Defining Network Standards

[Actsh]

I've just been assigned the unenviable task of having to define a set of Network standards for our LAN sites globally and the WAN. Does anyone know of a good starting point - perhaps some reference sites or whitepapers.

Thanks in advance,

Actsh

 

[franklin97355]

A little more info please. Do you mean hardware, software, or usage standards?

 

[bierhunter]

Defining standards is a broad description.

You need to first decide upon what part of the network you are looking to standardize.

Network equipment (vendor type, abilities, etc)
Trunking (802.1Q, ISL, whatever)
Security (firewall, anti-virus, proxies, etc)
Backbone (ATM, GigabitEthernet, etc)
Heldesk systems
Type of workstations and servers

What is it that you want to define as a standard?

I understand your dilema though. I've been through the same thing. Each network is different though.

Here's a big big big question for you. Is your executive management ready and willing to support you in your decisions? Sorry, but I've seen many who are not. Many just want a scapegoat for when things go wrong. Hopefully that is not you.

 

[Actsh]

Thanks for your interest guys. Essentially I need to identify what we want to standardise as Franklin97355 rightly points out. Primary focus to be on Network architecture, protocols, security, network equipment, documentation etc.

1. Backbone and local network and its access controls - stable, reliable and high resilience broadband network connections, routing and routed protocols.
2. Internet access – lease lines, broadband, iPass
3. WLAN
4. IP addressing
5. Network products and its SLA like routers, switches and hubs
6. Remote Access – VPN, Dialup.
7. Secure products like firewalls and IDS (Optional)
8. Directory Services - Active Directory, Email phone book for offline (Optional).

I really need to know if I'm missing anything or taking the wrong direction.

Rgds,

Actsh

 

[franklin97355]

Boy, you are covering a lot of different areas here. Sounds like you are most interested in the network outside the buildings and not internal. Most of the issues you are talking about have standards and your job will be to decide which ones will give you the results you want with the work you are willing to put into maintaining that level of result. I would start with the apps your company wants to use over the network and what level of security you will need.