How to set up a WAN

To set up a WAN, client will need to implement the following:

Main site:

	Windows 2000/2003/2008 Server (Compulink recommends 2003 or 2008 Servers) - 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 is highly recommended for security and necessary for any TWAIN compatibility 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 and Snapgear are 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 (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 and Snapgear are 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 (See TWAINWAN setup)

Miscellaneous:

	Recommended bandwidth per user: 30 kbps A solid/stable DSL connection provides a minimum of 384 kbps and can reach up to 1.5 Mbps and will accommodate anywhere from 5 to 20 users considering the overhead. 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 128 MB of RAM, plus an extra 25 MB of memory per client.
	A WAN can also be set up by using a dialup modem and RAS utilizing Terminal Services and PCAnywhere. This method is not recommended due to the speed and bandwidth issues.
	PCAnywhere with Broadband connection is an acceptable method of running Advantage Software. 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.
	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).
	Windows XP Professional has 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.
	The use of the Sybase Advantage DataBase (SQL) Server is mandatory for all WAN clients.

Please Note:

In order to utilize Advantage TWAIN interface peripherals such as Insurance Card Scanner, Patient's Face Capture, Document Scanner and some Barcode printing over Terminal services in a Wide Area Network, A NETBIOS (network browsing) enabled VPN (Virtual Private Network) with is required.