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Peripherals

As your network grows both in function and size, you may need to add hardware to build a true networking solution. This page includes descriptions of several types of peripherals. Hardware that creates a connection can be found in the Connections section of this Buyer's Guide.

Asynchronous Serial Port Boards

This network tool allows you to connect multiple serial data lines to the server. For example, if you need to give employees that work outside the office access to your internal network, the multi-port serial board would help. It allows you to attach multiple (1-64) modems to a single server. The board handles all of the I/O and processing so the modem traffic does not tax the server. The board also allows you to configure modems as incoming or outgoing, which means you could also set up fax, Internet, and e-mail capabilities on the same board. Other uses include coRAIDnnecting the following devices to a server: multiple scanning devices (i.e. lightpens, barcode readers, etc.), multiple cash registers and card readers, production devices, and more.

RAID Controllers

A RAID controller uses a variety of hardware and/or software configurations to store and protect data. If you need to safeguard your company's information from hardware and/or software failures, read on to learn how RAID storage can benefit you.

Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS)

Nobody can operate in the dark, or can they? When you add an UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, you keep the system it is connected to up and running during power failures. You may pick the amount of up time you need when the lines are down: from seven or fifteen minutes to over twenty-five minutes. An UPS ensures data integrity that otherwise might be compromised during a sudden loss of power. Some UPSs come with software that lets you set parameters and baselines to automatically initiate an orderly shutdown--even if you're not there to monitor the system when the power goes out. Depending on your environment, you may want to customize your UPS to allow brown outs, power line fluctuations, spikes and surges that may be prevalent in your area without prematurely shutting down your system.