In this assignment, you will study the hardware components, the network, and connection media specifications that make a network function optimally.
In this assignment, you will study the hardware components, the network, and connection media specifications that make a network function optimally.
Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research the following:
Hardware and software components used for networks
Connection media specifications for networks
Continuing with the scenario you worked with in Week 1 Project, in which you designed a network for Dreamz Inc.; this week, you will complete the following tasks:
* If needed, modify the plan created in Week 1 Project to accommodate suggestions and recommendations from your instructor and your own changes based on the readings and activities for this week. Color code your additions or modifications so that the changes are easy to identify.
* Select the hardware and software components to build the LAN. Make sure you do not select two different components to perform the same function.
* Select the hardware and software components to build the WAN such that Dreamz Inc. can connect to other public and private networks.
* In the branch office of Dreamz Inc. at Detroit, each user is a highly billable resource and the company cannot afford the unavailability of any user due to a network problem. Each user needs at least 100 Mbps connection speed. Select the network equipment that you will use for this branch office and explain why.
* Select the specification of the connection media to be used and state the reasons for selecting it.
Prepare and post a 2- to 3-page report using Microsoft Word to document your work. It is important to pay close attention to the page limit.
A computer network comprises two or more computers that are connected—either by cables (wired) or WiFi (wireless)—with the purpose of transmitting, exchanging, or sharing data and resources. You build a computer network using hardware (e.g., routers, switches, access points, and cables) and software (e.g., operating systems or business applications).
Geographic location often defines a computer network. For example, a LAN (local area network) connects computers in a defined physical space, like an office building, whereas a WAN (wide area network) can connect computers across continents. The internet is the largest example of a WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide.
You can further define a computer network by the protocols it uses to communicate, the physical arrangement of its components, how it controls traffic, and its purpose.
Computer networks enable communication for every business, entertainment, and research purpose. The internet, online search, email, audio and video sharing, online commerce, live-streaming, and social networks all exist because of computer networks.
As networking needs evolved, so did the computer network types that serve those needs. Here are the most common and widely used computer network types:
LAN (local area network): A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance, allowing them to share data, files, and resources. For example, a LAN may connect all the computers in an office building, school, or hospital. Typically, LANs are privately owned and managed.
WLAN (wireless local area network): A WLAN is just like a LAN but connections between devices on the network are made wirelessly.
WAN (wide area network): As the name implies, a WAN connects computers over a wide area, such as from region to region or even continent to continent. The internet is the largest WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide. You will typically see collective or distributed ownership models for WAN management.
MAN (metropolitan area network): MANs are typically larger than LANs but smaller than WANs. Cities and government entities typically own and manage MANs.
PAN (personal area network): A PAN serves one person. For example, if you have an iPhone and a Mac, it’s very likely you’ve set up a PAN that shares and syncs content—text messages, emails, photos, and more—across both devices.
SAN (storage area network): A SAN is a specialized network that provides access to block-level storage—shared network or cloud storage that, to the user, looks and works like a storage drive that’s physically attached to a computer. (For more information on how a SAN works with block storage, see Block Storage: A Complete Guide.)
CAN (campus area network): A CAN is also known as a corporate area network. A CAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. CANs serve sites such as colleges, universities, and business campuses.
VPN (virtual private network): A VPN is a secure, point-to-point connection between two network end points (see ‘Nodes’ below). A VPN establishes an encrypted channel that keeps a user’s identity and access credentials, as well as any data transferred, inaccessible to hackers.
Attachments