Network Topology and Wireless Technologies - Assignment Example

Network Topology Student’s name Course Institution Date Natro group is experiencing communication problems, and there is an urgent need to upgrade the systems in place. From the provided information, by the company, the business is experiencing communication issues, and the provided solution is expansion of network system. After careful consideration and exploration, the best option for solving the communication problem is through the installation of local area networks and wireless area networks. LAN and WAN network designs will be instrumental in the upgrading of the communication infrastructure. Natro group requires LAN networks in the head office which will facilitate the communication system between the head office and other branches of the business. Having made the necessary investigations concerning the communication problem at Natro group, it is recommendable that the company highly considers installing the Hub and Spoke topology. Hub and Spoke topology is an example of the star topology, which falls under LAN networks. In a star topology, all the elements of the network connect to the central device known as a hub. In this case, the hub maybe a router or a switch unlike in the bus topology. Star topology is recommendable for Natro group communication issues because all the workstations connect to the central device with a point-to-point correlation. Star topology will be a terrific solution at the head office because every computer indirectly connects to every other node by the support of the hub. One may question the significance of installing star topology and especially at the head office. All the information on the star topology travels through the central device before reaching the targeted destination. This network system will be easy to operate and understand, as the users need not put on/off computers. The star topology network will be influential in solving the company’s communication problems straight from the head office. Another advantage of installing star topology is because of the presence of a hub. This device acts as an intersection to link different nodes present in the Star Network. In addition to acting as a connection amongst different hubs, the hub manages and controls the entire network. Considering on which central machine is applied, the device can play the role of a signal booster or a repeater. More so, the hub or the central gadget can communicate with other central devices of different networks. This aspect makes star topology to be the better option in solving the communication problems. Another reason to recommend star topology is because the network will use unshielded twisted pair Ethernet cable to link workstations to central knob. The following diagram will provide an in-depth illustration of a star topology. Natro group hopes to expand its business by opening up new branches, and star topology will be the best network for such businesses. Before the paper can provide the perfect example star topology that will be useful in solving communication problems, we first analyze the benefits of using this network. Star topology offers far much better performance, unlike the other LAN network options. In a star topology networks, signals are not essentially broadcasted to all the workstations. One sent signal reaches the targeted destination after going though no more than three to four devices. The most noteworthy aspect of this topology is to install a central hub with higher capacity. As explained earlier, star topology is easy to connect especially in terms of new nodes or machines. Since the topology will be connecting different workstations to the head office, the installed topology should not interfere with any communication of the business. The addition of new nodes can be carried out without destroying or impacting the rest of the network. On the other hand, any disconnection will not affect the different workstations connected to the central hub. Natro Company will immensely benefit from installing star topology because of the centralized management aspect the network offers. As a growing business, it is essential that the company practices central management in order to monitor all the business moves. One of the major ways to acquire this central management is through the use of communication. For this reason, the company requires a communication system that will offer some form of centralized management. Star topology helps in monitoring the network. One of the greatest communication problems in Natro group is the constant breakdown of communication. Implementing star topology will be a better network choice because failure of one node or connection does not affect the network. This connection makes it easy to detect ant failures and hence the relevant staff will immediately troubleshoot. After careful and in-depth evaluation of the star topology, the most possible solution will be in the hub and spoke topology. Hub and Spoke topology involves installing the initial hub at the central point of the topology. Each reproduction operates various way replications with the initial hub but does not reproduce with any of the other duplications. This type of topology tends to be remarkably efficient especially for growing businesses with branches in different areas such as Natro group. In the event of implementing Hub and Spoke topology, the structure will take the following shape. In the event of installation of hub and spoke topology at Natro Company, the communication department will have to assign one server to act as a central hub. However, the use of multiple hubs as the central servers is recommended to avoid cases of the server being a single point of failure. LAN Technologies- Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 LAN technologies will be the better option for solving communication problems in Natro group. The main reason for this recommendation is the fact that LAN technologies performs well in a single geographical location. The company wishes to set up the LAN technologies at the head office and from different researches, the technology has typically high speed. In addition, LAN technologies will be cheaper to install hence no bigger budgets on the company in relation to communication department. Subsequent to the analysis of the communication problems at Natro group, the best option for network problems will be Ethernet and IEEE 802.3. In this part of the discussion, we analyze the importance and benefits of installing Ethernet topologies in the company in an effort to solve their communication problems. The general notion of Ethernet is that a host listens to the cable before making any transmission. In the event, the cable is busy, the hosts will have to wait till it goes idle, or else, it broadcasts immediately. This technology, most widely-installed local area network technology, is usually specified in a standard IEEE 802.3. In several instances, an Ethernet LAN usually applies coaxial cable or exceptional grades of twisted pair wires. Most people prefer referring to Ethernet as wireless local area networks. In sorting out the above issues, the most notable installed Ethernet system comprise of 10BASE-T. This will be instrumental in solving the speed aspect because the transmissions momentum rises up to 10Mbps. In this technology, machines connect to the cable and battle for access through a (CSMA/ CD), Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection protocol. Installing Ethernet technology has various advantages and especially to the small growing company that is Natro Group. This technology allows the installation of a device which will allow the increase of seed in cases of slow networks. In the event, the company installs Ethernet technology, the communication department can install another device, fast Ethernet or 100 BASE-T, which offers increased speeds as up to 100Mps. This piece of equipment acts as a backbone for the systems supporting different workstations. Natro group hopes to expand its business especially in different geographical locations and this technology best serves the communication purpose. In case of more work stations, Ethernet technology can allow the installation of Gigabit Ethernet which provides an even higher level of backbone support usually at 1000 megabits per second. In its simplest state, Ethernet technology applies a passive bus which functions at 10Mbps. The formation of the bus comes from the coaxial cable that links all the PCs in the local area network. Most surprisingly, LAN computer network can support up to 1024 computers connected to a single LAN. For this reason, Ethernet technology will still be instrumental in serving communication matters even when the business grows. The current business environment requires participants’ conscious of time and the aspect of reliability. Reliability and time aspect revolves around various departments of the business. In relation to Natro group, communication department requires some form of stable and efficient communication network system. This is crucial when it comes to send, receive, and share information securely. There is an increase in distance between businesses and branches, and in turn, there transfer of information should be faster and more convenient. All these network operations occur because of the internet. In business, there has to be sharing of information between employees, customers, and other external members of the business. Natro group wishes to expand its business quarters to various geographical settings which mean there will be a need of more transfer of information. Ethernet technology is a communication protocol for all major networks because of the ability to embed in both hardware and software devices. The installation of Ethernet technologies observes certain rules, which generate better frameworks. One of the principal guidelines include length of frame differs, must contain source of the message and destination address for identification. In addition, the nodes should be specially identifiable and unique address for each Ethernet device. Another notable benefit of installing Ethernet technology at Natro group is that it is less complicated in maintenance and configuration. Ethernet protocol is trouble-free and setting up of other devices requires minimal expertise. Fast Ethernet accepts up to about 1000 host which is a major reason for the group. Ethernet exhibits reliability because it has less things to break and incase of failure of operation by the hosts, a dual ring can be installed to sustain a single break I the line. The technology equally has compatibility with other devices which support the communication system of the company. For instance, 100Base-T adaptors are available to switch between the wide used 10 Mbps Ethernet and the 100 Mbps standard. All the above positive effects of Ethernet make the entire system easy and cheaply available. Fast Ethernet products cost a fraction of what the other technologies would cost. Finally, Ethernet has the advantage f allowing many users to use the technology. Most technologies face resistance and negative attitude from the users but in the case of Ethernet, users embrace the technology more easily. All these advantages and factors of Ethernet put the technology on top of the list as a perfect installation technology in a growing business such as Natro group. The following table compares Ethernet technology with another fast growing internet technology. The illustration easily explains the above discussed advantages of installing Ethernet technology over FDDI. WAN Technologies During the analysis of different networks and technologies which will best suit Natro group, it is noticeable that wide area network has the benefit of larger geographic region. In addition, the technology employs broadcast services offered by ordinary carriers such as telephone companies. In this part of the discussion, we explore the proposed WAN technologies, Dialup Services. Dialup Internet service is one which permits connectivity to the Internet through standard telephone line. By linking the telephone line in to the source of the internet and putting in place the other end in to the phone jack, the connection for the dial up service becomes complete. The only additional step the relevant technicians will have to make is the configuration of computers to dial a particular number given by the company’s Internet service provider, and the connection is complete. The provision of dial up Internet service is through several ISP. In this business, need for better communication is paramount hence the installation of better communication services. Dialup services work in a simple way in that the Internet service provider gives the company a set of telephone numbers either local or national which allows the business to dial into a network that feeds into the Internet. This configuration permits the employees of Natro group and other Internet users to receive and send email, search the WWW, engage in chats, and many other features the web offers. The installation of dial up services requires the business to acquire enough computers for all users. In addition, the business needs to acquire modems or other devices, which provide Internet to the user. The major benefits of this Internet service is that the equipments needed are easily available and inexpensive. The technology market offers different types of modems, which are equally cheap. The notable modems are both internal and external. The internal modem installs in a free slot of the computer and the external is hooked to the computer through cables. In this case, the technician hooks telephones to the configuration. The functioning of this service is majorly determined by software on the computer. The business needs to choose the Microsoft windows that allow the user to hook up to the Internet. This configuration is necessary because the network connection utility sets up ISP profile which allows the modem to identify the phone number for dialing. Dialup service is secure because the connection allows the user to create security connections to the system. This is through the creation of user names and passwords on the network so that strangers cannot access the Internet without permission. In addition to the security aspect, passwords and user names allow users to get entry into another network. Every business needs a cheaper and efficient mode of communication. Dialup service is an inexpensive Internet source and can be slightly slow when it comes to operation. However, the markets provide several devices which when installed can speed up the dial up Internet. The providers of dial up services only require a monthly or annual fee to allow Internet access. The following diagram gives a proper illustration of how dial up services operate. Wireless Technologies In the event, the above-discussed networks do not meet all the communication expectations of Natro group; there is the option of wireless technologies. Wireless refers to the telecommunication in which electromagnetic waves broadcast signals over part or the entire communication path. Electromagnetic waves refer to some form of wire which transfers information and messages. In this case, some monitoring devices are installed in the network system to transfer or detect the electromagnetic waves. This is a recent innovation in the technology world with the first wireless transmitters going on air in the early 20th century. This was through radiotelegraphy usually known as Morse code. Further development in to the innovation increased the possibility of broadcasting voices and music through wireless modes. The technology in this medium is radio which has become part and parcel of most households. With the advent of television, data communication, fax, and the helpful application of a larger fraction of the spectrum, the notion wireless has found itself back in the market. Some of the common examples of wireless equipment that Natro group can utilize in solving their communication breakdown include cellular phones and pagers. These devices offer connectivity for portable and mobile applications (Sivalingam & Subramaniam, 2005). The notable benefit of these machines is that they can be of use for both personal matters and business. In the event, one of the branches puts up a communication system, and then wireless technology through phones and pagers will be extremely instrumental. Another notable wireless technology device is the GPS (Global Positioning System), which allows drivers, captains, and pilots to ascertain their exact location. In Natro business, cordless computer peripherals such as mouse, keyboards, and printers can serve as the connection between the main computer and wireless network. The wireless local area networks which most significant companies employ wireless LAN, which offers reliability and flexibility for business computer users. Wireless technology is quickly advancing, and is taking up outstanding obligations in enhancing communication in different businesses. Businesses and people depend on this kind of network for their various business and personal communication. This can be directly or indirectly, and reports indicate that this leads to considerable misuse of the Internet. Setting up wireless technologies in offices without installing securities and restrictions may hinder the performance of employees. The advantage of this technology is that management can create restrictions to avoid employees and other people form misusing the Internet which mostly leads to waste of time. In the event, the business opts to install wireless technology at the head office, more advanced devices can serve the role of transmitting wireless communications. For instance, the global system for mobile communication (GSM) is a leading distributor of communication services. Other advanced machines include general packet radio service (GPRS), EDGE, and UMTS. There are four subdivisions of wireless technologies, and all play a significant role in ensuring proper communication in businesses or home use. The widely used wireless technology is fixed wireless, which has its devices set up at one, head office or homes, and the other workstations connected to the main source. Mobile wireless, just as the name suggests can move from one place to another though the use of vehicles. The devices in this include personal communication services and automotive cell phone. The technology also has portable wireless whose operations is independent. The device relies on powering by the battery or other external systems. Examples of this model include PCS units and handheld cell phones. Lastly, we have the IR wireless which employs devices which pass data through IR radiation (infrared). The most advantageous wireless model is the fixed wireless technology which will help Natro group to solve its communication problems. The following diagram illustrates the set up for wireless technologies in most leading businesses. References Sivalingam, K. M., & Subramaniam, S. (2005). Emerging optical network technologies architectures, protocols, and performance. New York, NY, USA: Springer. Read More