Data Communication and Network: Assessment 3 Report

This report provides an overview of data communication and networking, focusing on the design of a Local Area Network (LAN) for Seagull International. It covers essential networking tools such as switches, routers, and workstations, along with the significance of WIFI and broadband connections. The report delves into desktop and server operating systems, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right OS for the organization's needs. It also addresses WIFI connections, the setup of additional switches and cables, and the critical aspects of network security, including password protection and user loyalty. Furthermore, the report explains IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways, concluding with a discussion on the smooth operation of an organization's network and its adaptability for growth. The report references key academic sources to support its analysis.

Running head: Data communication and network 1
Data communication and networks.
Student name
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Data communication and network 3
Table of content.
Table of Contents
Table of content...............................................................................................................................2
1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Topic 1: Networking tools.........................................................................................................2
Switch..........................................................................................................................................2
Router..........................................................................................................................................2
Workstations................................................................................................................................3
WIFI.............................................................................................................................................3
Broadband connection.................................................................................................................3
1.3 Topic 2: Desktop and server operating systems........................................................................4
1. Server operating system....................................................................................................4
2. Desktop operating system.................................................................................................4
1.4 Topic 3. WIFI Connection.........................................................................................................4
1.5 Topic 4: Setting up an extra switch and cables..........................................................................5
1.6 Topic 5: Network Security Wireless LAN................................................................................5
1.7 TOPIC 6: IP Address.................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
References........................................................................................................................................6

Data communication and network 3
1.0 Introduction.
Data communication and the network is the transmission of data between computers that are
connected. It is economical in any business organization as it reduces movements, encourages
the sharing of resources in the organization and promotes teamwork. Jawhar, Mohamed, Al-
Jaroodi, Agrawal & Zhan. (2017).
1.2 Topic 1: Networking tools
Since seagull international is a small growing business organization, in designing a network for
internet access, word processing, sharing of printers, central database access when the data is
kept in the server and entry of business data, I prefer to use Local area network (LAN) as the
type of network design. To design this type of network, the following tools are required; Alimi &
Mufutau. (2015).
Switch
This a device used to connect computers and other devices like printers and scanners in a
network to ensure that they can communicate. This will enable the sharing of information. This
will enable Seagull international to share the printers it has, and the computer users will be able
to access the database. Shakamuri, Kamath & Enz. (2019).
Router
A router is a device used to connect two or more networks. The administrative staff will have
their switch which connects their devices and the data entry operators will also have their switch.
These two switches will be connected by a router to enable communication between the two
groups.
Workstations.
These are computers that operate in a network. None of them does own any resource but they
share the information provided by other larger computers. Example Each administrative staff
owning a computer but they all rely on information from the data entry group and the server.

Data communication and network 3
WIFI
This is a wireless network. The user connects to the network without using ethernet cables. WIFI
is important as it allows both laptops, phones, and tablet to connect to the internet, unlike the
cabled network which cannot connect laptop and phones.
Broadband connection.
This is an internet connection that enables faster data movement because it ensures a much
higher rate of data transfer.
1.3 Topic 2: Desktop and server operating systems.
An operating system (OS) is a program that manages the operation of other programs in a
computer by allocating resources to other programs. Without an OS the computer is not able to
operate correctly. Tanenbaum & Bos. (2015).
1. Server operating system.
This is a specific type of operating system mainly made to run on the server. A server is a
computer that provides information to the request from the client computers. Examples include
windows server and Linux. All the resources in the network are managed by a server. When
deciding on which server OS to use, we look at the tasks that will be performed by the OS and
the one the staff is most comfortable with. The applications used will also help in choosing the
operating system because you can not buy the operating system that cannot run with the
applications to be used.
2. Desktop operating system
This is the program that controls the operation of other programs that runs on client computers.
Examples are Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems.
In setting up a network, a network operating system is used because this program is designed
only to support workstations, remote database and sharing of other resources like printers and
scanners. A desktop operating system to be used has to be user-friendly and suitable for the
organization's hardware.

Data communication and network 3
1.4 Topic 3. WIFI Connection.
For the wireless network to work stronger when more computers are connected, a broadband
connection will be of importance to strengthen the rate of data transfer. For example, when all
the 12 salespersons need to connect to the network once, with a broadband connection, the
movement of data will be first. Devices like printers which cannot connect using WIFI, they will
connect using cables.
1.5 Topic 4: Setting up an extra switch and cables.
A switch can make its sub-network. This switch has to be connected to other networks using a
router. Extra ethernet cables will also be left aside to cater for an increase in the number of
workstations. For example, in our case, the sales staff will not be permanently staying in the
office, but when they are in the office, they will need an internet connection and be able to access
the office resources.
1.6 Topic 5: Network Security Wireless LAN.
Wireless LAN is also called WIFI. When this network is not managed properly, non-
organization members can have access to the network. Data security through very tough to
maintain, it is very essential to any organization. To ensure security, a strong password will be
set. This password will be changed regularly. Acemoglu, Malekian & Ozdaglar. (2016). The
network users need too to be loyal to the organization by not giving the network password to the
third party.
1.7 TOPIC 6: IP Address.
The computer in a network has to have an IP address, subnet mask, Default Gateway's IP address
and a DNS server's IP address to work well. Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number that is
assigned to every computer in the network that uses the IP. There are of two types, version four
and version six. When a computer is trying to connect to the internet in a network, it first
requests an IP address by sending a DHCP request. The router responds to this request by
sending back the IP address for that computer. This is assigning IP addresses automatically. IP
addresses can also be assigned to a computer manually (Lim, Yi and Swartzlander, 2010).

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Conclusion
An organization runs smoothly if when its networking system is set up correctly. A network is
said to be properly set if it meets all the IEEE standards. seagull international will automatically
operate well when the above things are done to its network. Since it’s a growing organization,
LAN will serve it well since it can be easily adjusted.

Data communication and network 3
References
Acemoglu, D., Malekian, A. and Ozdaglar, A., 2016. Network security and contagion. Journal of
Economic Theory, 166, pp.536-585.
Alimi, I.A. and Mufutau, A.O., 2015. Enhancement of network performance of an enterprises network with
VLAN. American Journal of Mobile Systems, Applications and Services, 1(2), pp.82-93.
Jawhar, I., Mohamed, N., Al-Jaroodi, J., Agrawal, D.P. and Zhang, S., 2017. Communication and
networking of UAV-based systems: Classification and associated architectures. Journal of Network and
Computer Applications, 84, pp.93-108.
Lim, H., Yim, C. and Swartzlander, E.E., 2010. Priority tries for IP address lookup. IEEE transactions on
computers, 59(6), pp.784-794.
Shakamuri, H. K., Kamath, A., & Enz, M. (2019). U.S. Patent Application No. 16/288,924.
Tanenbaum, A.S. and Bos, H., 2015. Modern operating systems. Pearson.