3.0 LAN NETWORK DESIGN AND INFRASTUCTURE OF COMPUTER CENTRE

 NETWORK DESIGN OF COMPUTER CENTRE

NETWORKING DEVICES

Network devices which is also known as networking hardware are used to connect the hardware to communicate and interact with each and other on a computer network. In  Computer Center's LAN network, routers, switches, wireless services, email services, and various system servers were used to be the basic building blocks of this extensive network.

• Router

Router worked as the connectivity to external networks between the LAN network and other networks such as internet. It will delivers the connection to each floor and the data flow of the internal networks are established securely by ensuring the traffic routes are simplified with the correct network segmentation. Besides, router also controls the speed of the internet so that it is not under performing.

• Switch

Core Switch and distribution switches were used in this Computer Centre network strategically where switches are installed at every room on each floor to provide efficient floor communication as it receives same level of connection speed. Each of the devices connect to the routers using communication media and it works independently to the hub in order to minimize the disruption of the network as well as provides efficient and reliable communication among network devices.

• Wireless Access Point (WAP)

 

Wireless Access Point or also known as WAP are used to provide wireless services on each floor throughout the Computer Centre. This ease the people to access the wireless connection from everywhere in the building. WAP solves the issues of  direct connection by broadcasting the connection so that smart gadgets can stay connected to the internet.

TOPOLOGY

Network topology is the arrangement of the elements of a communication network. The topology that has been implemented in this network is star topology. Star topology is a network topology in which each network component is physically connected to a central node such as a router, hub or switch. In this network, switch and router played the role as central hub where it allows for dedicated bandwidth and reduction in network congestion which enables the performance of the network to be better. With the assistance of critical services including Email, Student Information System (SMP), Staff Information System (SMSM), Financial System (SMKB), and U Learn platform, this network design assures seamless connectivity and effective data transmission. Since each of the floor owning distribution switch, hence it is easy and convenient to add on with new network devices.Other than that, the topology also allows for fault isolation and ensures that the whole network will not be disrupted if one of the devices or nodes are faulty. It is because, each device maintains its connection with the hub independently .

COMMUNICATION MEDIA

Communication media refers to the means of delivering and receiving data or information between networks in a group of interconnected computers  through transmission media in-order to communicate and share resources like hardware, data and software. The computers in the network may be connected through cables, telephone lines, beams and etc. For this Computer Center's LAN network, there are several communication media has been used as transmission media in order to ensure dependable data transmission and communication. 

1. Wired Communication Media 

Wired Communication Media is a transmission media where data signals are transmitted along a specific path through cable. It helps to transfer data from one medium to another medium by using wire. Wired Communication Media that has been used in this network as follows: 

• Fibre Optic

Fibre optic is used to connect from the main router to the sub routers, switches to the servers and to the Wireless Access Point. Fibre optic is made of tiny glass or plastic cable strands to transfer the data as light pulses. Besides, fibre optic makes the data transfer in shortest time no matter it is big data as it has high bandwidth. In addition, 

fiber optic also enables stability and security because the cables are immune to electromagnetic interference . The cables are also highly reliable and durable which ensures that the connectivity will not be broken.

• Ethernet Cable

Ethernet cables are used as the medium to transfer the data from the switches to the devices. According to this LAN network, this network uses Cat8 Ethernet cable as university requires wide range of connection with high speed. By using this,  most of the devices connected to the switches are able to transfer and download data at a very high rate. 

2. Wireless Communication Media

• Wifi

Throughout the buildings, wireless access points have been deployed in strategic locations. These WAP provide wireless communication, which allows devices like tablets, smartphones, and laptops to get connected to the network without requiring actual Ethernet connections.By using Wifi network protocol, it guarantees that the building has an internet connection and are able to transfer and download data at a fast rate even though they are not connected to the network via cables. With this, everyone can be productive and smart gadgets at the same time.