Planning considerations
As you plan your Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server deployment, consider these factors:
Network size. It is important to form a clear idea of the size of your network, or expected usage of publishing servers, so that you can determine how many ISA Server computers to deploy. For more information, see Capacity planning.
Array considerations. Determine the appropriate number of ISA Server computers and how to map these servers into arrays. Bear in mind security considerations, intended functions for the ISA Server computers, and how clients will access the ISA Server computers. Map out how the arrays will be organized hierarchically. For more information, see Array considerations.
ISA Server mode. Determine which ISA Server mode you will install for each array: firewall, cache, or integrated. For more information, see ISA Server modes.
ISA Server installation options. When you install ISA Server, you can select to install the whole package—including the administrative interface, extensions, and the services—or select specific options to install. Determine how you will use ISA Server on the computer and select the options accordingly. For more information, see ISA Server installation options.
User needs. Determine what applications and services your users require. This will help you decide what type of client software (if any) you should install on the client computers. For more information, see Assessing client requirements.
Internet connectivity requirements. Determine how you will physically connect your internal network to the Internet. For more information, see Connecting to the Internet.
