Specifications

Bankway Network Standards Guide - Client Server Environment
This constitutes a trade secret of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. 03/08 Research & Development
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The topic of a telecommunications network is a large science and an industry that is beyond the
scope of this document. What follows are general guidelines. For a complete analysis of a
Telecommunications Network by a qualified professional with expertise in the Bankway
environment, contact your Bankway representative.
The Telecommunications Network is a generic term referring to the elements that allow
computers to exchange data. In practice, the network allows Bankway to share your customer’s
database of information between users and branches.
Note: There are many options for Networks. This document focuses on current best
practices for the Bankway environment. To explore other options, contact the FIS
representative.
The Network is divided into two distinct sections: the LAN and the WAN.
LAN stands for Local Area Network. This is part that resides inside the Bank’s facilities. Typically
the Bank owns, operates and maintains the LAN.
WAN stands for Wide Area Network. This is the part that connects the different locations of the
Bank. Typically the Bank contracts with a Common Carrier such as AT&T, Sprint or the Local
Exchange Carrier (i.e., telephone company) to provide this service.
A LAN begins with cabling to every location where a computer will be attached to the network.
The cables terminate at a Patch Panel in a central location, usually a wiring closet or
communications equipment room. The current industry standard is Category 5 (CAT-5) which is
based on EIA/TIA 568 Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring Standard. This standard
specifies cables, connectors, wall outlets, and patch panels. CAT-5 cable should be installed by
a professional wiring contractor.
Operating over the cable is the data link protocol. The current industry standard that we
recommend is 100baseTX Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) which operates at 100,000,000 bits per
seconds. Each computer or printer connected to the network must be equipped with a Network
Interface Card (NIC) capable of supporting 100baseTX Ethernet.
The computers connect to each other and the WAN via a 100Mbps Ethernet Switch, collocated
with the Patch Panel. In larger installations, switches may be deployed in a hierarchy with
devices connected to access switches which are, in turn, up-linked to distribution/backbone
switches.
Note: Some locations may be using 10Mbps Ethernet hubs. While providing similar
functionality as 100Mbps switches, performance will be noticeably degraded.
To ensure data reaches the proper destination, an addressing scheme must be developed and
an address must be assigned to and configured on each device in the network. Bankway
supports TCP/IP, which is the Internet Protocol and is the dominant standard. An IP address
must be assigned to each device. The addresses must be arranged in a hierarchical manner to
facilitate proper routing.
Connecting LANs, either directly or over a WAN, requires a Router. The size and configuration
of the router depends on the specific network configuration.