Networking Technologies: Types, Topologies, and Impact

NETWORKING
TECHNOLOGIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Types and Topologies of Networking Systems..........................................................................3
1.2 Impact of network technology, communication and standards................................................13
1.3 Utilization of networking systems by protocols......................................................................14
TASK 2...............................................................................................................................................15
2.1 Roles of software and hardware components..........................................................................15
2.2 Different Server Types and selection requirements.................................................................15
2.3 Interdependence of workstation hardware...............................................................................16
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................17
................................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................18
Illustration Index
Illustration 1: Local Area Network.......................................................................................................4
Illustration 2: Wide Area Network.......................................................................................................6
Illustration 3: Personal Area Network..................................................................................................7
Illustration 4: MAN network................................................................................................................8
Illustration 5: Star Topology...............................................................................................................10
Illustration 6: Bus Topology...............................................................................................................11
Illustration 7: Ring Topology.............................................................................................................12
Illustration 8: Tree Topology..............................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
A network can be said as a group of computers sharing data and information with each other
using a data link. The computers on which sharing is being done are called nodes. Networking
Technologies are some mediums that helps in connecting with people lacking geographical
restrictions. These systems offer an easy way to share files. Also it proves beneficial for resource
sharing as devices like printers, modems, scanners can be shared over all the computers in the
network. These technologies gives flexible access to people as accessing files from systems
throughout the network is allowed. Some common types of network consists of LAN ( Local Area
Network), WAN ( Wireless LAN), PAN(Personal Area Network) etc. The Beta Communication Ltd
is a telecommunication company that deals in telecom products. This report is about designing and
implementing LAN in the Beta Communication Ltd.
TASK 1
1.1 Types and Topologies of Networking Systems
As a Network Consultant, it is important to have a deep knowledge of all the types of
network because any customer can request for a different network any time depending on his work
schedules and lifestyle.
Some common types of network are :
1. Local Area Network (LAN) – LAN connects various network computers over short
distances. This connection can establish in buildings, schools, hostels or any place where
devices can connect over short distance (Luehmann and Tinelli,2008). It can also be said as
a group of computers sharing a same communication line.
Benefits :
 We can send e-mails between different nodes.
 Centrally management of all the nodes attached is easy.
 Communication through a LAN network is cheaper than the other networks.
 The data is stored on the server computer which makes it more secure.
 The same internet connection is served among all the users connected to the LAN.
Limitations:
 Less chance to move in a different location.

 Server maintenance is expensive. The set up cost used in the implementation and then
maintenance of a LAN is quite expensive (Burgess, 2009).
 This connection only covers a limited area as it covers short distances.
 The LAN administrator has permissions to check the files on any computer connected to the
server any time and somewhere it violates users privacy (Luehmann and Tinelli,2008).
 A LAN administrator is always required as if sometime errors or any problems attack the
system, the administrator can solve it. His/her absence can lead to a huge loss of time which
can affect the company as well.
(Source :Antsaklis and Baillieul,2004 )
As we can see in the picture above, all the servers i.e. file server, mail server, any output device say
printer and all the nodes are connected over a single communication line.
Illustration 1: Local Area Network