How to set up a WAN

To set up a Wide Area Network (WAN) or Wireless Environment

Main site:

	Windows 2003/2008 Server - Note: Citrix MetaFrame is an enhancement to Windows Terminal Services and can be implemented using these Operating Systems
	High speed connection to the Internet using a STATIC IP Address such as DSL, Cable, Satellite, etc.. (use of VPN - Virtual Private Network - is highly recommended for security and necessary for any TWAIN functionality such as Document or Scan Advantage)
	Router for the WAN's external connection and Switches or hubs for the internal LAN (Routers with built-in firewall such as Sonicwall is recommended. It is also recommended to use a switch and not a Hub to boost performance on the LAN)

Remote site:

	FAT Client workstations using 98/2000/XP/Vista/Win 7 (Terminal Server Licensing may be required)
	Thin Clients (This type of connection does not support many TWAIN compliant peripherals that are used with Advantage software remote connection)
	Connection to Internet using Dynamic or Static IP address (Firewall routers such as Sonicwall is recommended)
	Static IP is required for most VPN connections
	A direct mapped drive to the server's share from the remote site using a VPN to facilitate the transfer of TWAIN compliant devices data, i.e. scanner and cameras (See TWAINWAN setup)

Wireless:

	Does not require a VPN since all connections are local
	Does not require a static Internet address
	A direct mapped drive to the server's share from the wireless PC to facilitate the transfer of TWAIN compliant devices data, i.e. scanner and cameras (See TWAINWAN setup)
	If you are using a powerful Windows XP as your server and would like to run multiple connection or a wireless environment, some third-party companies such as Elusiva*, may allow this type of connection without using the Microsoft's Server operating system.

Miscellaneous Info:

	Utilizing a Virtual Private Network provides better security by blocking external TCP/UDP ports, such as RDP 3389, which would need to be forwarded for remote access capability.
	The use of the Sybase Advantage DataBase (SQL) Server is mandatory for all clients utilizing Remote Desktop and/or wireless.
	Recommended bandwidth per user: 30 kbps (note: up to 50/70 kbps may be required if the TWAINWAN solution is implemented) The number of users will decrease based on the number remote users and the size of the data and also the transfer of pictures/documents to the main location. As for redundancy, generally every office is different. Most offices are not able to obtain a redundant connection due to logistics and costs. A dialup Remote Access Service will provide minimal access to the patient data at the main location. Any other alternate redundant connectivity over and above that is the client’s prerogative.
	The general memory recommendation for servers running terminal services is a minimum of 50MB of memory per session. This requirement does not include any other application or the operating system’s general memory requirements.
	All sessions require a unique USER environmental variable for CBS and CBSWAN variables (where applicable).
	Windows XP Professional and Vista Business have Terminal Server capabilities and can be used in certain environments. The local user will not be able to use the station while a remote connection is active.
	Remote Access can also be set up by using a DNS service and forwarding the RDP port (generally TCP 3389) to any local computer with RDP capability. There are limitations to this type of connection. One local workstation is tied up as long as the remote user is in a session and connected. A third-party software, such as Elusiva*, can also be used to access Advantage software remotely.
	Some USB printers are not compatible with Remote/Terminal Server printing. Upgrading to Microsoft's latest RDP client is highly recommended for clients with remote printing issues. (this web site contains many articles regarding terminal server printing. Use the search tool to locate these documents)
	For Security enhancements a VPN can be implemented. VPN creates a Point to Point tunneling which utilizes encrypted transmission between the two sites and is strongly recommended by Compulink and will make the wide area network HIPPA compliant. A VPN is required for transferring TWAIN images to the main site (See TWAINWAN setup).

Please Note:

In order to utilize Advantage TWAIN compliant peripherals such as Insurance Card Scanners, Patient's Face Capture, Document Scanners and some Barcode printing over Terminal services in a Wide Area Network, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is required.

*Compulink has successfully tested Elusiva with Advantage software but cannot guarantee it's compatibility or functionality. Clients are responsible for setup and maintenance of any type of remote connection.