System Infrastructure

The infrastructure of the system is the arrangement of the components that make up those parts of the system that allow it to operate as a network. These parts are normally subdivided into three sections:

1. Network infrastructure hardware and software
   This comprises all the bits of the system that are used exclusively (or principally) to provide the interconnection between the system's computers. This includes such things as:
   
   • Hubs and switches
   • Routers and bridges
   • File, application and database servers
   • Cabling and wireless link equipment
2. End user hardware and software
   This comprises all the various items that provide the interface between the users and the network, such as:
   
   • Desktop and laptop computers
   • Computer networking software
   • Networked printers, scanners, plotters and their servers
   and such like that are part of the system, either permanently or temporarily.
   It excludes
   
   • Operating systems
   • Application software, such as Office, accounts packages etc
   • Local peripherals such as non-networked printers.
3. System services
   This covers all the services that the system provides to you or your users, such as:
   
   • Networking functions (DNS, DHCP, NAT etc)
   • Security functions (Firewalls, Intrusion detection, network monitoring and tiering, software management)
   • Remote access functions (Internet connectivity, Intranet, Extranet, web, database and application services)
   • Business functions (backup and archive, telephone/VoIP connectivity)

Of course, such divisions are fairly arbitrary and services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) will involve the use of both hardware and software.