Introduction to Networking - Assignment Example

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING Name: Tutor: Course: Date: NETWORKING AT ABC A LETTER TO ABCS MANAGER Martin Hardy, IT consultant, P.O box 5635 Perth, Australia 11th April 2012 Associated Benefits Company P.O BOX 2563 Perth, Australia. Dear Sir/Madam, REF: IMPLEMENTATION OF LAN It has come to my attention is still using the stand alone network system. Being an IT consultant, I would advise the Company to adapt the local area network system (LAN). It connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area and would be suitable for the office building due to a number of reasons. This network system allows sharing of expensive devises such laser scanners and printers. There is sharing of data as files stored on a central computer. There is an establishment of security as it allows network users to access certain files and applications. There should be a central management of software and resources. LAN allows an easier backing up of files as compared to when information is scattered across 46 independent computers, because they are all on a central file server. With such a network, efficiency that leads to growth is achieved in the company and also security maintained and administration becomes easy. Yours faithfully, (Signature) Hardy. It was vital to carry out a preliminary investigation and report on it, before I could recommend on implementation methods aimed at improving ABCs network system. From the investigation, I found out that the middle sized company was using the stand alone system where the 46 computers not connected to any network in all the three floors. ABC is a medical company and thus, noted the reason why they still used the stand alone system was due to administration and mostly security purposes. The Company’s performance would improve if data is easily accessible and well backed up by using LAN. I recommended the use of LAN because the company is located on three floors of an office building. Among the several types of LAN technologies, I strongly recommended Ethernet and Wi-Fi, as opposed to twisted pair cabling. Wi-Fi would have an added advantage if most employees used smart phones and that the amount of cables required is minimal. As an IT consultant, I must be able to purchase some equipment that will facilitate and enable me to set up a highly efficient LAN network. The equipments I required include intermediate nodes, cables, LAN cards and routers. The intermediate nodes include repeaters, bridges and switches. I decided to set up an Ethernet connection, which would require Ethernet switches. The prices of these equipments vary considerably depending, on their capabilities to transfer data and last long. I was extremely cautious not to choose remarkably cheap equipments because most may perform unsatisfactorily. Cost table Equipment Number/amount cost Ethernet cables(category 5) 1000ft $180 Ethernet hubs 1 $296.99 Ethernet connectors(Rj45) 110 $1,793.00 Network equipment rack 1 $117.44 UPS 1 $178.57 Ethernet repeaters 2 $203 Network adapters 48 $2000 Wire stripper 1 $25.37 Cable tester 1 $495.00 TOTAL $4899.37 Framework of physical network diagram THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS PLAN Steps to be followed are: 1. Ensure all equipments are available and in place. 2. By following manufactures directions, install the hardware. 3. Physical implementation done by wired LANS. For better data transfer, the cables located a few feet away from fluorescent tubes and other electronic devices. 4. Set up star topology where terminals get connected through a router. 5. Inspection and change of network settings through the control panel follows. 6. Double check the installed network to make sure the Ethernet network is working. 7. Install TCP/IP Protocols on administration computer. 8. Assign IP addresses to all network computers and finally test connectivity. A star topology is a physical network topology referring to configuration of computers, cables and other important peripherals. This design ensures that all nodes, which encompasses workstations, peripherals, and file server are connected to a central hub, concentrator, or switch of network directly. These connections enable network to pass through them before reaching its destination and performs both managerial and controlling functions. Also, it acts as a data flow repeater. A star topology was chosen because it is exceptionally easy to manage and install. It is also flexible, in that, it can be easily formatted and expanded and can accommodate change. Management is central and thus, network monitoring is promoted. This central management is good because failure of one node is easily detected and troubleshooting performed. Cables used are the category 5 this is because they are recommended for new users, and the upgrade path they provide is exceptional. The star topology configuration commonly uses twisted pair cable, but can also use coaxial and fiber optic cable. Network cards used is the PCI-bus card mainly because of the speed. The hub used is one which accommodates a cascading jack which allows for additional hubs. Intermediate nodes used are repeaters. Network adapters were the fujitsu trend network adapter as they are long lasting. Framework of logical network diagram Training schedule The Company will start of by showing and describing to staff the main components or equipments, and how they work. Show them how they are arranged and connected to each other. Explain how the network operates and how to handle and use them. Also, provide documentation for reference. They include: Equipment user guide and manuals. Training material supplied by the contractor. Computer and workstation profile configuration and worksheets. IP Address for all required nodes and equipments. List of equipments. Diagram of the LAN and topology. Contacts of contractor. For better networking and easy transfer of data within the company I had to advice the incoming administrator. Advice provided was that; The network administrator should collect helpful information before a problem report submitted to the contractor. This helps in the diagnosis of the problem and thus, reduces the amount of time spent on figuring out the failure. The network administrator should encourage network users to report any problems encountered. By so doing, the administrator will be able to facilitate effective communication measures and promote performance of the Company. The network administrator should learn some troubleshooting techniques that will solve basic problems instead of calling the contractor. This comes in handy especially when an emergency occurs in the facility. This reduces the chances of loosing valuable time and information when saving critical situations needing immediate attention. The administrator should be updating the system, from the updates sent by the contractor and should not deal with other contractors before consulting the original one. Dealing with one contractor is vital in ensuring quality of services to clients and shareholders. Updating of systems will minimize abrupt failures of computers and reduces the chances of losing data. In conclusion, networking is essential in organization because it fosters communication and reduces managerial problems. It enhances performance of the organization and increases productivity because communication is promoted. Arising problems within the organization are passed from one department to another in a manner that reduces confusion. Reference Singer, Thom. (2007). The Abc's of Networking. New York: New Year Publishing. Read More