This portion of the Installation Specifications contains details that are of interest to network support personnel. In the event that you need assistance from a local network support group or if you are really interested in the nitty-gritty of your network configuration, this is where to look first.
Please Note: The information below describes our desired configuration. Your office may use a different network configuration, especially if you had an existing network before installing Partner.
Your network will be configured using a DHCP server provided by your Partner Server. This means that whenever you turn on a machine that is connected to the network, it will query the DHCP server on the Partner Server for its IP configuration. This allows us to keep the entire configuration of your network in one place and makes it easy to expand, enhance, and adjust your network configuration.
Your network will not use static IP addresses entered into each machine. While this is a very easy way to set up a network initially, it is very inflexible and time-consuming to maintain.
Your DHCP server will assign a specific IP address to each desktop machine, based on that machine's MAC address. This will allow Partner to route printing tasks to the appropriate printer.
Your DHCP server will assign random IP addresses to laptops. This will allow you to easily move the machines from location to location.
Please note: If there is an existing network with a DHCP server, the old DHCP server must be disabled so that the Partner Server can provide DHCP services. A network can only have one DHCP server.
If you will connect to your office over a phone line, either from home or from a remote office, PCC will create a sub-network for your modem(s). You will use PPP to connect your remote computers with your office network. We will set up one PPP server for each modem attached to your machine that is not reserved for PCC.
See the Remote Offices section below for more information.
You can not share modems over the network. In other words, the modem(s) connected to the Server are not available to any of the other computers in your office.
Your Partner Server will act as your PCC e-mail server. It will offer POP3 and IMAP access to your PCC e-mail. You can use nearly any POP3 or IMAP compliant e-mail software package, with the exception of Microsoft Outlook, to read your mail. PCC will only configure, support, and troubleshoot the Thunderbird, Mac-Mail, Pine, and Mutt e-mail software. Your e-mail will be forwarded through PCC. PCC will only assist you with configuration, support, and troubleshooting of your PCC e-mail account.