CHAPTER FOUR

Network Administration and Managing Network Services

Planning the network and installation
Configuration,
maintenance, and
Services
● What to look for before network installation?
● First comes planning
● Second: Determine your hardware requirements including backup devices,
printers, cables, hubs, switches etc.
● Next comes the network pattern—here you will establish the network
operating system, network topology, NIC's, network cabling or wireless
network, and location of all the devices
● Security check should be your next consideration. Here you will ensure
passwords, virus protection etc.
Moreover, you’ll also verify the backup system you have in order to save data
from being lost and also the backup in case of power failure.
 Planning
Good Network Installation Requires Better Planning
Network planning is to streamline business goals and build a whole
network revolving around those goals.
Identify your needs:
The first step in network installation will be to determine your
network requirements and needs.
points to keep in mind
● Total users of the network will help you determine the amount of
computers and peripheral devices you may need.
● Identify the patterns of network usage by the users.
● For example,
– will each person operate a personal
computer, or – will a group of people use a
single computer, or – will someone use the
network remotely.
● Identify the needs and requirements of your staff
and integrate them with your network plans,
● If you are expecting your business growth and
extension in the future, choose a network
accordingly
 How to start planning?
● The first step is assessing your current network requirements and considering
how the business is likely to change over time
● Consider Usage Requirements– how users will interact with the system
● Gather Input– defining the requirements of each group
● Plan for the future (3-5 years)
● Security Issues
● Information Management – standardized naming conventions for files on the
server
● Remote Access– can be done through remote dial-in, or securely over the
Internet using a VPN.
● Staff Training
 Network pre-installation checklist
● Planning
● How many people will use the network?
● How many users are local or on-site?
● How many users are remote or off-site and will require access to the
network?
● How many on-site computers will be connected to the network?
● How many on-site devices (computers, servers, scanners, printers, etc) will
require a network card?
● How do you intend remote users to access the network?
● What are the specifications of the servers you intend to install on the network
( e.g. amount of memory, processor speed etc.)?
● Have you purchased sufficient licenses to run all the software on servers and
client machines?
 Network hardware requirements
● What other devices will your network support (e.g. back-up devices,
Uninterruptible Power Supplies, Network printers, etc.)?
● Do the hubs or switches have enough ports for the number of connections
you will require
● What network topology will you use
● Which network operating system will you use (e.g. Windows 2000 Server,
Linux, Novell etc.)?
● Which type of cabling will you use (e.g. CAT 5, optical fiber or will a wireless
network be suitable?
 Server??
● Reasons for Having a Server:
● To store all of our files in a single place.
● When one need levels of protection to control which members of
staff have access to our files.
● To centralize the management of our network including backups
and antivirus precautions.
● To share email/calendars/contacts.
● To control the software and settings that our users have access to
● Disadvantages of Having a Server
● Increased Costs
● Single point of failure
● Requires Technical Expertise
● Power & Internet Dependency
● Space & Infrastructure
•Client Server OS Configuration

● Single-function network appliances often have a mini-OS that contains

just enough software to do the one function required, such as being
● a file server,
● a web server, or A mail server.
● Servers need the ability to be remotely administered.
 Providing Services
● Email Service
● Print Service
● Data Storage
● Backup and Restore
● Remote Access Service
● Software Depot Service
● Web Services
 Developing General Strategies
● In network administration, developing general strategies is crucial for ensuring
efficient, secure, and reliable network operations. The core strategies include:
1. Network Design and Planning: This includes determining bandwidth
requirements, choosing appropriate hardware, and planning for future
growth.
2. Security Measures: Protecting the network from unauthorized access is
paramount. Strategies like firewalls, encryption, VPNs, and regular security
audits help safeguard data and maintain network integrity.
3. Backup and Recovery: Implementing data backup strategies ensures that in
the event of system failures or disasters, critical network services can be
restored quickly.
4. User and Device Management: Administrators must define clear policies for
user access control and device configuration.
 Maintenance Troubleshooting: Common System and Network Problems
Effective maintenance troubleshooting is key to identifying and resolving system and network
problems  Here are some common issues faced in system and network environments:

1. System Problems
Slow System Performance:
Cause: Insufficient RAM, outdated hardware, excessive background processes, or software conflicts.
Solution:
Free up memory by closing unnecessary applications, upgrade hardware (e.g., add RAM), update
drivers, and perform regular system cleanups.
System Crashes or Freezes:
Cause: Software bugs, overheating, incompatible drivers, or faulty hardware components.
Solution:
Check for overheating issues, update system drivers, ensure software compatibility, and run hardware
diagnostics.
Disk Space Running Low:
Cause: Accumulation of unnecessary files, unused software, or log files.
Solution:
Delete old or unnecessary files, move large files to external storage, and clean up disk space
using built-in tools like Disk Cleanup.

Application Errors or Crashes:

Cause: Corrupted software files, outdated versions, or insufficient resources.
Solution:
Update or reinstall the application, check for available patches, and ensure the system
meets the software's requirements.
2. Network Problems
• Network Connectivity Issues:
• Cause: Faulty cables, misconfigured network settings, DNS problems, or issues with
the router/modem.
• Solution:
Check physical connections, reset or replace networking hardware, verify IP address
configuration, and test DNS settings.
• Slow Network Speed:
• Cause: Bandwidth congestion, faulty hardware, excessive network traffic, or signal
interference (in wireless networks).
• Solution:
Prioritize critical traffic using Quality of Service (QoS), upgrade networking hardware
(e.g., routers, switches), and resolve any interference issues (e.g., change Wi-Fi
channels).
• IP Address Conflicts:
• Cause: Two devices on the same network trying to use the same IP address.
• Solution:
Ensure that DHCP is correctly configured, or assign static IP addresses to
devices that require them.
• Firewall or Security Configuration Issues:
• Cause: Firewall blocking legitimate traffic, incorrect security settings, or
software misconfigurations.
• Solution:
Review and update firewall rules, check for misconfigured security software,
and ensure proper network segmentation.
• Using Event Viewer and Troubleshooting Connectivity
• Event Viewer is a powerful tool in Windows operating systems that allows
administrators to monitor system logs for errors, warnings, and informational
events. Here's how to use it and troubleshoot connectivity:
Using Event Viewer
1. Accessing Event Viewer:
Open it by typing "Event Viewer" in the Start menu or using the eventvwr.msc
command in the Run dialog (Win + R).
2. Types of Logs:
Application Logs: Contains events related to applications installed on the
system.
System Logs: Contains events about system components, such as drivers,
hardware, and OS processes.
Security Logs: Tracks security-related events, including login attempts and
resource access.
Troubleshooting Connectivity
1. Check Physical Connections:
Ensure cables are plugged in properly or that the wireless connection is active. Test with a
different cable or port to rule out hardware failure.
2. Ping Test: Use the ping command to check connectivity between devices on the network.
For example, ping 192.168.1.1 to test connectivity to the router.
A successful ping confirms the device is reachable; a failed ping could indicate issues with
the network or the device.
3. Check IP Configuration:
Ensure that the device has a valid IP address. Use ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig
(Linux/Mac) to view the current IP configuration.
If necessary, release and renew the IP address using ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew
(Windows).
4. DNS Issues: If web pages aren’t loading, the issue may be with DNS. Test DNS resolution
using nslookup to verify if the system can reach DNS servers.
If DNS is the problem, try changing to a public DNS server (e.g., Google’s 8.8.8.8) and check
for resolution.
Thank you !