Designing a Local Area Network: Computer Network Layout
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To design any computer network layout, it is important to know the basic LAN topologies and to consider their advantages and disadvantages. There are basically three topologies, and you can choose according to your need when designing a local area network. Here's how to build a local area network.
Bus Topology: The bus topology is known as linear bus. it consists of several computers wich re attched to a common cable called trunk line
Star Topology: In star topology, computers are connected though cable segments to a centralized device known ashub. Signals are transmitted from the sending computer through the contoller to the central hub on the network.
Ring topology: The ring topology connects computers on a single circle of cable. There are no terminated ends. The signals travel around the loop in one direction and pass through each computer. Each computer acts like a repeater to boost the signal and send it on the next computer.
These were the basic topologies for designing any local area network. You may choose any according to the size and the need of your network.
The basic steps for setting up a local area network are:
1. Draw a rough sketch of your network (where the computer will be, main switch, etc.)
2. Consider all the topologies carefully.
3. Choose the one that suits most of your requirements.
4. For wires, the most suitable are:
* Coaxial for bus topology.
* UTP for star topology.
* STP for ring topology.
5. Install. However, it would be safer that you employ technicians for the job. Or, if you've completed an online IT degree program, you can do it yourself.
