Data Communication Using the Top-Down Approach - Essay Example

Data Communication Using the Top-Down ApproachAbstractThis paper takes a look at Equity which is a mortgage broker company and their data communication using computer networks. This design also known as a step wise design is particularly common in the modern world which starts with an overview of the entire system before specifying any details the subsystems. Lately the business has adopted a top down approach which has proved to be more efficient and hugely less costly. This paper seeks to explain its advantages as well as disadvantages and in conclusion recommends whether they should continue with this approach or adopt a new one.

An over view of the system is established without going into details for any part of the system whereby each part of the system is refined though designing it in yet more detail and the process goes on until the entire specification is detailed enough to begin development. According to Hicks (2004) this the top down emphasizes on planning as well as a total understanding of the system and in this case coding does not begin until a sufficient level of detail has been attained. This design was promoted by Harlan Mils who was an IBM researcher and Niklaus Wirth in the 1970s.

Equity first a mortgage brokerage company located in New England has a centralized operations centre. This center which is located in Exeter, New Hampshire, is the centre of all operations and it therefore controls all the operations of the other ten branches in Maine and Massachusetts. It is also the administrative centre as it hosts departments such as accounting, human resources, executive management, and support staff. The operations center maintains a central database used to store customer information, such as loan applications, credit check information, and approval status.

This fulfills the first requirement that the top down model needs to have a central office that manages all the operations. Computer networking using the top down approach focuses on new short interlude and eventual ‘putting it all together’ that follows the coverage of network, data link layers, transport awe well as application (Hicks 2004). Each office at Equity first is now self reliant as they do not rely on the main office to ensure maintenance as well as efficient communication. It is also responsible for decrease in errors when it comes to operations hence no delays or break downs in communication takes place because each operation takes place separately.

It is also quite easy to maintain because the errors are few and are easy to identify and correct. The top down method is a much optimized way of communication because each employee gets to apply their own knowledge and experience to their parts so that eventually the entire process is an optimized one. In conclusion, the new approach to communication adopted by Equity first is highly recommended (Tourish & Hargie 2004). As already illustrated, it reduces cost which may be incurred through repairs.

Also it lets each branch develop in its own way as Equity first provides a router at each site which connects to the frame relay switch through a leased line provided by MCI. It also optimizes on available resources through the CIR which receives a significantly higher output. For this reason, Equity first is encouraged to maintain their new data communication approach.ReferencesHicks, D. L. (2004). Metainformatics: International symposium. MIS 2003, Graz, Austria, September 17-20, 2003: Revised papers.

Springer Publishers.Tourish, D. & Hargie, O. (2004). Key issues in organizational communication. Routledge publishers.