Pre-Installation Steps
  1. Design the solution layout. This is the first and most important step of your configuration. Design the network layout and place all the elements of the solution on paper.
  2. Certify the network. Before connecting any devices, you will need to certify the proper function of all the physical elements of the network.
  3. Adjust and maintain accurate timing. Operations on all  modules are based on time synchronization.
  4. Download/Install the latest OS fixes and patches.
  5. Convert the hard disk to the NTFS file. The NTFS file system is more reliable, secure, provides encryption, supports larger drives and files and wastes less space on the drive comparing to the FAT and the FAT32 file systems.
  6. Adjust the swap file size. The Windows swap file is an extension of the computer’s ram on disk. It is suggested that the minimum swap file is approx. 1.5 times the physical memory. The maximum can be 2 times the minimum amount.
  7. Connect the IG server to the local network. Connect physically the server to the local network. (single server installations)
  8. Configure the access to the Internet. Install the necessary hardware and software for the primary connection to the Internet. Test the connection and note all the necessary configuration parameters.
  9. Name the computer. Every IG server is identified through the computer name. Use the computer properties to provide the computer a name without any extended characters.
  10. Prepare the client devices. Connect to the local network the client devices that will be used to test the installation. The devices may be configured with a fixed IP or DHCP client configuration.
  11. Install and configure the browser IE 5.5 or above. Under the Internet Options, Connections, LAN Settings, check only the Automatically detect settings. The Web browser will be used for configuring the Registration Server module on the server.
  12. Download the: Winzip7 and the Adobe Acrobar Reader programs. Both programs are required for the proper installation of the softwar and reading the manuals.
  13. Disable hibernation or any other power schemas. The IG server should be up and running continuously. Hibernation and power management tools may disrupt the server functionality.
  14. Download the InterGate manuals. PIA-Internet Gateway Server (QuickStart), PIA-Internet Gateway Server (User’s guide), RapidCache User’s Guide, WebHeaders User’s Guide available at the www.arrowlink.com site under the Library section.

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. Does the IG server support any kind of network configuration (fixed wiring, wireless)?
    Yes. The IG server will work with any certified network configuration.
  2. Is there a practical limit to the number of clients supported by a single IG server?
    No. The practical limit is situated rather to the available bandwidth. Segmenting the network will provide the necessary load-balancing for an optimal bandwidth for every connected user.
  3. We are operating multiple buildings and we would like to centralize the operation. What are your suggestions for an optimal architecture?
    You can centralize the operation of multiple IG server installed at every location. Every building will dispose its own access to Internet and one or more network segments depending on the number of simultaneous connections.
  4. Can a local network combine fixed wiring and wireless access points?
    Yes. Fixed wiring and wireless access points may coexist.
  5. What are the clustering possibilities?
    Clustering will enhance overall system availability. Many clustering solutions available today will fit the IG solution like: Legato Vinca, Windows Advanced Server, Legato Availability Manager etc.
  6. Why the Windows name of the IG server is so important?
    The IG server name is important for the Registration/Authentication Server module and the transaction identification in the supporting database.
  7. Will the IG module require a special disk partition?
    No. The IG module will install on any valid MS Windows partitioning schema.
  8. Will the IG module installation create new Windows groups or users?
    No. The IG module will only require Windows Administrator privileges for the installation procedure but will not create any additional groups or users.
  9. How should I harden the security on the server?
    A special section will describe all the steps to follow in order to harden the security on the server.