camargo@cs.columbia.edu (Kiko) (05/07/91)
Hi there, This week's question: Two networks running Netware 386 v3.11 located far apart need to be connected in a WAN fashion. The requirements call for users in one site being able to access a data-base (I/O intensive) application in the other site. The criteria for solution selection is cost/performance. I'm inclinded to say that access through some link like CARBON-COPY over 9600 BAUD lines is the more appropriate, this because some data-base transactions require a heavy flow of data from the server to the workstation. Therefore, with CARBON-COPY, everything is processed localy, thus reliefing the communication lines from too much data being sent back and forth. However, we want to study the costs of using more flexible solutions like bridges and gateways talking over high speed lines, thus allowing full support for the users accessing either one of the file servers. I need to know: what are the alternatives for such links ? Are there special boxes ready to go, or a PC-based bridge is the best way. Any ideas of the costs involved ? What are the speeds for which WAN are usually connected ? Do the limits of 56KBPS still hold ? Are there more cost-effective solutions ? What about T-1 links ? What about leased-lines as opposed to dial-up solutions ? (I must add that the connection in case requires crossing State lines, thus long distance calls may become very expensive). Who should I be calling for quotes and services available ? (NYNEX, AT&T, etc. ?) In any event, I draw the perfect scenario: Users in one site can login in either file server, and access applications in either site without any unberable degradation in performance. Is this possible at any reasonable cost ? Can anybody advance me some figures ? Any help is appreciated. Please, send your replies directly to this account. I'll summarize the answers for later posting in the net. Thanks a lot. /Kiko camargo@cs.columbia.edu