Network Performance Institute debuts two low-cost computer-aided local area network design and planning tools, LANModel and LANBuild. These tools are intended to assist in the planning, design, management, and expansion of data communication networks. Unlike most other network management tools, these software-only solutions furnish information in advance of actual network installation; they also yield value throughout the life of the local area network or enterprise-wide resource. LANBuild and LANModel are designed for use by network managers, network designers, contractors, technicians, and consultants. Ideally, these tools are useful in planning corporate and campus networks and in analyzing the requirements for client-server processing and distributed databases. Installation (and removal) of these tools is automated. While these tools are network planning, design, and optimization tools, they do not require a network to operate; they work on a standalone PC (DOS with MS Windows or OS/2 2.0). All three tools run on Microsoft Windows-compatible PCs, notebook computers, laptop computers, and networked stations. For organizations with established networks, these tools also will function properly on a MS-Windows network client. These tools automatically adjust for monochrome or color displays. Display can be optimized for contrast for most notebook and laptop PCs. LANModel LANModel is intended to validate a network design and optimize LAN performance. LANModel generates network performance statistics without detailed information; even before the network is built. Output is both numerical and graphical. Onscreen reports include network utilization, delivery latency, expected delivery times, transmission waiting times, channel bandwidth and packet component utilization, and other relevant statistics. Calculations with statistical confidence intervals are provided. Proforma (adjust parameters in real time) onscreen graphs include bandwidth utilization based upon changes to packet size, transmission frequency, and channel utilization. This information is a useful agency for estimating the capacity and performance of planned networks or assessing the capacity and performance of proposed expansions. It is also effective for modeling division of overloaded networks into workgroup LANs with bridging or routing pathways. LANModel quickly generates onscreen estimates, utilization graphs, and reports based upon several statistical models. LANModel is useful for designing and building networks that adequately meet requirements without providing excessive overcapacity for significant cost savings. Specifically, LANModel provides network capacity assessment, transaction performance and transaction latency times, traffic analysis, and expansion modeling for speed or volume throughput optimization. The software adjusts for various network configurations, standards, media, protocols, and transmission or signal propagation speeds. This includes optical fiber, SDDI or CDDI, wireless infrared (IR) or radio-frequency (RF) technologies. This is representative of Novell, Banyan, Proteon, SynOptics, 3Com, Ungermann-Bass, TCP/IP, NFS, Cabletron, OS/2 LAN, LAN Server, and LAN Manager components and network operating systems. These network planning tools are pertinent for networks based upon coaxial cable, optical fiber, twisted-pair, or wireless signaling. LANModel accommodates the indicated error conditions and rates, transmission failures, network overload, traffic saturation, and compensates for node bursts. This includes consequences from software-based network management tools including SNMP, CMIP, UDP, or IP subpacket alarms, and multicast and broadcast transmissions. The client-server model is an important planning tool when downsizing mainframe hosts to LAN-based distributed computing environments. Modeling results incorporate expected norms and statistical confidence intervals for constructing a robust network. Results are based upon multiple mathematical models (combinatorial, Markovian, and Monte Carlo) and balanced queueing models. LANModel tool is not limited merely to a planning role. It forms the perfect partner for hardware- or software-based protocol analyzers and extends their capacity for network management. Captured network data yields a more accurate source for planning and network optimization. This represents important information to resolve bottlenecks based upon peak network loading, high error rates, excessive collision rates, station beaconing, packet size and type distributions, as well as channel saturation. LANModel is $79US plus shipping for the ARCnet, Ethernet, FDDI, and Token-Ring planning and modeling kit. LANModel requires MS-Windows 3.X, at least 2 MB of RAM, from 650,000 to 1.2 MB of disk space to install. It uninstalls completely in two minutes. LANBuild LANBuild assists in the design and construction of local area networks. It generates detailed one graphical onscreen report and eight different printed reports including: User network specifications Warning and violation report Installation component report Spares report Mission-critical spares report Installation labor requirements Maintenance labor requirement report Recommended tool and supplies list The component report lists required for efficient and methodical network installation. The component list includes wiring, network adapters, hubs and patch panels, jumpers, software, and ancillary components. This software produces a spare component inventory to maintain on site in case of part or channel failure, as well as a contingent wiring plant for mission-critical networks. The recommended tool list includes the specialized tools for each network protocol and wiring plant, general purpose installation and ongoing maintenance, as well as consumable supplies. Furthermore, LANBuild estimates electrical power and A/C cooling requirements for the network and attached equipment so that site capacity will not be overtaxed. It indicates specification flaws and design oversights. Also, LANBuild optionally designs alternate configurations to optimize site costs and network performance. LANBuild estimates time and labor installation requirements, as well as expected maintenance costs during the life of the LAN. LANBuild is useful for designing and building networks that adequately meet requirements without providing excessive overcapacity. LANBuild networking protocols and wiring currently supported include Ethernet and Token-Ring. This is representative of Novell, Banyan, Proteon, SynOptics, 3Com, Ungermann-Bass, TCP/IP, NFS, Cabletron, OS/2 LAN, LAN Server, and LAN Manager components and network operating systems. These network planning tools are pertinent for networks based upon coaxial cable, optical fiber, twisted- pair, or wireless signaling. LANBuild is $79US plus shipping for the Ethernet and Token-Ring design and planning kit. LANBuild requires MS-Windows 3.X, at least 2 MB of RAM, and 450,000 of disk space to install. It uninstalls completely in two minutes. Payment Terms As of 8-20-92, Hurricane Andrew has adversely affected merchant MC/Visa payment. Hopefully, this will be reestablished within two months. In this interim, payment can be by COD in the US. USPS charges approximate $6.50 for shipping and COD handling. We accept corporate checks from D&B listed companies. Shipping charges approximate $3.00. We will accept corporate checks from overseas companies. Shipping charges approximate $9.50 US. For Further Information Please call for information on the availability of the enterprise networking model, NETModel and WANModel. This is expected to feature hub, bridge, router, and gateway capability, as well as support for ATM, frame relay, MNP, serial dial-up, SMDS, T-1, T-3, X.25, and X.400. Contact Network Performance Institute at (305) 864-2744 for availability and pricing details, or write to NPI at Box 41-4371, United States Post Office, Miami Beach, FL 33141-9998. The CompuServe mail number is 70373-1350. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Network Performance Institute NPI consults on issues of data communications, publishing, software design and development, and performance optimization. Notably, NPI provides system and network audits and subsequent repairs of dysfunctional networks. NPI designs and installs LANs and WANs, as well as builds MS-Windows and database applications. Areas of likely service include assessment of MIS requirements, LAN and WAN performance tuning, network server tuning, optimization of imperfect client-server operations (transactional bottlenecks and slow operation), design of distributed databases, LANs, WANs, multiprotocol interoperability and multiplatform connectivity. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LANModel provides the following statistical information: estimated channel utilization (with three CI levels) breakdown on channel usage by overhead, data, and protocol estimated node, system, network waiting times (msec) estimate tranmission times for large block data transfers LANModel provides the following graphical output: channel utilization graphs by overhead, data, and protocol channel utilization graphs by CI levels proforma graphs by increased/decreased node/traffic counts ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three of the eight available reports for LANBuild (generic printer) A LANbuild Design and Planning Tool Report Network User-Selected Parameters This report shows user-selected parameters and options. Units of measurement are in meters Network name or type: Token-Ring 16 MB Network structure: Star Wiring standard: STP Patch Panel Jumpers Wall to Node Jumpers Patch Panels and Punchdown Blocks Wiring method: Ceiling Conduit Wiring closet: Centralized MAUs or hubs (5 units) Ports MAU or hub (8 ports/unit) User nodes count: 65 Support nodes count: 1 Building width: 130 meters Building length: 120 meters Vertical floors: 2 Baseboard height: .1 meters Ceiling/plenum height: 5 meters A LANbuild Design and Planning Tool Report Network Design Warnings and Violations For Token-Ring 16 MB network Warnings: 5 1: Factor vertical height (5 meters * twice) for cable runs 2: Consider connecting different floors at a central point 3: Insufficient support services 4: High node count may destabilize ring performance 5: Enclosed wiring may require fire resistant Teflon Minor Violations: 1 1: Node counts exceed planned MAU access ports Serious Violations: 0 Critical Violations: 0 A LANbuild Design and Planning Tool Report Network Installation Component List For Token-Ring 16 MB network Unit Description Quantity Notes Spares network KW Electricity 52 11 network Tons BTU A/C cooling capacity 5 2 network patch panel 1 1 network patch panel blocks 6 6 1 network patch panel hydra bundle 19 6 2 network wiring rack 2 0 network patch panel jumpers 198 2 12 network MAU or hubs w/8 ports 8 2 1 network trunk cables 9 2 1 node node workstation 65 4 node support workstation 1 1 node NIC 66 2, 9 4 node Conditioned AC power 9 2, 7 2 node cable ties 244 node network user software license 66 node network software drivers 66 node NIC device drivers 66 node media filters 66 Optional: node wall wiring box 66 1 node wall box plate cover 66 1 node wall to node AUI cable 66 4 node wall to CPU jumpers 66 2 4 node UPS power supply 1 7 1 node surge protectors 66 7 14 Structural Components: network ceiling conduit-- meters 1775 *guess* network installation j-hooks or studs 6705 *guess* Note 1: Hub and node dispersion will affect hub, MAU, and node count. Note 2: Most hub nodes require AC electrical power for operation. Very few local nodes operate from workstation DC power. Although transmitter power requirements are fairly low, plan for adequate conditioned power in the desired locations. The same is true for servers, support nodes, and other critical powered components. Note 6: A hydra connects easily into most standard patch panels and simplifies installation while increasing operating reliability. Note 7: Uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) are battery-backup devicesŠ to provide needed service in case of power failures or spikes. Also, it is best to install isolated/grounded circuits for all critical computer equipment, active hubs, routers, and gateways. Note 9: The NIC PROM chip contains the Token-Ring address. This is usually unique. Node addresses are usually established when the station is inserted into the ring (on a first-come, first-served basis). The NIC speed and buffer must be configured for 4 Mbits/s or 16 Mbits/s transmission speed. However, the packet buffer size is further restricted by NOS and bridge/router configurations. Match these parameters for best utilization of stations speed and resources. Note 10: Failure to plan for adequate wiring conduit capacity generally represents the beginnings of a wiring problem that increases with success of the LAN or with organizational growth. Note 11: LAN to LAN connectivity via modem lines, T-1, dedicated lines, SMDS, frame relay, or even serial lines often requires common carrier phone lines. Assess this need and plan for installation accordingly.