ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces IT managers to the issues associated with networked imaging systems. Network upgrades can be accomplished in a number of ways, including the addition of higher performance equipment and transmission media to build higher-speed backbone networks, the use of file compression and forms reduction software, or subscription to carrier-provided digital services. The most popular local area network (LAN) types are Ethernet and Token-Ring, and although most companies already have LANs by the time they are ready to add image applications, they often have a choice between Ethernet and Token-Ring because both are available among various workgroups and departments. Using LAN management systems, analysis tools, and utilities, the network manager can accurately measure performance and take immediate steps to make improvements, such as segmenting the network into subnets, caching images, using file compression, and adding higher-performance peripherals. Fiber Distributed Data Interface is a 100M bps fiber optic LAN that addresses bandwidth distance, and fault-recovery issues that limit conventional LANs.
