Designing a Local Area Network, Research Paper Example

Computer and Technology: Designing a Local Area Network

The nature of our institution allows us to adopt a local Area Network. This type of network allows one to connect the various network internetwork devices over a short distance. The college best suits this kind of network design since the need for high data transfer rate is paramount. The cost of designing and laying out this kind of network is not very high as compared to other kinds of networks, this factor will enable the institution have a better network, but at a lower cost. The following is a copy of the floor plans and layout specification:

Cabling is a very important aspect in networking; there are different types of cables that can be used in a Local Area Network depending on the distance of one network device to the other. Fiber optic cables will be used to connect networking devices over long distances; these cables are made up of central glass matter covered with several layers of protective layers that enable data to be transferred at higher rates over long distances. This cable will be used in connecting the servers to switches which are far apart. Although these cables are expensive as compared to other types of cables, they must be used because of their high data transfer rate and the long distance other cables can not cover.

Twisted pair cables will also be used when implementing our Local Area Network, since they come in two varieties i.e. shielded and unshielded pair cables, the unshielded pair cable will be the most sought after cable during the laying down of this network.  This cable is made up of four pairs of wires, with each pair twisting over each other to eliminate electromagnetic interference. These cables will help us in connecting network devices that are not over 100 meters apart.  It is important to note that these cables are not very expensive as compared to the fiber optic cables; therefore making them the most utilized cables during our networking. In areas where signal interference is prone to occur, coaxial cables will be used. Other than being highly resistance to electromagnetic interference, these cables are capable of transferring data over long distances.

Since the network will be MADE UP of many computers and other networking devices, two basic network topologies will be adopted when developing the network. The two types of network topologies are;

• Server based
• Peer to peer

It is important that we examine these topologies in detail in relation to the set up of the entire college. The college is made up of different departments, each department has specific types of data and files it will need to access. This calls for the need to have different servers to cater for the different needs of these departments. Each department will have a special file server that will be used to keep its files and database; this server will only be accessed by members and students of that particular department. By allocating each department its server, the network will work efficiently since collision detection and avoidance will be archived. Data and files meant for one department will only be accessed by authorized members and students of that department. This calls for a need of having a server based topology where a special computer will store files that are specifically meant for a specific department.

Other servers that will be entwined in the network include print servers; this server will enable any person to print his or her documents through the network. The web server will enable the students and the entire fraternity accesses the World Wide Web for information. Moreover, an E-mail server will be installed; this server will allow the college fraternity exchange mail and information through the network

Students and instructors would want to access general information from the network; this will force the institution to adopt a peer to peer topology. This topology will allow the entire fraternity to access information that is kept on any machine connected to the network. This will also allow the students and instructors get access to the limited computer recourses like printers, scanners and fax machines. However, this topology has some setbacks like data security and low speeds when the traffic becomes clogged.

Different network devises will be used when setting up the entire network to facilitate communication between different computers place in different location. Each server room will have a hub; this device will connect the many Ethernet segments and make them work as a single entity. It is important to note that this device works on the first level of the OSI model since it offers a provision for workstations and servers to share information. A switch will be placed in every room that has more than one computer; this device that operates at OSI layer 2 will facilitate transfer of data from one computer to the other. It will also ensure that information sent reaches its intended destination. Since the network will be segmented, a bridge will be placed at a central position in the college. This device that operates at the data link layer in the OSI model will enable the different networks communicate.  Since data packets will move through the network, a router must be installed; this device will allow packets from different sources reach their destination.

Each computer on the network will require a unique number called an IP address, this unique code enables each computer on the entire network be recognized individually. Each computer our network will be manually assigned a unique IP address, this kind of IP addressing is referred to as Static IP addressing. The first three digits of the IP will be the same for all the hosts; however, the last digit must be different for every host. After that, each computer on the network will be assigned a unique host name; the outline of the IP addressing will be set up as shown below;

• Host network address (192.168.1.0)
• Broadcast address (192.168.1.128)
• Subnet mask (255.255.255.0)
• The domain name

Below is a list of items that will be used to develop the entire network:

In conclusion, the above network is supposed to perform its general and specific objectives to the maximum. A network administrator who will have the mandate of overseeing the smooth operation of the network shall be available. Any misuse of the network by students and instructors will not be allowed, the administrator shall have the rights to view the contents accessed by the users at all times. This will go a long way in safeguarding the entire network from security breaches and misuse of the network.