Computer Networking

At Jolera, networking is the connection of multiples resources, aligned with a similar goal, using a similar medium or language to accomplish a larger, more profound objective. By networking computer systems, we connect individuals. Included in this section is a high level listing of all the deliverables that Jolera provides using networking technologies.

Ethernet Systems

Ethernet is the most widely-installed local area network technology. Specified in a standard, IEEE 802.3, Ethernet was originally developed by Xerox and then developed further by Xerox, DEC, and Intel. An Ethernet LAN typically uses coaxial cable or special grades of twisted pair wires.

•  Ethernet systems at 10BASE-T can provide transmission speeds up to 10 Mbps
•  Fast Ethernet or 100BASE-T can provide transmission speeds up to 100 Mbps
•  Gigabit Ethernet 1 GB provide even higher levels of backbone support at 1000 Mbps (1 gigabit or 1 billion bits per second) and are typically used for LAN backbone systems and servers supporting workstations with 100BASE-T cards.
  

Devices are connected to the cable and compete for access using a Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol.

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Core Switching

Connecting all your workgroup switches and servers is the job of core switches. The core switching unit(s) are typically robust 1GB Ethernet based systems. Proper design of your workgroup and core switching system will not only ensure a smooth operating environment but will also leave plenty of room for future network resource expansion.

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Networking Systems

Networking systems reliably is the core of what Jolera can do for you. Establishing seamless integration of different computer systems into one collaborative system while maintaining the ease of use as the network’s complexity grows and productivity is increased is our fundamental goal. By combining the resources and ideas of the individuals who make up an enterprise, productivity can be raised exponentially.

The following are a few of the key technologies that make up any successful enterprise:

• Windows 2000/2003
  
  Windows 2000/2003 domains are the center of any successful business. From securing your network to allowing your employees to access their data anywhere within your domain, Windows 2000/2003 domains are the first choice of the business world. Whether you are a small business with only a few employees to a multi-national corporation, the flexibility, scalability and security of a Windows 2000/2003 domain make it the pinnacle of networking solutions.
  
• DNS/DHCP Services
  
  DNS (Domain Naming Service) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) are cornerstones of a properly designed network. DNS is the roadmap of your networking solution. From logging on to your domain to finding your favorite web site, properly configured DNS is key to a successfully run business network.
  
  Working together with DNS, DHCP is the best way to configure the client computer workstation in you network. Along with giving out IP (Internet Protocol) addresses and dynamically registering them with DNS, you can specify default gateway, DNS servers and many other features that will execute seamlessly, all by simply turning on your computer.

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File Sharing Services

The ultimate goal of I.T. (information technology) networks is powerful communication. The ability to share ideas and information instantaneously unites us and can provide an incredible advantage in the competitive market. There are many ways to share files: network drives, FTP (file transfer protocol) sites, DFS (distributed file system), as well as many others. FTP sites are a great way to share files with anyone who has an internet connection, while network drives are a great tool for sharing files locally within your network. DFS has the benefit of preventing bottlenecks for high traffic files and redundancies if any of your file servers go down. Another file sharing solution is SharePoint™ which is much more robust than its simple name suggests and is discussed in further detail in its own section.

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Wide Area Networking

Wide area networking (WAN) is a diverse topic that every company must think about. In its most narrow sense, simply connecting to the internet is considered wide area networking, but it comprises much more than that. For larger companies with a diffuse employee base, connecting satellite and field offices with your head office can provide a dynamic increase in productivity. Not only are WAN connections used for connecting your field offices, but they can also be used for connecting individuals to your offices through dial-up and virtual private network connections.

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Linux

Linux has historically been used as a server operating system, but its low cost, flexibility, and Unix background make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Linux is the cornerstone of the "LAMP" server-software combination (Linux, Apache, MySQL, Perl/PHP/Python) which has achieved popularity among developers, and which is one of the more common platforms for website hosting. At Jolera, we provide Linux as yet another solution in our growing toolbox for network connectivity.

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Mac OS X

Jolera’s commitment to seamless network integration wouldn’t be complete without fully compliant Mac-compatibility. We provide solutions for Mac OS X Tiger systems down through its legacy and up to the cutting edge Leopard release due next year.

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Workstation Deployment

At Jolera, we believe that workstation deployment and management should never be a time and resource-intensive process. We implement many strategies and tools that not only save you time and money during initial deployment, but also reduce the TCO (total cost of ownership) by reducing support requirements over time.

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Workstation Imaging

The concept of workstation imaging is to create a workstation in a lab environment that meets the business needs of the enterprise. The system is customized with considerations to utilities, applications and security configurations so that all workstations in the enterprise can use it without further customization.

Once this system meets the needs of the enterprise, it is imaged (or copied) so that it can be reproduced easily during the deployment. This approach saves considerable time and complexity. The team installs, configures and tests the system once, and can then reproduce it thousands of times with confidence. Not only do identical workstations save time and money on the support end, but the deployment itself will go many times faster than an individually deployed solution.

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Hot Fix Management

Managed application deployment is a strategy employed to provide customized applications to users or computer groups. Software is installed automatically based on a user’s pre-determined needs, and essentials such as anti-virus solutions can be controlled network-wide. This is an excellent way to ensure that applications will be configured uniformly across a selected group and this will ensure that a minimum of support is required. In addition to managed application deployment, you can also deploy hot fixes, services packs and patches to update and ensure that your enterprise has the highest possible level of security and functionality.

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High Availability Solutions

Information Technology is spine of your organization. Without availability to provide IT services to your users, customers and vendors, business becomes difficult and costly. Investing in robust, high-redundancy solutions is the foundation of a successful and high-availability IT enterprise.

Listed below are some of the technology scenarios that Jolera uses to ensure high system availability:

• Load Balancing
  
  With Jolera’s help, static configuration services such as web servers, print servers, SMTP servers, firewalls and DNS servers can utilize network load balancing services to ensure high availability of the required technology. Load balancing services are cost-effective, easy to configure and do not require shared data source environments such as fiber or SCSI channel arrays. Jolera can provide you with the confidence that your services are load-balanced and available at all times.
  
• Clustering
  
  Unlike load balancing, clustering is utilized to ensure high availability for dynamic changing content like databases and file services. Clustering environments require network attached storage (NAS) arrays to hold the data that is being written by the clustered servers. Even though clustering hardware can be costly, it is essential to ensuring continuous up-time, even during maintenance schedules.
• NAS Systems
  
  Your data storage is a key component to your network availability. Making the investment in a proper network attached storage array is crucial to offering a redundant available infrastructure. NAS systems contain multiple hot swappable hard drives with multiple channel arrays to remove any single points of failure. Let Jolera help you make the right NAS purchase decision and implementation.
  
• Shadow Copy Services
  
  A new service available on Linux, Unix and Microsoft Windows 2003, shadow copy services allows users to quickly roll back and restore any files they may have accidentally overwritten or deleted. This service is available for the user’s desktop operating system and does not require the involvement of IT. Accidental deletions and overwrites are a part of daily business and providing an easy restore interface will save your organization time and money.

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