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  Networks Server, Data and Networking Solutions
As architecture and engineering companies have become reliant on computers and CAD, they have also become reliant on networks to provide the means for an efficient and collaborative work environment. Projects and drawings need to be stored on fast and reliable servers for access by multiple users as they proceed through the design and drafting process. Printers and plotters need to be easily accessible from any and all workstations. Companies, managers, designers, and drafters need to be able to communicate via email, ftp, and the world wide web.

CAD Masters, Inc. (CMI) can provide the hardware, software, and services needed to build, maintain, or even retrofit a network capable of fulfilling these needs of today’s company.
2003 Server based Network Setup and Configuration
Closing the Gap between Networks and CAD
Hardware and Software RAID
Data Backup Systems and Procedures
Routers, Switches, and Wiring
Internet and Email Access
Rates
Information
Have a look at typical CMI network installation for background information.
2003 Server based Network Setup and Configuration
Microsoft 2003 Server provides a simple yet robust solution for running your network. Windows 2000 Professional and XP Professional workstations can connect to a Windows 2003 Server based network with ease. CMI provides the complete solution for building your 2003 Server network:
  • Wiring
  • Installation and Setup
  • Training and Procedures
  • Hardware and Software
  • Configuration
In the process of building or upgrading your network, you will hear terms like RAID, DHCP, DNS, SCSI, and SATA. Allow CMI to explain these terms to you throughout the process so that you can become educated with regard to your network, hardware, and software.

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Closing the Gap between Networks and CAD
Do you need a network consultant that also knows how to configure AutoCAD, or can get the new printer/plotter to work in AutoCAD, or can figure out how to share drawing templates, plotter configurations, and color style tables across the network. CMI can bridge the gap between networks and AutoCAD with expert knowledge and experience in both Windows networking and the use of AutoCAD, Land Desktop, Civil 3D and Architectural Desktop.

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Hardware and Software RAID
RAID stands for redundant array of inexpensive disks. RAID is a methodology for combining 2 or more hard drives into one with the ability to add fault tolerance. A simple explanation of RAID would be to take 2 or more hard drives and combine them into one with the added bonus that if one goes bad, the other drive(s) take over (with no loss of data).

There are several different levels of RAID with 1 and 5 being the most common. In a RAID level 1 scenario, two hard drives are mirrored. If one goes bad, the other takes over until the bad one is replaced. RAID level 1 is a cost effective solution for workstation and small server fault tolerance. Its shortcomings include size limitations related to maximum hard drive size (currently about 400 GB for SATA2 7200 RPM and 140 GB for U320 SCSI 10K RPM) and 100% overhead (i.e. a full drive of the same size is required for fault tolerance). In a RAID level 5 scenario, you use three or more hard drives. If one goes bad, the others take over until the bad one is replaced. Advantages include very large arrays, or large, fast arrays with overhead 33% or lower. For example, if three 400 GB SATA 7.2K RPM drives were used in a RAID 5 configuration, the result would be a fairly fast 800 GB array. 400 GB of space or 33% of the available 1200 GB is lost to fault tolerance. If four 70 GB SCSI 15K RPM drives were used in a RAID 5 configuration, the result would be a very fast 210 GB array. 70 GB of space or 25% of the available 280 GB is lost to fault tolerance.

RAID can be controlled and configured at the hardware or software level. With Windows 2003 Server, you have the ability to configure your hard drives using RAID level 1 or 5. If possible, it is usually better to use hardware rather than software RAID. This is because RAID does not require windows overhead to operate. Many motherboards today include RAID for IDE, SATA or SCSI. CMI can configure your server hard drives using RAID for redundancy and fault tolerance.

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Data Backup Systems and Procedures
RAID provides one form of redundancy and fault tolerance. But what happens if your server is stolen or destroyed by fire? The entire redundancy system will be gone. What happens if a user deletes an important file or folder or an important file is corrupted? The redundancy system will not help restore the lost data. For these reasons, the data should also be backed up to some other media type on a regular basis. Most companies also prefer a backup scheme that includes off-site storage. Backups should happen automatically on a nightly basis with incremental and full backups organized accordingly. Many of our clients use removable hard drives to backup their files on a nightly schedule. Files which have changed are backed up nightly and a full backup is completed once per week. The backup hard drive is changed once per week and stored off-site. With two backup drives, one drive will always be at the office backing up nightly and the other will be off-site. Some clients use a third drive to take monthly or quarterly "snapshots" of their data.

CMI can help you create an automated backup system, and recommend and provide the hardware required to facilitate the backups.

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Routers, Switches, and Wiring
A network begins with CAT5 or CAT6 wiring connecting all servers, workstations, and sometimes printers/plotters to a switch. In addition, most companies today also have a router to connect them to the internet. In the process of planning your network, CMI can help you answer the following questions:
  • Does this wiring already exist in my workplace?
  • Is it CAT3, CAT5 or CAT6 wiring?
  • Is there a patch panel and/or location where these wires meet?
  • Should I use a 100 speed or gigabit switch?
If you are in a fairly new building and all of the wiring exists, the network setup will be that much easier. But even if you are in an older building with no network wiring, CMI can provide all labor and materials for in-wall or unobtrusive out-of-wall wiring.

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Internet and Email Access
Once you have your network up and running, you may want to consider Email, internet access, or access to your network from the outside world. Allow CMI to help you explore these possibilities and answer the following questions:
  • What internet service provider should I choose?
  • What are the different connection technologies and the costs, advantages, and
  • disadvantages of each?
  • What sort of hardware is required?
  • Will security be a concern once we have a presence on the Internet?
  • Will I have to make any changes to my network?
  • Can I set up an FTP site?
  • Can I set up a web site?
  • Should I purchase email server software?
  • Can I connect to my network from home?

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Rates
Onsite Rates $125/hour CMI Rates $100/hour
  • Server Installation and Configuration
  • Backup Automation and Configuration
  • Internet Routing and Remote Access Setup
  • FTP, Web Design, and Email Server Setup
  • General Workstation Software Installation
  • Hardware Installation and Configuration
Network CAT5 wiring is typically $150 per network location. This includes labor and materials (wire, patch panel, faceplates). Drops with two wires (1 network, 1 phone) are typically $175/drop.

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Information
Please contact us for for a free consult or for any questions you may have.

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