Illinois - Networking

Most burning networking questions - post yours here!

2009-11-03T20:39:26Z

During the month of November we're collecting your burning questions about library networking. The subject is wide ranging, so let us know what you are most interested in by posting your most burning networking question to this discussion thread or with this hashtag on twitter: #wjcompnet

Then join us on December 2 when we'll host a panel of library technology experts in a special Q&A session to get your questions answered! The panel includes:

-Robert Williams, Technology Consultant at the South Texas Library System
-Chris Jowaisas Library Systems Grants Administrator of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
-Monica M. Schultz, IT Director at the Peninsula Library System
-And will be moderated by TechSoup’s Stephanie Gerding

Please feel free to send your colleagues to BlogJunction to post specific burning questions.

And don't forget to register for the December 2 event to hear your questions answered!

RE: Most burning networking questions - post yours here!

2009-11-17T16:49:56Z

Here are some of the write-in answers to our recent poll:

* DFS Management
* mobile computing
* available bandwidth and authenticating access
* Supporting printing and lock-down security of multiple computers on a network
* Getting IT to open ports for ILLiad
* VMWare and Thin Clients

virtualizing servers - is anyone using VMWARE?

2009-08-12T22:57:30Z

virtualizing servers - is anyone using VMWARE?

Switching network switches

2009-08-05T17:03:27Z

I am a novice tech assistant for my library and need to change my library's two network switches out for new ones. I am looking for any advice or direction to resources that may help smooth this transition. I'm switching from 3com to HP Procurve switches that are unmanaged, 24port switches connected to a firewall and a router.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Jill

Broadband via Stimulus

2009-07-30T21:14:54Z

I blogged about the great resources on ALA's site today.

What are you and your library doing to get in on the stimulus package?

Desktop Security Software

2009-06-24T06:39:36Z

desktop security software on a mac, or is it just for pc's?

Mac vs PC

2009-06-20T00:32:12Z

Desktop Security Software

Thanks a million

Sorry, this was supposed to be added on to my first question. I will get the hang of this. Thanks again

RE: Broadband over Powerlines

2008-11-13T14:52:16Z

A more targeted approach: -- "Rural areas could get broadband Internet via power lines" http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/biztech/11/12/ibm.broadband.ap/index.html

RE: Allowing only certain sites to be viewed on catalog pcs

2008-08-04T17:16:36Z

Dave,

You could set this up in your routers/switches but also in Windows XP through Internet Explorer.

Information on doing this can be found at http://www.boutell.com/newfaq/browser/restrictie.html

-Mike

RE: Re: Web page authentication for WebFeat access

2008-08-04T17:10:32Z

Harold,

Are your Libraries IP's in the WebFeat Express Console (wfx.webfeat.org)?

If they are, then you wont be asked for a login because you are being authenticated as "on site" through your libraries IP addresses.

Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-16T02:40:09Z

In this instance, it sounds like the bandwidth / speed you would be getting under this setup would be similar to a business class cable offering. Depending on the service options of the cable company, they might be able to offer you more bandwidth for a lower cost.

One factor I would want to include is whether you need to provide content to the external world (i.e. a web server or other type of content / media server). If you are just looking for more bandwidth so the public computers can access external / internet resources faster, then obviously downstream speeds are of a greater interest than other factors.

My advice would be to look not only at the speed offered, but also at things like a service level agreement (SLA) offered by the provider. This should be some type of measure of latency, packet loss, response time in case of downed lines or outages, etc. Usually with "consumer" or SOHO (Small Office / Home Office) internet connection services, you pay less, but the guarantees for service and reliability are not guaranteed, but instead "best effort".

Depending on your location, you might be able to get a dual/bundled T1 service for less than $1,477mo. Foe example, Speakeasy is offering a similar connection offering 3Mbps for $749/month for 36 month contract with free installation. The offer is located here:
http://www.speakeasy.net/promos/bondedt1749/

Standard disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Speakeasy, but have heard generally good things about them, but that was before they were acquired by Best Buy.

Also, the thing that I like about Speakeasy is they put their SLA right on their web site: http://www.speakeasy.net/sla/

The text for the T1 SLA is pretty straight-forward.

Hope this helped, but let us know if you have other questions.

Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-15T20:08:30Z

Fiber speed *can* be a *lot* more than copper: http://www.lanshack.com/fiber-optic-tutorial-network.aspx

One issue here, I suppose, will be your upgrade path. 3 Mbpd sounds like a lot but a lot of people with DSL get that for download at home. Nowadays, as more and more people access video (for various legit reasons) there's the issue of many library computers needing near-simultaneous high download speeds.

By the way, an overview on copper speeds (T-1, etc.) can be found here: http://ckp.made-it.com/t1234.html

Again, I'm not a techy. I'd be sure to get a second independent opinion.

Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-15T19:28:12Z

Hi,
We are replacing the T1 line with Fiber Optics offered by the local cable company. It allows us to have 3 Mbps for $1,029/month for 42 months contract. One time install is $990. How is Fiber Optics's speed compared with the Internet Cables services?

T1 line is only 1.5 Mpbs. If we continue with T1 line, the same vendor offer us an second line T1 line Router PAK MLFR (Multiple Loation Frame Relay)for $1,477/month.
I am not sure what else is involed in switching except we need to configure the change of IP addresses.

Re: T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-13T21:31:57Z

Hmm.

Are you talking about fiber optics as part of your *internal* structure or as a replacement for your T-1?

The former might get you around some internal bottleneck, but maybe not for long since there may also be limitations due to your other hardware (servers, routers, etc.).

If your talking about a T-1 coming into your building, these can be doubled easily enough and much more can be added before going to fiber.

(I'm not a techy.)

T1 vs. Fiber Optics

2008-02-13T19:27:12Z

We have 55 public computers. We also provide wireless in the Quiet Room using the same T1 line. Usually, there are five to eight users in the Quiet Room. Since we set up the wireless, the internet almost comes to a halt during 12 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily. When I unplug the wireless, the traffic seems improve quite a bit. I am considering to switch from T to Fiber Optics. The vender told me the speed could be double with a little more. Is there any libraries use Fiber Optics. How viable is it?

Re: T1 line vs. DSL - enough bandwidth?

2007-12-13T02:33:30Z

Sorry, I hit the post button by mistake. See the real post below.

Re: T1 line vs. DSL - enough bandwidth?

2007-12-13T02:38:09Z

We don't have our own server or any other internal resources to access. The online catalog, website, etc. are offsite. At this point in my research, a T1 line and business-class DSL are about $30 apart in monthly cost. Not so much different that one or the other is all that we can afford.

Right now, we are running one automated workstation and 6 computers (including the public ones) on 512K - which makes both the staff and patrons unhappy. The one thing we definitely know is that that is not working.

I was told that each automated system workstation requires a constant, steady 256K, not a connection that delivers bursts of bandwidth on demand. Is DSL "steady" or "on demand?"
We don't have the luxury of trying something out for a couple of months; we will have to commit to at least a year with either option.

Re: T1 line vs. DSL - enough bandwidth?

2007-12-04T22:39:42Z

I am not sure that I am answering your question, but remember T1 is a measurement of bandwidth whereas DSL is a means of delivering that bandwidth. Depending on the available DSL service types in your area, you can often get greater than 1.544 Mbps (basically what people call a T1) or you can choose a different delivery mechanism, such as frame relay or a "leased line" that can give you less or more than a T1 also (aka a "fractional T1").

So, on to some questions for you that may help us provide some additional guidance to you on your questions -
1) do you need/want to allow access to internal resources (ILS, web server) from external sites? This could determine the level of connectivity you need and also possibly the type.
2) do you care / do you have the budget to pay for a higher or guaranteed level of service, such as a T1 or business-class DSL or would a consumer-grade of service suffice?
3) what is the price difference between the DSL and T1 in your area? Depending on the price difference and the other factors, this answer could make it a no-brainer.

If you want to just estimate, then the resource librarybob pointed you to is as probably as good as any. Most likely within two to three years anything you get will be maxed out (if not sooner), so depending on your timeline for the next upgrade and the amount of free time that you have available to answer this question, that may work for you.

If you want really precise to try to make sure that the estimate is as accurate as possible, then you will need to utilize some type of network analysis software.

If you want to know how much bandwidth the library uses on average, the best bet in my opinion is software like MRTG (http://oss.oetiker.ch/mrtg/). I am making a lot of assumptions in recommending it such as a level of technical expertise and existing equipment, so it may not fit your situation.

The other possibility is that your internet service provider runs something like this on their equipment and can provide such a report to you. Sometimes if you are lucky, they will provide it for free. If they are running similar software that might also be able to provide historical data.

There are other providers of similar tools - I have not tried them out, so cannot rec one way or the other, but a couple that look similar to MRTG and seem easier or about the same level to get up and running:
-Denika
http://www.somix.com/products/denika_free.php

-Intermapper
http://dartware.com/network_monitoring_products/index.html
(free five device license)

All of these assume that you either have or can set up SNMP on the device that connects to the internet.

Does that help at all?

Re: T1 line vs. DSL - enough bandwidth?

2007-12-01T13:17:25Z

I'm not a techy, but this may be helpful:

http://www.ii.fsu.edu/announcements/e-gov2006/assessing_bandwidth.pdf

The problem isn't "what is needed" from a technical point of view, leastways in my opinion. The problem is "techno/social." It about the technology people, library patrons, want to use ... which means planning for high-speed gaming, YouTube, etc.

It also means having more than most people have at home so you can attract them to the library.

T1 line vs. DSL - enough bandwidth?

2007-12-01T03:49:44Z

We are investigating options to upgrade our internet connection. Trying to determine how much bandwidth we need, and the best way to get it, is boggling my mind. I've read some messages here at WebJunction, but I'm still confused.

Wireless, DSL, and a T1 line are possibilites. No cable in our area. The online catalog/circ system requires a steady minimum 256K for each workstation; we will have 2, with hopes of a third in the future. In addition, there are 6 public computers, an office computer, and a catalog terminal (again with hopes for a second one).

How do I reasonably determine how much bandwidth we need? I'd rather overestimate than underestimate, but I have no idea how to go about it.