Client Connectivity Overview

Networks vary in size and type depending on their function. How clients connect to the network depends upon where they are located. Some examples include:

• Internal clients are physically located within the corporate infrastructure. Internal clients can use a variety of different network media such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Ethernet, or Token Ring.

• External clients are remote from the corporate network infrastructure and require Routing and Remote Access or virtual private networking

Clients need to be able to connect to a variety of resources. These resources include file and print servers, database servers such as Microsoft® SQL Server™, Microsoft® Exchange servers, and internal Web servers.

To ensure that clients can connect reliably and efficiently, you need to determine your Windows 2000 client connectivity strategy before you begin to implement your connectivity plans. Figure 22.1 outlines a basic procedure for determining a client connectivity strategy. You do not have to perform the tasks in the order listed. The flowchart provides you with a list of the tasks you need to perform and a suggestion for one order in which you could perform those tasks.

Figure 22.1 Process for Determining Client Connectivity Strategy