When designing a network it is important to consider which topology is best suited to the user requirements. The topology is the construction or layout of the network. Cost of implementation is also an important factor as are the running costs. The question of what the consequences are should a system failure occur, whether it be just a part of the network or total system failure should also be cogitated.
The external communications requirements will also be investigated in this report. Whether a modem should be used or whether a faster system is needed depending on the amount of traffic that is forecast in and out of the company. The number of external connections required is also a factor.
How the company data is stored on the system is to be examined as is the question of backing up already stored data.
The Topology of the Network
There are several types of topology to choose from that could be used.
They all have advantages and disadvantages. A trade off must be made in order to choose the one that is best suited to the task in hand.
Bus Topology
A bus topology has a server at the one end and the client PCs are connected at different points along the network. All data sent down the network passes through each PC. Each PC has its own unique identity and can recognise the data intended for it. Typically a coax cable is used to connect each computer. A device called a terminator is required at the far end of the bus. This is to prevent the signal being reflected back down the network.
Some of the advantages of this topology are that it is easy and therefore inexpensive to implement and extend. It can be set up in a hurry so...