The devices do contain an embedded SCSI controller, a network connection, a microprocessor and internal memory for holding configuration information and for buffering or caching CD-ROM data. All run some proprietary operating system optimized for its specialized function rather than a general-purpose network operating system. Capacity and Performance CD-ROM network servers vary tremendously in capacity. T he basic issue involves the number of drives you can connect to the server. Avoid the limitations of the original SCSI architecture in favor of devices that use SCSI-2 or other SCSI extender technologies.
Performance also is a major consideration.
With the current generation of 12X drives, the sustained data throughput approaches that of magnetic media. When configuring a CD-ROM network server, balance capacity and performance. As you increase the number of CD-ROM drives, you need to add more memory and faster processors. This strategy also can offer a tenfold increase in performance. The downside is an increase in the complexity of managing the server and the amount of time required to transfer the data from CD-ROMs.