A computer network is a system in which a number of independent computers are linked together to share data and peripherals, such as hard disks and printers.
Three advantages of using a computer network are the ability to share information (or data), to share hardware and software, and to centralize administration and support.
The most basic version of a LAN is two computers that are connected by a cable. An example of a more complex LAN is hundreds of connected computers and peripherals scattered throughout a large organization, such as a municipality. In both cases, the LAN is confined to a limited geographic area.
Because a WAN has no geographical limitations, it can connect computers and other devices in separate cities or on opposite sides of the world. A multinational corporation with linked computers in different countries is using a WAN. Probably the ultimate WAN is the Internet.
Three factors that can influence the choice of whether to implement a peer-to-peer or server-based network configuration are the size of the organization, the level of security required, and the type of business being conducted.
Other factors include the level of administrative support available, the amount of network traffic, the needs of the network users, and the network budget.
Peer-to-peer networks are relatively simple and inexpensive. They require no dedicated servers and no administrators, and are connected by a simple, easily visible cabling system.
Server-based networks have a number of advantages over peer-to-peer networks. They can accommodate a larger number of users; they have servers which can be specialized to accommodate the expanding needs of users; and they offer greater security. Server-based networks also support e-mail systems along with application and fax servers.
There is no completely right or wrong answer to this problem, but a server-based network is suggested. Although there are only seven people in the entire company at present, and thus a peer-to-peer network seems adequate, the company is experiencing growth. Additionally, some of the information that will be sent over the network is confidential. It is better to invest in a server-based network that can accommodate growth and provide centralized security than to choose a peer-to-peer network that growth will render obsolete in a year or two.
There is no single correct answer. The most commonly installed networks currently are the star bus and the bus. A hub-centered star bus seems to be the best choice because of the ease of troubleshooting and reconfiguration. Although a bus network might be chosen for its low cost or ease of installation, it does not offer the centralized troubleshooting or administrative advantages of a hub. A ring is probably more complex than is necessary for this network.
The network has clearly outgrown the friendly, trusting, give-and-take style of the workgroup. The number of new users, the undefined nature of their responsibilities on the network, and the increased traffic of network-intensive applications make the peer-to-peer approach inadequate.
Add a dedicated server and administrator, and implement a network operating system that can provide extensive, centralized security.
Changing from peer-to-peer to server-based networking will disrupt the organization's routine, present everyone with the challenge of adjusting to a new communications milieu, and change the entire personality of the work environment. However, the change is required in order for the organization to network successfully. This is why planning is so important in implementing a network. Network planners need to stay current with evolving networking technologies, anticipate future changes in the number of devices, and make purchasing decisions that are cost-effective.
An appropriate choice between peer-to-peer and server-based networking can be made only after careful consideration of:
A server-based network imposes a greater cost than a peer-to-peer network because at least one of the computers on the network is dedicated to serving data, applications, or both. But a server-based network also makes the best use of a centralized, coherent administration of resources. This centralized administration can regulate access to data, making it secure.
The following answer pertains to Questions 1 through 5:
If some of your servers are going to support more than one of these applications and the number of users is large (25 users or more), you should consider adding more servers and dedicating them to specialized tasks.
Some of these tasks, such as database, e-mail, or application serving, can be resource-intensive. Each of these often requires its own server in order to provide acceptable performance. Other server tasks, such as user directories and general data storage, are not usually so demanding of resources and may be combined on a single computer. And some tasks, such as backup, are usually scheduled in such a way that their impact on network performance occurs during periods of low network activity.
The following answer pertains to questions 1 through 10:
Choosing an appropriate topology for your network is often difficult. The most common network being installed today is the star bus, but that might not meet your needs. There are several criteria you can use—based on the information you generated in Part 3 of the Network Planning Problem—to help you make this decision. Again, there is no one completely correct choice.
Based on the information generated in the three parts of this Network Planning Problem, your network components should be:
Type of network:
server-based
Type of topology:
Star
A LAN, or local area network, is the basic building block of any computer network. It can consist of a simple network (two computers connected by a cable and sharing information) or up to several hundred computers connected and sharing information and resources. A LAN has geographical limits, but a WAN has no geographical limits. A WAN can connect several departments within the same building or buildings on opposite sides of the world. Today, the ultimate WAN is the World Wide Web.
The two basic network configurations are peer-to-peer and server-based.
share
There are many resources to be shared on a network; among them are printers, scanners, applications, files, and network access to the World Wide Web.
server, client
A server provides services and resources to the network.
security
topology
bus, star, ring, and mesh
terminator
star, hub
bus
mesh
token, token