Evaluation

When evaluating network capability, it is important to test the network solution for both the network administrator and the end-user, keeping in mind the type of networking needed for a small business.

For the network administrator

•Determine if your network operating systems are supported.

•Install and configure the device and administrative software and simulate connecting end-users. (Keep track of the resources and time required and ease of setup.)

•Examine the following:

•Ease of network installation

•Network security

•Device diagnostics and troubleshooting

•Device alerts and status

•Device grouping, filtering, or mapping

Note Try to assess the time efficiency and convenience of the network management utilities.

For the end-user

Make sure that the user can easily determine the following:

•What devices are available?

•Where are they relative to my desk?

•What are their features?

•What is the device’s status?

•Is my job done yet?

•Is the device out of paper?

•Is there a paper jam?

•Is there enough toner to finish my job? The user does NOT want to know:

•Status of all the devices on the network

•Diagnostic information for all devices on the network

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Evaluating laser all-in-one products