Networking Basics: Learning Center

DELL SMALL BUSINESS SERVERS: THINK NOW, THINK AHEAD
Networking Basics for Small Business

Choosing the right server starts with understanding how the server will be used, the applications it will be running, and how critical those functions are to your company. Dell has all the resources necessary to get you started. Once you've identified the features you need, Dell can then help you choose and customize an ideal server solution for your business.

Which server is right for you?

Because performance requirements vary according to business size, a key consideration when choosing a server is the number of users it will support. Dell offers four PowerEdge^TM  server options, each designed to maximize performance for a certain number of users as well as specific business needs. Using the Dell Server Matrix Chart and Checklist provided below will help you easily select the specific server that's the right fit for you.

What do you need?

Setting up a client/server network is easier than you might think. There are ten basic components, some of which are optional:

SERVER A network server is a computer designed to process requests and deliver data to other (client) computers over a local network or the Internet. When investing in a server network for your small business you'll need to consider the processing power, expandability and a few other features to ensure your current or planned workstations/users and future business needs are supported.

SOFTWARE Networking software facilitates communication among the workstations and the server. A server-based network requires specialized operating system software to be installed on the server, allowing users to share information and peripherals that are attached to the network. Additionally, each workstation must run supporting client software in order to communicate with the server.

DESKTOP COMPUTERS A computer is a machine that can take instructions and perform computations based on those instructions. For your server-based network, enough desktop computers will be needed to adequately support the required amount of workstations.

NETWORK INTERFACE CARD A network interface card fits into a PC, workstation, or server and allows the computer to talk to the rest of the network. You'll need a Network Interface Card, or NIC, that can connect your current and planned workstation/user environment to the network.

NETWORK SWITCH A network switch is a small hardware device that connects the client computers and servers together. Most of the switches available today are designed for Ethernet networks. You'll need network switches with the correct port configuration for connecting your computers and server together.

UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY An uninterruptible power supply device maintains a continuous supply of electric power to connected equipment by supplying power from a source other than the main system. You will need one or several of these devices to help protect your network, and your files, against power surges and outages.

ROUTER A router is a device that forwards data packets between computers. Your server-based network will require a router to connect your server to workstations and the Internet, and manage data traffic.

FIREWALLS Firewalls work to protect networks from unauthorized access, are available as hardware devices, software applications, or a combination of the two and are a requirement when setting up a server-based network.

STORAGE Backup storage devices assist users in storing and protecting valuable information that your company may not be able to function without, and are an important part of a server-based network.

CABLES Cables serve as the conduit along which data is sent between devices. Setting up a server-based network will require enough cables for connecting all workstations together and to the server.