer.
A comparison of two different solutions offered by two different commercial vendors and documents this in your report.
A brief description of a Network Computer or Thin Client with example.
A thin client is a computer which diskless workstations do not have hard disk drive, CD/DVD Drive and Floppy Drive. A thin client has no any CPU and removable data storage device but it has powerful memory to boot the thin client version OS. A thin client does not include storage device, fan and other additional devices. So it is really smaller, lighter and cheaper than the desktop client PCs or notebook PCs. For each user, the server running terminal services runs a software-based "virtual PC" that actually runs services or applications on the user's behalf. The client runs a small program that intercepts keystrokes and mouse activity on the local machine, and then sends that information to the virtual PC running on the server, where all real processing takes place. The server then sends only screen updates to the client machine in response to the user input. Overall, a thin client is a low-cost computer that accesses applications and data from a central server in that LAN. Examples of thin client include Windows-Based Terminals, X-Terminals and Network Computers (NC). Thin client computers make easily to manage computer network such as software case. Server need to be managed on each machine.
A list of the benefits and possible drawbacks associated with the adoption of Network Computer.
Benefits of network computer
Thin-client computing removes much of the burden of installation and workstation management by establishing a system in which processing and storage is handled by a central server. This option is gaining popularity among information-technology managers and chief technology officers interested in energy-use reduction and better central management of their networks.
Network Computers have several benefits in the network environment. First, they have no hard disk drive. Without a hard drive, few configuration tasks are necessary on the network computer. Without a floppy drive or other removable storage disk, employees can't copy sensitive files from the corporate server to take home. In addition, viruses can't be brought into the corporate LAN via these media types. Without a hard drive, few configuration tasks are necessary on the local thin-client computer. So when the OS or applications must be upgraded, they need to be upgraded only at the server
Possible Drawbacks of Thin Client.
With many businesses and IT departments making an effort to ramp up their sustainability, the low-energy thin client has made a comeback in the computing world. Thin clients rely on a server to handle processing and storage as the local machine does not possess the hardware to handle these tasks like regular desktop computers do. Like anything else, however, thin clients do have their disadvantages as followings
No storage space
There is no secondary storage place if the user needs to download some files. The user must download files or other downloading progress in other storage media.
Require a fast server
Thin clients depend on the central server for all processing and so they require a fast server. When the server is busy and slow, also the clients will be affected. Therefore network computer have disadvantage that the server must not be slow or busy.
Need specialist for the controlling
Network computer works on the network and therefore in this type, a specialist for controlling is needed. Needing a specialist also means that more cost is need for inviting the specialist.
The network support infrastructure required to utilize Network Computers.
Support devices
Feature
Server Site
Should have ability to run multiple processors for executing processes smoothly from all thin clients
enables faster access
Client Site
Thin client is use for user interface. There is no data storage device. They store their data on the server.
Network Site
Supports Universal Plug-and-Play for Easy Configuration
Switched 10/100 Ports Run at up to 200Mbps in Full-Duplex Mode.
Fifty micron gold plated connectors ensure a clean and error-free transmission.
A comparison of two different solutions offered by two different commercial vendors and documents this in your report.
Solution of HP Company and Sony Company
Thin Client
Brand
HP
Sony
Model
Thin client T-5740
R90LE Thin client
Processor
Intel Atom N280 / 1.66 GHz
AMD Sempron 1.5 GHz
Memory
2 GB
2 GB
Casing Type
Tower
Tower
Network
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet,
Software
Citrix ICA 11.0, Microsoft RDP 6.1, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, Microsoft Windows Media Player 11
Sony Device Manager Workgroup Edition
Warranty
3 years
3 years
Price
$584
$750
Sever
Brand
HP
Sony
Model
ProLiant-ML110G6
R123 Pro Server
Processor
Intel Xeon X3430 / 2.4 GHz
Intel Core2 Duo inside, 3.0 GHZ
Memory
2 GB
512MB
Casing Type
Micro tower - 4U
Tower
Network
Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Features: Wake on LAN (WoL), DHCP support
Protocol: TCP/IP, ICA, DNS, PPP, DHCP, PXE, RDP
Features: Wake on LAN (WoL), DHCP support
Software
Drivers & Utilities, HP TopTOOLS, HP NetServer Navigator
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition
Windows Default, Citrix Presentation Server Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Warranty
3 years
3 years
Price
$685
$790
Network (Switch and Cable)
Brand (Switch)
HP Pro Curve
Cisco Gigabit Ethernet
Technology (cable)
Length
Unshielded twisted par (UTP)
1000 ft
Unshielded twisted par (UTP)
1000 ft
Warranty(cable)
Warranty (switch)
Limited lifetime warranty
1 year
Price(switch)
Price (cable)
$60
$75
$80
$87
I think to set up the thin client network environment, you will cost lots of the money. But these kinds of two brands are famous in the market and you can work very well with them.
http://www.exforsys.com/tutorials/client-server/client-server-technology-thin-clients/1.html
