CHAPTER 12
ADMINISTERING CHANGE
Lesson 1: Documenting a Running Network …………………. 460
Lesson 2: Upgrading a Network ……………………………….. 471
Lesson 3: Moving a Network …………………………………. 482
Lesson 1: Documenting a Running Network
The principal challenge in implementing a change on any network is to define the existing network
and any limitations imposed by its hardware and software configurations. Comprehensive
documentation is the key to conducting an effective and economical upgrade for any network.
Documentation developed for maintenance, upgrading, and
troubleshooting should contain:
contacts.
and results.
Documentation should be thorough, well-organized, and stored where it is readily available.
Establishing a Baseline
As soon as the network is operational, it is time to establish a baseline, which is simply a
documentation of the network’s normal operating values. The baseline need to be updated
whenever user, hardware, or software are added to or subtracted from the system.
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Creating a good inventory and establishing baseline performance values form the basis upon
which you can identify future need for network modification. Follow these steps to document
your network:
Record model, serial number, servers location, workstations, router. Any warranty information
Make a note of where all warranty information is stored just in case you need replacement
Make a copy of AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS. Make a complete set of system
backup tapes. Copies should be offsite, maybe safety deposit box.
Create a map of your network, noting the approximate distance between the workstations and the server.
The baseline is especially helpful in establishing and identifying:
1) Daily network-utilization patterns
2) Bottlenecks
3) Heavy-usage patterns
4) Different protocol traffic patterns
Documenting Network Performance
After the hardware has been documented and your network is in operation, it is almost time to
record the network performance baseline. But, it is best to verify that all the network connections
are correct, and all hardware is operational, and any necessary system fine-tuning has been
accomplished.
Network Performance is a broad one that encompasses the entire network, including:
A selection of tools is available to help administrators document network performance, including
network monitors, protocol analyzers, and other utilities.
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Network Monitors
A Network monitor is a useful tool that captures and filters data packets and analyzes network
activity.
Some network operating systems include network monitoring software among their resources,
and a number of other software manufacturers also offer network monitors.
Protocol Analyzers
A protocol analyzer is a tool that keeps track of network statistics.
It can capture bad frames and isolate their source.
PING or Packet Internet Groper is used to test if your network connection is complete from the
server to the workstation, you can
use a simple utility, called
The
there was not a connection, the network may have had lots of traffic.
Tracert
Another utility that documents network performance is called
tracert, or traceroute.
This is a UNIX utility, and informs you of the number of hops between routers. This is a great
utility to use to see how many hops you take over the Internet.
Other Software Tools
1) Ipconfig—this diagnostic command displays all current TCP/IP network-configuration values.
2) Winipcfg – A windows 95 and 98 troubleshooting utility enable users to access information
about TCP/IP and network interface card settings. Netstat –Avoids Hackers getting onto
your system, displays all connections and listening ports, Ethernet statistics, addresses and
port numbers, protocol connections, and statistics, and the contents of the routing table.
3) Nbtstat – is available only if the TCP/IP protocol has been installed. This utility can list a
remote computers name table, find the IP address etc.
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Bottlenecks
The problem device is referred to as the bottleneck. Performance monitoring can help identify and
eliminate bottlenecks. The following devices tend to become bottlenecks:
1) CPUs
2) Memory
3) Network Cards
4) Disk controllers
5) Network Media
A Device becomes a bottleneck for one of the following
reasons:
1) It is not being used efficiently
2) It is using other resources or CPU time more than it should
3) It is too slow
4) It does not have the capacity to handle the load placed on it
Documenting Server Performance
Comparing current server performance statistics with your initial baseline information can help
you confirm a suspicion that the server is not running as well as it once did.
Certain indicators can help locate and isolate problems with server performance, including:
· Demand for server resources
· Areas of data Congestion
· The activity of an individual process
Total System Management (SMS)
Vendors have developed utilities that do for system management what performance monitors have
done for system monitoring. System Management Software can be downloaded off the Internet.
Microsoft would like you to purchase their system management software, just like any other type of
software.
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One neat feature of this type of software is you can get an immediate listing of the internal hardware
on all of your equipment with serial numbers, cards etc. It saves you manually going around to every
machine, which can be very tedious.
System-management software provides centralized administration of computers in a WAN. This
service includes:
· Collecting hardware and software inventory information
· Distributing and installing software
· Sharing network applications
· Troubleshooting hardware and software problems
Additional Microsoft Utilities
Inventory Management, this software collects and maintains an inventory of hardware and software
for each computer and stores the inventory in a database. Typical inventory items include the type
of CPU, amount of RAM, hard-disk size, operating system, and application software for each
component installed.
Software Distribution utility can install and configure new software or upgrade previously installed
software directly on the client. It can also run virus checks.
Shared Application Management, allows when a user logs on to the network, the management
software builds a program folder on each client.
Remote Control and Network Monitor, SMS, provides Help Desk and diagnostic utilities that
allow you to control and monitor remote clients directly. The diagnostic utilities let you view the
client’s current configuration. This is very complicated, and requires a separate Microsoft
Certification altogether.
Maintaining a Network History
Documenting a network’s history is as important as monitoring its real-time performance. A
Network’s written record can:
· Indicate significant performance or equipment issues that real-time monitoring might miss
· Provide a background against which current information can be compared.
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This document should record: (VERY IMPORTANT FOR INSURANCE
PURPOSES)
1) Purchase and installation dates and descriptions
2) Complete descriptive information about key individuals, such as contractors responsible for
installations, Sub-contractors.
3) Vendor, model, and warranty information, including serial numbers, fax and websites
4) The installation process and its results
5) The initial network configuration
6) Network usage policies and procedures
7) Network resources and drive assignments
8) Copies of crucial network configuration files, such as CONFIG.SYS, and AUTOEXEC.BAT files.
9) Set-up the H= Home and P=Public directories (Mr. Buckinghams TIP)
10) Any unusual application program configurations
11) Any particular computer, board or peripheral settings.
12) Any problems and their solutions, document, keep a history.
13) Hardware or software changes
14) Any activities that affect the topology or architecture.
Lesson 2:
Upgrading a Network
Once you have documented your network, recorded the performance baseline, and identified the
need for an upgrade, the next step is to determine which network elements can be upgraded and
assess the costs and benefits of doing so.
Upgrading networks can be technically challenging.
Deciding to Upgrade a Network
The addition of new programs and devices to a network is usually slow process. Documenting
network performance and listening to end users will help to determine when the time has come to
upgrade the network. Slow data transfer speeds are usually a sign that it is time to upgrade.
Upgrading Network Architecture and Media
Many scenarios can lead to the conclusion that an architectural or media upgrade is needed. If a
network has been designed as a bus topology and its users are complaining of frequent network
crashes, it might be necessary to upgrade to a star or ring topology.
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If the original network was strung with copper-based media and devices has been added that create
large amounts of electrical interference, it might be necessary to upgrade to fiber-optic media. If the
size and number of networked buildings is expanding, again, upgrading to fiber-optic media for the
backbone of the network could be a worthwhile investment. Fiber-optic media can also be used for
cable runs between remote buildings.
If the network is to expanded into a building several blocks away in the inner city, it might be difficult
and expensive to install a new cable run. One option is to upgrade to a microwave send-and-receive
station between the two buildings. The use of microwave components in a network requires either
line-of-site between the two stations or access to repeaters. Note: Microwave networking signals
pass through the atmosphere, fog, rain and snow can weaken the signal.
Upgrading from Peer-to-Peer to a Server-Based Network
Answer these questions if you want to upgrade from a peer-to-peer:
· Currently in peer-to-peer and experiencing problems, security?
· Is your organization growing?
· Are the users having difficulty administering their own workstations?
· Would you like to add a dedicated file server?
· Does only one person understand how the network operates?
If the answer is YES to any of the above consider upgrading to a server. The following benefits will
come from upgrading to a server-based network.
· The network will be able to handle more users
· Security issue will be addressed
· A knowledgeable network administrator can assist users.
· Data backups will be easier to schedule and perform
· The workload of multiple servers can be balanced for better efficiency
· Servers can be physically isolated for additional security
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The Server
While server upgrades can be costly and difficult the advantages will frequently outweigh the
disadvantages. First of all you must compare the initial baseline values with the current values.
If the users are complaining of slow system response and server components are operating well,
the problem might lie in an increase of data received by the server.
Servers should have enough RAM, disk space, and processing power to allow end users to use
their software applications efficiently without having to wait for the server to retrieve, process or
store their information.
Confirming a Server Upgrade
The following sequence to steps will confirm that the server was successfully installed:
· When the server is turned on, the boot sequence diagnostics utility confirms that the memory
amount.
· is correct and that the system can recognize all the attached disk drives and devices
· The server operating system is booted and displays correctly
· The control panel displays the correct information for internal and external devices
·
It is possible to
The Workstation
You can also upgrade workstations to save the expense of upgrading the server.
In a server-based network, the client workstation processes information that has been retrieved from
the server. Upgrading a workstation’s processor and adding to its RAM and disk capacity can increase
the workstation’s performance. These upgrades are not usually difficult or expensive.
It the workstation is recent you may consider upgrading only the internals rather than purchasing a
new computer.
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Confirming a Workstation Upgrade
· When the workstation is turned on, the boot sequence diagnostic utility displays the correct amount
or RAM and the workstation recognizes all drives and devices.
· The client workstation’s operating system boots up correctly
· The networking operation system diagnostic utilities confirm that the memory and disk drives are
operational. Configure the workstation version of the network operating system. The control panel
displays the correct information for internal and external devices.
·
Try the
The Network Interface Card (NIC)
Network interface cards can be upgraded at the time a server is replaced.
Confirming a NIC upgrade
Network Media
If environmental factors, such as electrical interference are degrading a network’s performance, an
upgrade is probably needed. The cost for both the media and the installation can be high. Factors
can exist that will require different types of media on the same network, for example, a fiber-optic
backbone and a 10BASET network.
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How to Upgrade Network Media
If the wiring is simple you can have someone with special training make the changes for you. However,
if the media is fiber-optic cable a trained installer is required.
You should confirm the network media upgrade.
Upgrading the Routers, Brouters,
Bridges, and Repeaters
The above can upgrade and route traffic more efficiently and expand the network. Planning installing
and confirming these devices require the services of a trained technician. Although these devices can
be very expensive, the placement of a router can add a great deal of throughput for a network. One
of the best tools for the installer
will be the
Lesson 3: Moving a
Network
Moving a network is a challenging task and a major one, requiring lots of planning.
There must be lots of advanced notice for the users so they can back-up their material. Also, ensure
you have an accurate backup. Questions to ask during the planning phase include:
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Making the Move:
Follow these steps to move the network:
YAH RIGHT, AS IF IT WOULD GO THIS SMOOTHLY!!!!!!
Verifying the Network After the
Move
Computers and peripheral devices operate well for years when they are left in place. However,
when equipment is moved there is danger of internal and external damage.
Servers
The Server can be backed up, turned off, shipped off and tested in a few hours. A remote host
should be pinged to confirm the network is operational, and a network monitor should be used
to confirm that the throughput of data is adequate.
Workstations
The workstation should be connected to all peripherals and
to the network. Use the
to access the other workstations to ensure connectivity.
NICS
The NICs should be checked during installation of the server. Ping the remote host. Check
the network monitor for data throughput problems.
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Network Media
It is likely that wiring will be in place before the hardware is relocated. Therefore, you have the
opportunity to test the media by installing two workstations and pinging them from various
locations within the new network.