Computer Networking Analysis - Assignment Example

Topic: LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) (Name) (Institution) (Tutors Name) 12/04/2008 Introduction A computer network is a connection of more than one computer; this is done in order to share the files. Any device that is connected to the network is called a node. Networks are categorized depending on its purposes and geographical locations. There are MANs, WANs and LANs. LANs are those computers that are connected within a building and are usually close. SME are those businesses that are developing with the turnover and number of employees being within a certain number. This means that the availability of finance for this institution is small. This makes the possibility of light and economical nature of networking. This then means that the kind of network used should be economical and note complicated. (Abbate, 1999) History of Computer Networking Before the development of internet there wasn't a wide spread internet networking and this was around 1950s. This was limited to only those computers that were located within their stations on the network. Some networks posed gateways or bridges but they were specifically used by one machine. One mainframe was connected to long lease line. This was used by Project RAND to support researchers like Herbert Simon. Star Topology This is the common type of computer network topologies. This is because it’s the simplest since it consists of a central switch, hub or a computer which acts as a terminal. There are two types of star network: passive and active. The active star network has the central node active and usually has means to prevent echo related problems, while a passive star network has to tolerate many kinds of disturbance, among them ego. This type of network reduces problems that are associated with failure since it uses a central node. This then makes it possible for all other peripherals that are connected to this central hub. If there is a problem within one line, it cannot affect the other network lines and work stations. Since this business has a single printer, then if connected the risk that is associated with breaking down of the other lines will not cause any disturbance to the printer since it supports the isolation of devices. This type of network performance is better compared to other topologies. This is because there are few nodes and hence the data packet sent will pass through fewer nodes. This means that the capacity of the node required should be high. There are benefits that are associated with this network for instance, all the information passing through the node can be monitored and this leads to better performance of the enterprise. It is easy to understand, navigate and establish it. This then means that it doesn't require complex routing and message passing protocols. Cat5 wire is used for the connection of the computers to the node because it reduces the noise that is related to star topology. It’s also due to the fact it’s the national standard for networking. Networking Operating System Networking operating system used will depend on the size of the network. The main aim of NOS is to control the flow of data around the LAN by sending the right data to the right computer. In this project the best is client server system. This type of NOS is where files and user accounts are stored in a centralized file server, this then makes the information accessible to all clients PCs. this kind of architecture allows all the computers to be managed from one computer and also it’s fast in network connection. With the addition of routing all the network services like printing can be centrally monitored. Privileges and access to the server can be controlled, which allows the right access of workers to specific data and also can support departments. An example is finance department where they give their own private data store which is accessible to accounts team only. Router and Switch These are small box like pieces that multiple computers can use. These routers contain ports that provide connection point, a power terminal and LED lights to display the status of the device. They are usually designed to join various networks (LAN and WAN). They serve as intermediate destinations for the network traffic. They usually receive the TCP / IP packets and then they analysis the internal nature of the packets and identify the source and the destination of the packet. Since we are dealing with SME then broad band routers can be used to join the multiple networks. Such routers are developed and designed in such a way that it is able to support a small network (LAN) to the internet (WAN) for internet connection sharing. This then make it possible for all the eight workstation to access the internet directly. They are also able to provide DHCP server and other proxy supports, also they offer integrated firewalls. They are easily connected to the Ethernet broad band which also provides inbuilt switches. The switches will be used to connect to the LAN part of the network. This is because it can be able to identify the particular address of a packet and know where it came from and where it is headed. An example is that a user has sent a request on port 2 this then will enable the switch to know that the information that is supposed to be sent is directed to that specific user. This means that the advantage of a switch over a hub is that it knows the destination of a certain request and not to all ports. If the network is busy then this is the best solution. Windows XP professional data backups Windows XP does the data back up by giving each user an account of its own personal profile which contains a set of sub folders in the Documents and Settings folder. These profile stores personal files, out look, express e-mail messages, internet explorer and other information about the settings. Usually Windows XP includes a backup program. Options for backup are many and in our case we can use the computers hard disk, removable media, shared network drive or an external drive. A schedule for storing this data is also important. This means a convenient period of time is required so as to do this work well. Since this organization burns their discs every Friday, the nice time to backup is this period. But, also in windows environment, settings can be adjusted so that the windows program backup’s data automatically. Security Hackers and intruders can attack your businesses easily through the website and may alter some information or even sabotage the system. The internet connects a lot of computers and network and hence this is the place where security is prone. This then causes the greatest security risk to internal networks of small business. Even though the main duties of the internet are to access outside information it’s also an avenue where stored data in network computers are exposed to devices that are connected to the internet. Even the hosting of web sites and an Intranet opens the system to a wider community of users. Microsoft FrontPages 2002 has an inbuilt security feature that deploys a security enhanced web site. Modems Two types of modems will be used. Cable modem will be used to provide individual IP address to the LAN and also a Mac address. The other is the DSL or ADSL which is used to get the router to the internet. It’s like a transceiver. Client workstation The workstation should be comfortable to the user. This also means that a processor of a speed like 2.3 GB is the most convenient for this organization. The operating system size fluctuates and also the amount of data that is supposed to be stored also will determine the kind of storage system. A minimum of 40 GB is appropriate, if there are storage capabilities of storing sharable information. A high speed networking card is required for fast communication with the server. A NIC 10/100 which is standard in various computers will function well in this organization. The relationship and integration between the hardware and the operating system should be among the priorities. A 3D graphic card is also required for pictures and supports the website. (Oppenheimer, 2004) For Blind person Since the computers that we are using are Microsoft based then we have to look for certain kind of software that is compatible. Windows and DOS are among the best operating systems that have yielded a lot of success to the blind. This means that a software inventory is required for the blind person. This screen access program can be easily be used by word processing software, for example, Microsoft or Corel Word Perfect, e-mail software such as the Eudora or Outlook Express, database programs such as the Microsoft Access and other Windows applications. I will recommend the use of JAWS for windows which is produced by Henter Joyce, Inc. This is the best and most popular screen access programs for the blind. Also others that I can recommend are the Window Eyes from GW Micro and from Syntha Voice Computers Slim ware Window Bridge from Canada. Conclusion SME businesses have to develop and this means they have to expose their works and maintain what is available. The implementation of LAN in this enterprise will boost a lot. Time wasting is also reduced since workers will not have to move from one place to another and no worker will be inconvenienced. The central server will enable the sharing of services such as printers and files. A single file can be used by many workers at the same time. Duties and responsibilities are well distributed and each worker will have to do all duties that are allocated to him/her. This is through the specific user accounts. The software used and hardware will influence the positive outcomes of work. The blind worker can also work comfortably since all resources are available. This then leads to nice supervision of workers because all information can be monitored from one location with privileges and duties accorded to the terms respectively. (Stephen, 2001) Recommendations Networking is beneficial to this organization since it will reduce wastage of time during movements and conflict of interests. This means that the use of star wire topology will remove congestion thereby increasing the speed of communication. The named type of software and their availability also will increase the end day output. Workers should be motivated by not giving them a lot of restrictions towards the access of certain services such has the internet. The kind of security (firewalls) should be transparent so as the workers can conveniently work with it. Workers in the work stations should be educated on the use of security and use of other services so as to function comfortably. Reference Abbate, J. (1999). Inventing the Internet, (Cambridge: MIT Press) Campbell-Kelly, M. (1996).Computer: A History of the Information Machine, (New York: Basic Books) Dick, P. (2001). The New Penguin Dictionary of Computing, (New York: Penguin Books) Meyn, P. (2007). Control Techniques for Complex Networks, (London: Cambridge University Press) Oppenheimer, P. (2004). Top-Down Network Design, (Indianapolis: Cisco Press) Peter, J. (2003). Computers and Networking, (New York: Penguin Books) Stephen, F. (2001). The Impact of Networking, (London, Oxford University Press) Srikant, R. (2004). The Mathematics of Internet Congestion Control, (London: Birkhäuser) Read More