Running Head: INTEGRATIVE NETWORK DESIGN

Integrative Network Design Your Name Here NTC/362 September 3, 2012 Eddie Horton

INTEGRATIVE NETWORK DESIGN Integrative Network Design Explain the networks fundamental characteristics and components

Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) uses a linear bus topology consisting of a main run of cable made of a terminator at each end. The file server, workstations and peripherals are all connected to the linear cable. Under the architecture of network used, it is easy to connect peripheral or a computer to the linear bus and it saves costs involved in purchasing cables (Cisco Inc., 2000). However, there are high data transfer rates due to use of Ethernet but if the linear cable breaks, it halts the entire network. KFFs network allows sharing of resources such as printer, modems and CD-ROM, which makes it cheaper to set up the network and save on costs. Also, networked computers are able to share centralized key computer programs such as inventory spreadsheets allowing users to have the same program as opposed to copies of the program hence they can work on the program simultaneously. Additionally, the network supports automated unattended backup of contents and valuables that make it easy to backup essential files without wasting time. Use of Ethernet in KFF ensures that computers listen to the cable before transmitting data through the network (Cisco Inc., 2000). Ethernet uses carrier sense multiple access method which allows computers to send information based on network traffic; if the network is clear, Ethernet allows data transmission, if not, the sending computer is put on a waiting mode and prompted to resend the data after sometime. In this kind of network, Ethernet only transmits data at a speed of 10 megabits per second; this speed is very slow. Evaluate the current network topology KFF uses an out dated network topology which suffers the disadvantage of complete breakdown in case the backbone linear cable breaks. The Bus topology is limited to

INTEGRATIVE NETWORK DESIGN

accommodating only a few computer and peripheral components and if a component fails, then the entire string fails. In this type of network, it is hard to determine the source cause of a problem in case it occurs thus time consuming in terms of problem identification and resolution. However, the bus network topology enjoys fast real time data communication and simple remote monitoring and management of components. The design is cheap and easy to configure. In terms of reliability, the bus topology is not reliable at all. This arises from data transmission style where data is propagated in form of electrical pulses. Basically, when a node transmits a series of electrical pulses, the pulses travel in all directions along the carrier cable and they continue traveling until they find a component to absorb them or they weaken in such a manner that they are undetectable. If a signal encounters the end of a cable, it bounces back until it is absorbed. Therefore, from transmission, data signals are relayed across transportation medium and are expected to travel to both ends of the bus hence making it essential to check the signals to prevent continuous bouncing back that would prevent other computers from sending data. We can avert this situation using logical bus topology where data sent is addressed to a specific machine. This method breaks down data into manageable chunks and transmits the data to specified computers. However, only one machine (node) at a time can successfully send data. With this type of topology, we expect KFF network users to share the available amount of transmission time to avoid slowing down network performance (Reinhold, 1990). Additionally, all nodes ought to be passive; they should be listening to sent commands to allow efficiency in case on one computer breakdown. In the passive mode, if a node fails it is likely that all other node will continue functioning as opposed to the active mode where if one fails, then all the rest also fail. Describe the standards applicable to this project

INTEGRATIVE NETWORK DESIGN

The standards of network applicable to this project will be based on network specifications laid out by ISO D1S7498 that consists of seven layers as discussed below: Physical layer: this is the lowest level of network components that specifies mechanical and electrical details of communication. As discussed above, KFF uses bus topology which uses Ethernet that supports use of coaxial cable, twisted pair cable or fiber cable. KFF uses fiber cable which is the fasted transmitting cable among the three. This supports electrical signals which are digital. Data link layer: This layer determines the formats of messages being transmitted and how data is addressed to detect and correct errors. In order to eliminate bouncing back of messages in the network, data addressing is used. This ensures that data sent is specified to a given machine using data headers that specify a machine address. The flow and control of network resources is controlled over the server machine. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is used. Network layer: the network layer defines routing and logical addressing where procedures for encapsulation for message into packets is established. Internet Protocol (IP) addressing is enforced at this stage (Reinhold, 1990). Transport layer: this layer handles delivery of information from one computer to another thus under the transport layer there is flow control which manages the way data is transmitted from one component to another. This allows sending devices to send manageable data at the receiving end. Other applications on this layer include error detection and recovery as well as establishing virtual circuits. The standard protocol in KFF is TCP Session layer: This layer is responsible for managing communications in terms of sessions, and organizing requests and transmission services. The standard protocol to be used in KFF is SQL

INTEGRATIVE NETWORK DESIGN Presentation layer: this layer ensures compatibility of data transmitted among communicating devices in KFFs network. It ensures data encoded can be readily decoded at the receiving machine. The standard used is ASCII. Application layer: KFF ought to use file transfer protocol (FTP) in identifying communication patterns and determining resource availability.

INTEGRATIVE NETWORK DESIGN References Cisco Inc. (2000) Internetwork design Guide: internetworking Design Basics. Retrieved from http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/idg4/nd2002.htm Sekar K., and Dey S. (2008) Dynamically Configurable Bus Topologies for High-Performance on-chip communication. Volume 16 issue 10. Reinhold N., (1990) Network Topology Optimization: The Art and Science of Network Design ISBN -10:0442238193