Specifications

Bankway Network Standards Guide - Distributed Terminal Server in Every Branch
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 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 FIS environment,
contact your FIS 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 customers’
database of information between users and branches. The Network is divided into two distinct
sections: the LAN and the WAN.
Note: There are many options for Networks. This document focuses on current best
practices for the FIS Bankway environment. To explore other options contact the FIS
representative.
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. phone 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, recommended
by FIS, 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 insure 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. FIS 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.