Servers and Other Equipment

Some computer components are unreliable - there's no question about it - and some are rock solid. An ISP network must keep running 24-hours per day, so reliable equipment is essential.

There are an amazing number of sites which suggest you start an ISP with one computer and a handful of modems. What happens when something as simple as a video card or CD-ROM goes bad in the only server you have? For reliable operation at least two servers are required, and if you are banking on this venture as an investment you will want at least four servers and a development/testing workstation. You will also want enough modems and storage capacity from the start to reach a profitable size.

Here is a brief list of the equipment/functions needed:

• Web server(s)
• E-mail server(s) (may be combined with web server on small systems)
• FTP server(s) (usually combined with web servers)
• Authentication or Terminal server(s)
• Master name server
• Slave name server(s)
• News server (if desired)
• Development and Testing server
• Registration server (for on-line sign-ups, if desired)
• Billing server (if desired)
• Backup subsystem
• Router
• Firewall
• Network switches
• Equipment racks
• Cables, tools, and test equipment
• Line termination equipment
• Administrator console(s)
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
• Cold spares

Below is a simple network diagram showing how the servers and network segments interconnect.

Next topic: Your portal (home page, web-mail, etc.)