ITNW 1425 – Chapter 1 Homework
Case Project 1-2
Question: Would you choose a peer-to-peer network or server-based network? Write a list of supplies you might purchase to accomplish this task. What computer configuration tasks might you need to perform?
ANS: In this situation I would choose a peer-to-peer network as it would fit perfectly for the six employees who still use floppy disks to get files from one computer to another. They’d each have control of resources for their own machines, training the employees on the new configuration would be minimal and inexpensive for the company and allow each employee to share files through the network. The peer-to-peer network or workgroup impose no centralized control or security over shared resources. Also the loss of a single machine means only the loss of access to the resources on that one machine, the others would continue to function. Any user can share resources on his or her computer with any other user’s computer, and each user can determine what level of access other users have to his or her shared resources. Each user in this group must act as the administrator of his or her computer’s resources. Each user would also have to remember each set of credentials, which can be confusing if they aren’t trained properly in creating secure passwords, which is where efficient training on my part to help them to understand how to create secure passwords, why they’re created and the consequences of not using them properly. Because the company wants to spend as little money as possible the challenge with security will be a huge task. The key is training the personnel on security measures and making sure they understand the consequences of their actions for the company if they choose not to follow them. Ensuring they also know and understand why they need to back up their work and data on a regular basis, install patches as needed and how it helps to keep their computer running as efficiently as possible. I’d of course recommend they purchase new computer systems (desktop PC’s) for the company, running Windows 7 or Vista. Depending on their printers I recommend they get one or two of those as well. They’d need new cables and once the PC’s are set up and mapped to the printers then the employees can begin training on them immediately. They’d need to know how to back up their data, ensure patches were installed as needed, password security. Of course each computer would have a restore CD made before training could begin. Once training is completed which shouldn’t take long at all, they’re ready to roll.
Case Project 1-3
Question: What type of network is called for --- LAN, WAN, MAN, or internetwork? What additional devices might be needed to ensure efficient network communication?
LAN - Types of network which calls for a LAN would be a smaller network, such as a school limited to a single collection of machines and connected by one or more interconnecting devices in a small geographic area. Additional devices that might be needed to ensure efficient network communication would be a hub or a switch, router. LANs are normally used for local access.
WANS – When a network’s scope expands to encompass LANs in geographically dispersed locations, they are classified as WANs because they span distances measured in miles and link two or more separate LANs. WANs user the services of third-party communication provides, such as phone companies to carry network traffic from one location to another. WANs are used in geographically dispersed locations normally used for access to remote sites elsewhere in the country or around the world.
MANS – Use WAN technologies to interconnect LANs in a specific geographic region, such as a country or city. Normally used for regional or citywide access. MANs are geographically dispersed internetworks. Uses third party communication providers to provide connectivity between locations.
Internetworks – A networked collection of LANs tied together by devices such as routers.
To ensure efficient communications each of these would in this day and age use hubs which are now Stone Age in my opinion. Switches were also used, but now the norm would be routers for communication between the different systems.