Local Area Network (LAN) Assessment

A network consists of two or more computers that are connected together to share information. All networking, no matter how complex, builds off this simple system. Though this may seem like a basic premise, when the the concept was first introduced, it was a major achievement in communications.

There are several types of networks, but this worksheet will focus on local area networks ( LAN), a group of computers that shares a common connection to provide users access to applications, resources, or storage. The first set of questions is designed to help you think through whether your organization needs a LAN. If you've already installed one, the second set of questions will help you plan for upgrades or repairs.

To find out more about networks, read TechSoup's article, Networks 101: What is a Network?

If you do not have a LAN:

1. What would a LAN enable you to do that you can't do now? For example, a LAN might:
   • allow staff members to access each others' files on the computer;
   • enable you to share Internet access on all of the computers in your organization;
   • allow staff members to use one central database;
   • allow you to set up an automated backup system for all computers on the network
2. How many computers do you want on the network?
3. Do you have computers with different operating systems, such as Macintosh OS X or Windows XP?
4. What is your budget for setting up a LAN? Have you explored fundraising possibilities?
5. What support staff can you dedicate or hire to maintain and troubleshoot the LAN?
6. Do you have access to a consultant who can set up your LAN? If not, do you know of other nonprofits that might be able to recommend someone?

If you already have a LAN

1. What network software are you using?
2. What kind of cabling does your LAN have? (Most LANs typically use blue CAT 5 cables.)
3. Are you having any problems with your LAN?
4. Is everyone who needs to be on the network connected to it?
5. Is there room to put more computers on your network with your current cabling and hub?
6. Is the network fast enough? What tasks are too slow to perform, if any?
7. Does the network fail often? What seems to cause the breakdowns?
8. Do you have a network server? What kind of computer is it (brand, model, hardware specifications, operating system)? Has it been down more than once in the past few months?
9. What kind of backup system does your network have? (For instance, do you use a CD rewriteable drive, tape drive, or external hard drive?) How frequently do you perform these backups? Do you backup all of the hard drives connected to the network, or just the server?
10. Do you have a network consultant? If so, what do you estimate you paid them last year?
11. Is your LAN connected to the Internet? If so, what kind of connection do you have?
    • Shared modem (56K dial-up or dedicated line)
    • ISDN
    • DSL
    • Cable modem
    • T1
    • T3
12. What tasks do you need to perfom using your LAN that you can't do now? How is your LAN slowing you down?
13. What solutions or next steps can you take?