Specifications

DocSTAR Level 2 Service Training Workbook Page 49
Section 5: Network Performance Considerations
? This section will cover special considerations affecting network performance.
Whenever a DocSTAR system is considered for being added into a pre-existing network,
some basic steps should be followed to ensure a successful installation. These steps are:
1. Evaluate the customer’s DocSTAR networking needs.
2. Analyze the PC workstations and the network with the Network Administrator
and confirm that the additional workstation utilization and network traffic
introduced by DocSTAR will not cause the network and/or workstation
performance to decrease drastically. If a problem arises, recommend
upgrades to the PC workstations and/or network that might alleviate the
problem.
3. Purchase and install the proper hardware, software, and licenses.
Steps 1 & 3 are fairly straightforward. This section will focus on step 2. The following are
some major factors that should be considered in proceeding with your analysis.
PC Workstations
Verify that all the intended client workstations meet the following practical requirements to
run DocSTAR software and communicate on the network:
? Minimum Pentium 166MHz Processor
? Minimum of 16MB of RAM
? Minimum of 10MB Hard Drive Space
? Minimum Video Resolution of 800x600
? Running Windows 95/98 or Windows NT 4.0
? A good quality Network Interface card such as the Intel(R) PRO/100+ Management
Adapter
? Are the PC workstations running many other applications and/or memory
intensive applications?
Although the minimum requirements may be met, there may still be a performance
problem if the PC workstations are running many other applications or memory
intensive applications as well.
? Are the PC workstations being maintained properly?
Windows Scandisk and Defrag should be run regularly, at least once a month, to
ensure optimum performance. PM procedures should be performed on the PC
workstations as well to ensure proper cooling and to prevent the accumulation of
insulating dust, which will raise operating temperatures inside the CPU and be the
source of malfunctions. It is wise to find out, beforehand, if they are already
experiencing problems with their PCs.
? Is there a power line problem in the office?
Verify that the electrical outlets are wired properly. Also, power coming from an
electrical outlet, especially in suburban or rural areas, may have surges and/or
sags in power. These surges and sags may cause PCs to operate erratically.
Where necessary you may use a Surge Suppress and UPS (Uninterruptable
Power Supply) to alleviate these problems.