PeteDotCom -> Networking -> Networking -> Setup a Network ->   When setting up a network, the following should be considered: Check the number of users Check the number of workstations needed    - The number of workstation might not necessary equal the number of users as some workstations might have 2 or more users. Identify Load how busy is the network going to be? A network running at 60% is a happy network A network running at below 60% is under performing A network running at above 60% is overloaded The peak of the network traffic should be around 60% of network capacity Technology Requirement Does the company require to be state of the art constantly  Staff preferences Which staff gets a new computer and which staff don't Management preferences Which department gets the new computers Need Vs Want Don't tell them want they need, send out a survey and ask them what their needs and wants are RFI When you are considering to build a new network but don't know which equipment from which suppliers to use then you send out a request for information (RFI) to the suppliers with the specifications that you require to the new network and the suppliers which send you back information on which of their products will suit you best. RFC When putting through the RFC, you sometimes don't want to have the small bidders waste your time, one way to keep them out is to create a Vendor List. Vendor list could state the names of the companies you would only accept tender, or state the minimum size of the tender, or specify that you require 24hrs on call maintance.  When putting through the RFC and the requirements are based on price, always remember to state "new" - you don't want second hand bidders. State that no substitute can be made from your specification and also state that the parts need to be current, i.e. with in the last year.