Running Head LAN Topology Design And Cabling Specifications

8running Head Lan Topology Design And Cabling Specificationsappendix

Write 3-4 paragraphs describing the goals of the network design project, assumptions, pros and cons of the proposed solutions, and project constraints.

The fictitious company chosen will be a small organization that specializes in merchant services. It deals with check verification, online payments, debit and credit cards, and has partnerships with major banks and financial institutions. This access allows real-time database sharing to verify bad checks and prevent fraud, aiming to reduce returned checks by 50-75%. The company aims to ensure secure, reliable communication among four key departments which require efficient data sharing, device sharing (scanners, printers), central storage, and robust security for operations.

The network design solution proposes implementing a star topology within each departmental LAN. Each department’s network would use a central hub, facilitating manageability, expandability, and minimizing disruptions during growth or maintenance. While star topology offers advantages such as ease of troubleshooting and support for multiple devices, it also has limitations including higher cabling costs and reliance on a central hub, which if failed, compromises the entire network. Cabling choices include twisted pair (Cat-5), coaxial, and fiber optic cables, with the decision favoring cost-effective Cat-5 cables due to the company’s small size and performance needs. These cables will connect devices within 100 meters, ensuring a manageable and scalable infrastructure.

Paper For Above instruction

The design of a reliable, secure, and expandable network system is critically important for a small merchant services organization that depends heavily on seamless data sharing and fraud prevention. The primary goal of this network project is to create an infrastructure that supports real-time database access, secure communication, and efficient resource sharing among four distinct departments. This enables the organization to operate effectively, protect sensitive information, and scale operations with minimal disruption. The assumptions underlying the network design include the deployment of a star topology within each department, utilizing centralized network devices such as hubs and switches, and using cost-effective cabling options like Category 5 twisted pair cables.

One of the main assumptions is that the physical proximity of departments makes a star topology practical and manageable. The chosen topology ensures higher manageability and ease of troubleshooting. It also supports future expansion by simply adding additional cables and devices to existing hubs or switches. The organization’s reliance on external financial and banking partnerships underscores the necessity for robust security protocols alongside network infrastructure. Additionally, it is assumed that the company’s current operational scale justifies using 10Base-T Ethernet connections, which are sufficient for their data transfer needs, and a cabling infrastructure within the 100-meter maximum length for twisted pair cables. These assumptions align with the company's budget constraints and operational requirements.

Despite its advantages, the star topology presents certain drawbacks. The need for extensive cabling can significantly increase implementation costs and complexity, especially with larger configurations. Reliance on a central hub introduces a single point of failure: if the hub malfunctions, the entire departmental network can be disrupted. This risk necessitates implementing redundant or backup systems to maintain operational continuity. Additionally, the higher cabling costs and labor involved in installation can strain a small company's budget. Wireless alternatives, while appealing for reducing wiring costs, are considered less reliable due to external interference and security concerns, making wired connections preferable for sensitive financial data.

The cabling infrastructure is critical for supporting the network's performance and future growth. The company opts for Cat-5 twisted pair cabling, which offers a satisfactory balance of cost and performance for a small-scale LAN. It supports speeds up to 100 Mbps with a maximum length of 100 meters, sufficient for the company's current and foreseeable needs. Coaxial and fiber optic cables are alternatives, with fiber providing higher speeds but at increased cost and complexity, which exceeds current requirements. Proper installation, documentation, and labeling of cables are essential to maintaining network integrity, troubleshooting efficiency, and facilitating future expansions.

In conclusion, this network deployment strategy leverages a star topology with cost-effective cabling solutions to meet the company’s operational needs. It prioritizes manageability, security, and scalability, which are vital for supporting the company’s fraud prevention services and internal operations. The careful selection of infrastructure components, combined with thorough planning and documentation, ensures a resilient network system capable of supporting business growth while maintaining high security standards. This design aligns with best practices in network architecture for small enterprise environments, emphasizing flexibility, security, and cost efficiency.

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