Recommendations from Nvision Networking
Dan Meyer, Network Consultant
Presented to the College Technology Committee on September 23, 2005
- The image that is currently being used has been around for many years and has slowly become "challenged". I think that time invested in creating a new image and optimizing the image while it is being created will provide more value than continued research in the old image.
- Automated maintenance via scripts and policies. The staff has done a tremendous job in automating tasks and finding quick solutions to problems. Over time however it doesn't appear that a strategy exists to consolidate or leverage any given solution. If I recall, we have MS scripts, Novell scripts, the PUP scripts, local policies and network policies being applied to each machine. I think it would be beneficial to consolidate when and where scripts are being run as well as a quarterly review of the validity of the actions in the script.
- Active Directory. Currently the active directory is a sideline in the network with poor or no documentation as to how it impacts the clients. The AD can be a very powerful tool which could help with the consolidation of automated management, but it can also cause many problems in the client if not properly or safely leveraged. I feel that a complete review and documentation of the AD is in order and a redesign of the OU structure should be considered.
- Novell and Microsoft services. As we found with IP and IPX, when we bind multiple protocols it increases the overhead and slows performance. The same issues exists when we run multiple clients. For Glendale, it may be acceptable to take the performance hit to be able to provide the services they are able to offer by having both Microsoft and Novell. I would recommend however, when building the new image and optimizing it for performance that the following tests be run. Setup 1 client exclusively to connect to a Novell environment, document added value and shortcomings, and then test the performance. Then setup 1 client exclusively to connect to a Microsoft environment, document added value and shortcomings, and then test the performance. I think you will be surprised by the performance gained in either environment. It may be useful to test other solutions as well.
