Overview
If it's your job to give remote and mobile users access to key resources such as databases, e-mail, business applications, and the Internet, you need LAN Times Guide to Managing Remote Connectivity. With step-by-step instructions and the latest information on hot connectivity technologies, this book will help you develop and activate a custom connectivity plan that can save your company money over the long haul.This business oriented guide introduces remote access connectivity options for network managers. The author examines the obvious and hidden costs associated with remote connectivity, service, equipment and software issues. He maintains a strong focus on access management and security concerns, while he overviews service and equipment options such as ISDN, wireless and mixed environments. This includes the emerging xDSL and cable access options. Next, he presents connectivity models and scenarios for different environments such as single user-to-LAN, LAN-to-backbone and LAN-to-LAN connectivity. Equally important is the business discussion, it asks -- who benefits and what is the service cost? To answer these questions, the author guides you through worksheets, time estimates, staffing and service costs. He examines client software, remote security issues, network threats, software distribution and asset control. Central to the success or failure of remote connectivity is a strong and clear corporate policy; he addresses this and several specific corporate issues.