LAN for Small Businesses - Coursework Example

LAN FOR SMALL BUSINESSES By Location LAN for Small Businesses There are a number of advantages that John’s business can get by implementing a LAN. If they implement a LAN, John and his wife can be able to share software and printers. Jane will not have to depend on the printer in her office in her office. They will also have an easy time sharing data and information. The order details that John gets will not have to be printed or written down for them to be passed to Jane. Their accountant will also have an easy time because he would not have to copy the accounts information into a memory stick but access them directly through the LAN. However, it should be noted that using LAN might have some disadvantage. As the business grows, it will be observed that the range in which LAN is applicable might hinder its effectiveness. This is because LAN connections are only capable of operating in a local area, which in most cases is within a single building. Essentially, this form of connection will only apply to a handful of clients. In most cases, LAN has always been observed to be slow thus inappropriate for a situation where a person wants to use it to enhance faster sharing of information, data, applications, and equipment. Thus, the speed of this network connection is an outstanding challenge. There are a number of equipment’s that will be needed in order for John to set up the new network. He will need twisted wires fitted with RJ-45 plug at the end. A network switch will be important in transmission of data from one device to another in the office. They will also need Midspans and splitters, which will be important in enabling the network to support Power over Ethernet. Power over Ethernet enables a network to use the same cable used in data transfer in supplying power to devices. They will also need network adaptors for connecting devices to the network. Routers will be needed to enable connection to multiple devices. The one advantage that the business can get by using a wireless network is that it encourages high levels of mobility (Columbus 2001, P. 123). This will specifically be important when Edward, the accountant comes to review their accounts. The business office will have a neater environment because there is no need for the many cables that are required for wired cables. However, as Fitzgerald & Dennis (2009) argue, a wireless network might be a little bit more costly because it requires more equipment. It is believed to be a relatively cheap network connection that requires minimal hassle in the process of setting up. The infrastructure used for this connection is less advanced hence keeping it running will not pose a challenge to Jane. File transfer through wireless networks are usually slower than they are in the wired networks (Iniewski, Mccrosky & Minoli 2008, P. 213). Wireless connection can be disrupted by office features such as walls and furniture. There has also been a question on the level of security of wireless networks. There are a number of ways through which a LAN can be connected to the internet. All methods involve one device sending the packets received from the other devices to the internet. Connection to the internet can be through: Serial port sharing, IP Masquerading, Routing, and Proxy servers (Edwards & Bramante 2009, P. 199). Jane would consider finding a new internet service provider so that she can have a faster connection that will be able to enable faster sharing of information. Alternatively, she can choose to use the same ISP but make sure that the connection package that she pays for enables fast connectivity. An IP address refers to a unique set of numbers separated by periods used in the identification of every computer that uses the internet protocol for communication over a network (Fitzgerald & Dennis 2009, P. 212). For the case of Jane’s business, they will only need two IP addresses because they will be using two computers. They will also need an IP address for their accountant’s computer. Using private IP addresses is important in enhancing security of a LAN (Iniewski, Mccrosky & Minoli 2008, P. 217). This is because devices that do not have a static IP address make it very impossible for the device to access the network. Furthermore, computers with private IP addresses cannot be directly contacted through the internet thus making the devices even more secure from unlawful access of data through the internet. The good thing about having a LAN in an office setting is that every device in the office will be able to access the internet through the LAN. This will happen without any need for independent connection for every device (Umar 2003, P.187). Therefore, Jane will be able to access the internet from her office without having to go to John’s office. Given the fact that the accountant will be given their own private IP address he will not have to travel all the way from Norwich if the LAN is connected to the internet. The private IP address will enable them to access the needed information from Norwich. If Jane effectively implements the LAN and internet connection, there will be a significant reduction in the amount of paper that will be used in the office. This is because John will not have to print any emails containing the order details; neither will he need to make any notes about them. This is because Janewill be able to access the exact information from her office computer. If Jane successfully implements a LAN,it would be advisable for them to consider having a website for their business. This is high possibility especially now that the LAN will enhance their connection to the internet. However, they will need to get intouch with a web design and developer so that they can get it sorted. This will obviously cost them some amount. It should not be forgotten that they will also need to pay for web hosting. Bibliography Columbus, L 2001, Exploring LANs for the small business and home office,Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford. Edwards, J & Bramante, R 2009,Networking self-teaching guide OSI, TCP/IP, LANs, MANs, WANs, implementation, management, and maintenance,Wiley Pub, Indianapolis, IN.http://www.books24x7.com/marc.asp?bookid=32001. Fitzgerald, J & Dennis, A 2009,Business data communications and networking,John Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Iniewski, K, Mccrosky, C &Minoli, D 2008,Network infrastructure and architecture designing high-availability networks. Wiley-Interscience, Hoboken, N.J.http://site.ebrary.com/id/10296439. Umar, A 2003,E-business and distributed systems handbook: management module, [S.l.]. Read More