ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 1 SHEET

Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing

Unit number Unit 2: Networking

Assignment title Networking Infrastructure

Academic Year 2020

Unit Tutor Ho Hai Van

Issue date Submission date December 12th, 2020

IV name and date Khoa Canh Nguyen, Nhung, Michael Omar 9th/01/2020

Submission format

Part 1

The submission is in the form of an individual written report. This should be written in a concise, formal
business style using single spacing and font size 12. You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs
and subsections as appropriate, and all work must be supported with research and referenced using the
Harvard referencing system. Please also provide a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system. The
recommended word limit is 2,000–2,500 words, although you will not be penalized for exceeding the total
word limit.

Part 2

The submission is in the form of an individual evidence portfolio.

 A LAN design plan and blueprint and justification document.

 A fully completed test plan including an evaluation of results and recommendations for
improvements to LAN.
 A proposed and justified maintenance schedule.
Part 3
 Evidence of an implemented network.

You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs, subsections and illustrations as appropriate, and all
work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system.

Unit Learning Outcomes

LO1: Examine networking principles and their protocols.

LO 2: Explain networking devices and operations.

LO3: Design efficient networked systems.

LO4: Implement and diagnose networked systems.

Assignment Brief
You are employed as a Network Engineer by Nguyen Networking Limited, a high-tech networking solution
development company, which have branches in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Can Tho.

The company has been contracted to implement a networking project from a local educational institute. The
specification of the project is given below:

People: 200 students, 15 teachers, 12 marketing and administration staff, 5 higher managers including the
head of academics and the programme manager, 3 computer network administrators.

Resources: 50 student lab computers, 35 staff computers, 3 printers

Building: 3 floors, all computers and printers are on the ground floor apart from the IT labs – one lab located
on the first floor and another located on the second floor

As a first task, the CEO of the company Mr. Nguyen has asked you to investigate and explain networking
principles, protocols and devices and submit a report.

Part 1

You will need to produce a report that includes the following:

1. An introduction to provide an overview of your report.

2. Benefits and constraints of different types of networks and networking standards.

3. The impact of network topology, speed of communication and bandwidth requirements.

4. Effectiveness of networking systems.

5. Discussion on operating principles of networking devices and server types and networking software.

6. Discuss the relationship of workstation hardware with networking software.

7. Explore a range of server types and justify the selection of a server, considering a given scenario
regarding cost and performance optimization.

8. For the given specification, identify the topology protocol for the efficient utilization of a networking
system.

The CEO Mr. Nguyen is happy with your first report and now he has asked you to analyze the specification
from the institution, as given earlier.

You need to design and implement the networking project within a given timeframe:
Part 2 Design efficient networked systems

1. Prepare a written step-by-step plan of how you are going to design a Local Area Network including a
blueprint of your LAN.

2. Justify your choice of devices for your network design.

3. Produce a test plan to evaluate this design for the requirements of bandwidth and cost constraints as per
user specifications.

4. Justify the security requirements and quality of services needed for selection of accessories.

5. Suggest a maintenance schedule to support the networked system.

Part 3 Implement test and diagnose networked systems

1. Implement a networked system based on your prepared design.

2. Conduct verification with e.g. Ping, extended ping, trace route, telnet, SSH, etc.

3. Record the test results and analyze these against expected results.

4. Investigate what functionalities would allow the system to support device growth and the addition of
communication devices.

5. Discuss the significance of upgrades and security requirements in your recommendations.

ASSESMENT CRITERIA
 Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols

P1 Discuss the benefits and M1 Compare common

constraints of different network types networking principles and LO1 & 2
and standards. how protocols enable the
effectiveness of networked D1 Considering a given
P2 Explain the impact of network systems. scenario, identify the
topology, communication and topology protocol selected
bandwidth requirements. for the efficient utilization of
a networking system.
LO2 Explain networking devices and operations

P3 Discuss the operating principles of M2 Explore a range of server

networking devices and server types. types and justify the selection
of a server, considering a
P4 Discuss the inter-dependence of given scenario regarding cost
workstation hardware with relevant and performance
networking software. optimisation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
P1) Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards: ................................9
1) Types of network:....................................................................................................................................9
1.1) Local area network (LAN):.................................................................................................................9
1.1.1) Definition of LAN:..............................................................................................................9
1.1.2) Benefits of LAN:.................................................................................................................9
1.1.3) Constraints of LAN:..........................................................................................................10
1.2) Wide area network (WAN):.............................................................................................................10
1.2.1) Definition of WAN:...........................................................................................................10
1.2.2) Benefits of WAN:.............................................................................................................11
1.2.3) Constraints of WAN:........................................................................................................12
1.3) Metropolitan area network (MAN):................................................................................................13
1.3.1) Definition of MAN:...........................................................................................................13
1.3.2) Benefits of MAN:.............................................................................................................14
1.3.3) Constraints of MAN:........................................................................................................14
1.4) Internet:..........................................................................................................................................14
1.4.1) Definition of Internet:......................................................................................................14
1.4.2) Benefits of the Internet:...................................................................................................15
1.4.3) Constraints of Internet:....................................................................................................16
2) Network protocol:..................................................................................................................................16
2.1) Definition of Network Protocol:......................................................................................................16
2.2) The OSI model:................................................................................................................................16
2.2.1) Physical Layer (First layer):..............................................................................................17
2.2.2) Datalink Layer (Second layer):.........................................................................................18
2.2.3) Network Layer (Third layer):............................................................................................18
2.2.4) Transport Layer (Forth Layer):..........................................................................................18
2.2.5) Session Layer (Fifth Layer):...............................................................................................18
2.2.6) Presentation Layer (Sixth layer):......................................................................................18
2.2.7) Application Layer (Seventh layer):...................................................................................18
2.3) Some kinds of Network Protocol:...................................................................................................19
2.3.1) HTTP:...............................................................................................................................19
 2.3.2) TCP/IP:............................................................................................................................19
2.3.3) ICMP:...............................................................................................................................19
2.3.4) DNS:................................................................................................................................19
2.4) Some standard organizations and standards names:.....................................................................20
2.4.1) ISO:..................................................................................................................................20
2.4.2) ANSI:...............................................................................................................................20
2.4.3) ITIC:.................................................................................................................................20
2.4.4) IEEE:................................................................................................................................20
2.4.5) TIA:..................................................................................................................................20
P2) Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements: ................21
1) Definition of Network Topology:...........................................................................................................21
2) Types of Network Topology:..................................................................................................................21
2.1) Star Topology:.................................................................................................................................21
2.2) Bus Topology:..................................................................................................................................22
2.3) Ring Topology:.................................................................................................................................23
2.4) Tree Topology:................................................................................................................................23
2.5) Mesh Topology:...............................................................................................................................24
2.6) Hybrid Topology:.............................................................................................................................25
3) Communication and Bandwidth:...........................................................................................................25
3.1) Commutations in terms of networking:..........................................................................................25
3.2) Rules of communication:................................................................................................................26
3.3) Bandwidth requirements for networks:.........................................................................................26
P3) Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types: .......................................27
1) Operating principles some of networking devices:...............................................................................27
1.1) Repeater:.........................................................................................................................................27
1.2) Hub:.................................................................................................................................................27
1.3) Bridge:.............................................................................................................................................27
1.4) Switch:.............................................................................................................................................28
1.5) Router:............................................................................................................................................29
2) Operating principles of some network servers:.....................................................................................29
 2.1) File server:.......................................................................................................................................29
2.2) Print server:.....................................................................................................................................30
2.3) Applications server:.........................................................................................................................30
2.4) DNS server:......................................................................................................................................31
2.5) Mail server:.....................................................................................................................................31
2.6) Web server:.....................................................................................................................................32
2.7) Database server:.............................................................................................................................32
P4) Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware with relevant networking software: ..........33
1) What is inter-dependence?...................................................................................................................33
2) Definition of workstation hardware:.....................................................................................................33
3) Definition of the network software:......................................................................................................34
4) The inter-dependencies of workstation hardware and networking software:.....................................35

INTRODUCTION
- The purpose of this assignment is to:

 Examine networking principles and their protocols.

 Explain networking devices and operations.
 Definitions of network devices and servers.
 Explain the inter-dependency of workstation hardware and networking software.
 Explain different types of network topologies, communication and bandwidth.

- Important parts of the assignment:

 P1) Benefits and constraints of the different network types and standards
 P2) Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements
 P3) Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types
 P4) The interdependence of workstation hardware with networking software

P1) Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards:
- A computer network is a group of computers that use a set of common communication protocols over
digital interconnections for the purpose of sharing resources located on or provided by the network
nodes. The interconnections between nodes are formed from a broad spectrum of telecommunication
network technologies, based on physically wired, optical, and wireless radio-frequency methods that may
be arranged in a variety of network topologies.

1) Types of network:

1.1) Local area network (LAN):

1.1.1) Definition of LAN:

- Local area network (LAN) is a collection of devices connected together in one physical location, such as a
building, office, or home. A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an
enterprise network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school.

1.1.2) Benefits of LAN:

 Resource Sharing: LAN provides resource sharing such as computer resources like printers,
scanners, modems, DVD-ROM drives, and hard disks can be shared within the connected devices.
This reduces cost and hardware purchases.
 Software Applications Sharing: In a Local Area Network, it is easy to use the same software in a
number of computers connected to a network instead of purchasing the separately licensed
software for each client a network.
 Easy and Cheap Communication: Data and messages can easily be shared with the other
computer connected to the network.
 Centralized Data: The data of all network users can be stored on a hard disk of the central/server
computer. This helps users to use any computer in a network to access the required data.
  Data Security: Since data is stored on the server computer, it will be easy to manage data at only
one place and the data will be more secure too.
 Internet Sharing: Local Area Network provides the facility to share a single internet connection
among all the LAN users. In school labs and internet Cafes, single internet connection is used to
provide internet to all connected computers.

1.1.3) Constraints of LAN:

 High Setup Cost: The initial setup costs of installing Local Area Networks is high because there is
special software required to make a server. Also, communication devices like an Ethernet cable,
switches, hubs, routers, cables are costly.
 Privacy Violations: The LAN administrator can see and check personal data files of each and every
LAN user. Moreover, he can view the computer and internet history of the LAN user.
 Data Security Threat: Unauthorized users can access important data of an office or campus if a
server hard disk is not properly secured by the LAN administrator.
 LAN Maintenance Job: Local Area Network requires a LAN Administrator because there are
problems such as software installations, program faults or hardware failures or cable disturbances
in Local Area Network. A LAN Administrator is required to maintain these issues.
 Covers Limited Area: LANs are restricted in size they cover a small area like a single office, single
building or a group of nearby buildings.

1.2) Wide area network (WAN):

1.2.1) Definition of WAN:

- A wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographic area
for the primary purpose of computer networking. Wide area networks are often established with leased
telecommunication circuits. A WAN may contain many LANs in it

- Businesses, as well as schools and government entities, use wide area networks to relay data to staff,
students, clients, buyers and suppliers from various locations across the world. In essence, this mode of
telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function regardless of location. The
Internet may be considered a WAN.
1.2.2) Benefits of WAN:
 Centralizes IT infrastructure: Many consider this WAN’s top advantage. A WAN eliminates the
need to buy email or file servers for each office. Instead, you only have to set up one at your head
office’s data center. Setting up a WAN also simplifies server management, since you won’t have to
support, back-up, host, or physically protect several units. Also, setting up a WAN provides
significant economies of scale by providing a central pool of IT resources the whole company can
tap into.
 Boosts your privacy: Setting up a WAN allows you to share sensitive data with all your sites
without having to send the information over the Internet. Having your WAN encrypt your data
before you send it adds an extra layer of protection for any confidential material you may be
transferring. With so many hackers out there just dying to steal sensitive corporate data, a
business needs all the protection it can get from network intrusions.
 Increases bandwidth: Corporate WANS often use leased lines instead of broadband connections
to form the backbone of their networks. Using leased lines offers several pluses for a company,
including higher upload speeds than your typical broadband connections. Corporate WANS also
generally offer unlimited monthly data transfer limits, so you can use these links as much as you
like without boosting costs. Improved communications not only increase efficiency but also boost
productivity.
  Eliminates Need for ISDN: WANs can cut costs by eliminating the need to rent expensive ISDN
circuits for phone calls. Instead, you can have your WAN carry them. If your WAN provider
“prioritizes voice traffic,” you probably won’t see any drop off in voice quality, either. You may also
benefit from much cheaper call rates when compared to calls made using ISDN circuits. Some
companies use a hybrid approach. They have inbound calls come over ISDN and outbound calls go
over the WAN. This approach won’t save you as much money, but it will still lower your bill.
 Guaranteed uptime: Many WAN providers offer business-class support. That means you get a
specific amount of uptime monthly, quarterly, or yearly as part of your SLA. They may also offer
you round the clock support. Guaranteed uptime is a big plus no matter what your industry. Let’s
face it. No company can afford to be down for any length of time in today’s business environment
given the stringent demands of modern customers.
 Cuts costs, increase profits: In addition to eliminating the need for ISDN, WANs can help you cut
costs and increase profits in a wide variety of other ways. For example, WANS eliminate or
significantly reduce the costs of gathering teams from different offices in one location. Your
marketing team in the United States can work closely with your manufacturing team in Germany
using video conferencing and email. Saving on the travel costs alone could make investing in a
WAN a viable option for you.

1.2.3) Constraints of WAN:

 High setup costs: WANs are complicated and complex, so they are rather expensive to set up.
Obviously, the bigger the WAN, the costlier it is to set up. One reason that the setup costs are high
is the need to connect far-flung remote areas. However, by using public networks, you can set up
a WAN using just software (SD-WAN), which reduces setup costs. Keep in mind also that the
price/performance ratio of WANs is better now than a decade or so ago.
 Security Concerns: WANs open the way for certain types of internal security breaches, such as
unauthorized use, information theft, and malicious damage to files. While many companies have
some security in place when it comes to the branches, they deploy the bulk of their security at
their data centers to control and manage information sent to their locations. This strategy reduces
management costs but limits the company’s ability to deal directly with security breaches at their
locations. Some companies also have a hard time compressing and accelerating SSL traffic without
significantly increasing security vulnerabilities and creating new management challenges.
 Maintenance Issues: Maintaining a WAN is a challenge, no doubt about it. Guaranteeing that your
data center will be up and operating 24/7 is the biggest maintenance challenge of all. Data center
managers must be able to detect failures before they occur and reduce data center downtime as
much as possible, regardless of the reasons. Downtime is costly, in fact, a study done by Infonetics
Research estimates that medium and large businesses in North America lose as much as $100
million annually to IT and communication technology downtime.
1.3) Metropolitan area network (MAN):

1.3.1) Definition of MAN:

- A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that connects computers within a
metropolitan area, which could be a single large city, multiple cities and towns, or any given large area
with multiple buildings.

- A MAN is larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN). MANs do
not have to be in urban areas; the term "metropolitan" implies the size of the network, not the
demographics of the area that it serves.
1.3.2) Benefits of MAN:
 Less Expensive: It is less expensive to attach MAN with WAN Network. MAN gives you good
efficiency of data. All data on MAN is easily manageable in a centralized way.
 Sending Local Emails: You can send local emails fast and free on MAN.
 High Speed than WAN: The speed of data can easily reach 1000 Mbps, as MAN uses fiber optics.
Files and database transfer rates are fast.
 Sharing of the Internet: With the installation of MANs, users can share their internet connection.
In this way, multiple users can get the same high-speed internet.
 Conversion of LAN to MAN is Easy: MAN is a combination of two or more LAN network. So it is a
faster way to connect two LAN networks together. It is possible by the fast configuration of links.
 High Security: MAN’s has a high-security level than WAN.

1.3.3) Constraints of MAN:

 Difficult to Manage: It is very difficult to manage if the size and number of LANs network increase.
This is due to security and extra configuration problems.
 Internet Speed Difference: As it cannot work on phone copper wires. Copper wires affect the
speed of MAN. So high cost is needed for fiber optics.
 Hackers Attack: In this network, there is a high risk of attacking hackers as compared to LAN. So
data may be a leak. Highly security staff is the need in MAN.
 Technical Staff Requires to Set up: Highly technical people require to setup MAN. The technical
people are network administrators and troubleshooters.
 Need More wires: In MAN more than LAN network, cables require. As you know, it is a
combination of more than two LANs.

1.4) Internet:

1.4.1) Definition of Internet:

- The Internet (or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the
Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices.

- It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government
networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking
technologies. The Internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the inter-
linked hypertext documents and applications of the World Wide Web (WWW), electronic mail, telephony,
and file sharing.

1.4.2) Benefits of the Internet:

 Information, knowledge, and learning: As mentioned earlier, the Internet contains an endless
supply of knowledge and information that allows you to learn about almost any topic or question
you may have. Using a search engine like Google, you can ask virtually any question and find a web
page with an answer to and information about that question. There are also millions of videos on
sites like YouTube explaining various topics, and even online courses to help teach you about
many different subjects.
 Connectivity, communication, and sharing: In the past, it would take days and sometimes even
months to receive a letter from someone else. Today, with the Internet, you can send an e-mail to
anyone in the world and often have it delivered in less than a minute. Other forms of
communication, such as chat and VOIP, also allow you to have instant communication with
anyone in the world. Online forums are also places where people who share common interests
can connect and talk about what they enjoy, or ask questions of other experts in the field.
 Address, mapping, and contact information: With the help of GPS technology, the Internet helps
map and direct you to almost every place in the world. You can quickly route to your location or
find businesses in your area that may sell or provide you with a service you need. Today's search
engines are also smart enough to know your location and help give you the most relevant
searches for your area. For example, if you need a plumber and search for "plumber," you'll get a
list of local plumbers in your area.
  Collaboration, work from home, and access to a global workforce: The Internet is the perfect
place to work with other people from around the world. Several online services help you work
with people around the world, and with an almost instant communication, it can even make
producing new products and services faster. An Internet connection provides many people with
the ability to work from home or have a virtual office. Today, many businesses allow their
employees to work from home using their computers and Internet connection. Working from
home can save people money by not having to pay for child care, and save them money and time
by eliminating the daily commute to and from work every day.

1.4.3) Constraints of Internet:

 Much depend on source of information: It is the best source of a variety of information. Now
even students of colleges and universities mainly depend on it to complete not only their
assignments but also to keep themselves up-to-date. There is no better source of research other
than the internet. We can find the latest trends, we can talk to specialists without actually visiting
them, and we can also get professional assistance through the internet.
 Source of Entertainment: Online games, chatting, surfing, music, movies, dramas, and TV shows
are becoming the most common sources of entertainment. Games are available free of cost, chat
rooms are available to discuss on any topic, entertainment websites are accessible, online movies
and other TV shows are also easily accessible just because of the internet.
 Keep Informed: Internet is a source of the newest news because there are hundreds and
thousands of news-groups and services which keep you informed with every tick of the clock.
People like to read news about sports, weather, politics or any other topic internet keeps you well
informed and up-to-date.

2) Network protocol:

2.1) Definition of Network Protocol:

- A network protocol is an established set of rules that determine how data is transmitted between
different devices in the same network.

- Essentially, it allows connected devices to communicate with each other, regardless of any differences in
their internal processes, structure or design.

- Network protocols are the reason you can easily communicate with people all over the world, and thus
play a critical role in modern digital communications.
2.2) The OSI model:
- The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is an abstract representation of how the Internet works.
It contains 7 layers, with each layer representing a different category of networking functions.

- The modern Internet is not based on OSI, but on the simpler TCP/IP model. However, the OSI 7-layer
model is still widely used, as it helps visualize and communicate how networks operate, and helps isolate
and troubleshoot networking problems.

Seven layers of the OSI model:

2.2.1) Physical Layer (First layer):
- The physical layer is responsible for the physical cable or wireless connection between network nodes. It
defines the connector, the electrical cable or wireless technology connecting the devices, and is
responsible for transmission of the raw data, which is simply a series of 0s and 1s, while taking care of bit
rate control.

2.2.2) Datalink Layer (Second layer):

- The data link layer establishes and terminates a connection between two physically-connected nodes on
a network. It breaks up packets into frames and sends them from source to destination. This layer is
composed of two parts—Logical Link Control (LLC), which identifies network protocols, performs error
checking and synchronizes frames, and Media Access Control (MAC) which uses MAC addresses to
connect devices and define permissions to transmit and receive data.

2.2.3) Network Layer (Third layer):

- The network layer has two main functions. One is breaking up segments into network packets, and
reassembling the packets on the receiving end. The other is routing packets by discovering the best path
across a physical network. The network layer uses network addresses (typically Internet Protocol
addresses) to route packets to a destination node.

2.2.4) Transport Layer (Forth Layer):

- The transport layer takes data transferred in the session layer and breaks it into “segments” on the
transmitting end. It is responsible for reassembling the segments on the receiving end, turning it back into
data that can be used by the session layer. The transport layer carries out flow control, sending data at a
rate that matches the connection speed of the receiving device, and error control, checking if data was
received incorrectly and if not, requesting it again.

2.2.5) Session Layer (Fifth Layer):

- The session layer creates communication channels, called sessions, between devices. It is responsible for
opening sessions, ensuring they remain open and functional while data is being transferred, and closing
them when communication ends. The session layer can also set checkpoints during a data transfer—if the
session is interrupted, devices can resume data transfer from the last checkpoint.

2.2.6) Presentation Layer (Sixth layer):

- The presentation layer prepares data for the application layer. It defines how two devices should
encode, encrypt, and compress data so it is received correctly on the other end. The presentation layer
takes any data transmitted by the application layer and prepares it for transmission over the session layer.
2.2.7) Application Layer (Seventh layer):
- The application layer is used by end-user software such as web browsers and email clients. It provides
protocols that allow software to send and receive information and present meaningful data to users. A
few examples of application layer protocols are the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer
Protocol (FTP), Post Office Protocol (POP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), and Domain Name
System (DNS).

2.3) Some kinds of Network Protocol:

2.3.1) HTTP:
- The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the foundation of the World Wide Web, the Internet that
most users interact with. It is used for transferring data between devices. HTTP belongs to the application
layer (layer 7), because it puts data into a format that applications (e.g. a browser) can use directly,
without further interpretation. The lower layers of the OSI model are handled by a computer's operating
system, not applications.

2.3.2) TCP/IP:
- TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. TCP/IP is a set of standardized rules
that allow computers to communicate on a network such as the internet.

- TCP/IP was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to specify how computers transfer data from
one device to another. TCP/IP puts a lot of emphasis on accuracy, and it has several steps to ensure that
data is correctly transmitted between the two computers.

2.3.3) ICMP:
- The Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) reports errors and provides status updates. For example,
if a router is unable to deliver a packet, it will send an ICMP message back to the packet's source.

2.3.4) DNS:
- The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the Internet. Humans access information online
through domain names, like nytimes.com or espn.com.

- Web browsers interact through Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. DNS translates domain names to IP
addresses so browsers can load Internet resources.

- The process of DNS resolution involves converting a hostname (such as www.example.com) into a
computer-friendly IP address (such as 192.168.1.1). An IP address is given to each device on the Internet,
and that address is necessary to find the appropriate Internet device - like a street address is used to find
a particular home. When a user wants to load a webpage, a translation must occur between what a user
types into their web browser (example.com) and the machine-friendly address necessary to locate the
example.com webpage.

2.4) Some standard organizations and standards names:

2.4.1) ISO:
- Probably the biggest standards organization in the world, the ISO is really a federation of standards
organizations from dozens of nations. In the networking world, the ISO is best known for its OSI Reference
Model.

2.4.2) ANSI:
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the main organization responsible for coordinating and
publishing computer and information technology standards in the United States. While they are
commonly thought of as developing and maintaining standards, they do neither. Instead, they oversee
and accredit the organizations that actually create the standards, qualifying them as Standards
Developing Organizations or SDOs. ANSI also publishes the standards documents created by the SDOs,
and serves as the United States' representative to the ISO.

2.4.3) ITIC:
- Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC): ITIC is a group of several dozen companies in the
information technology (computer) industry. ITIC is the SDO approved by ANSI to develop and process
standards related to many computer-related topics. It was formerly known as the Computer and Business
Equipment Manufacturers Association (CBEMA).

2.4.4) IEEE:
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE, pronounced “eye-triple-ee”) is a well-known
professional organization for those in the electrical or electronics fields, including computers and
networking. IEEE's main claim to fame in the networking industry is the IEEE 802 Project, which
encompasses many popular networking technologies including Ethernet.

2.4.5) TIA:
- Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA): The TIA is the communications sector of the EIA, and is
responsible for developing communications standards. Since communications, wiring and transmission
are all related, and since the TIA and EIA organizations are also related, standards produced by the EIA or
TIA are often labeled with the combined prefixes “EIA/TIA” or “TIA/EIA”.
P2) Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements:

1) Definition of Network Topology:

- Network topology is the arrangement of the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a communication network.
Network topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of
telecommunication networks, including command and control radio networks, industrial fieldbusses and
computer networks.

- Network topology is the topological structure of a network and may be depicted physically or logically.

 Physical network topology, as the name suggests, refers to the physical connections and
interconnections between nodes and the network—the wires, cables, and so forth.
 Logical network topology is a little more abstract and strategic, referring to the conceptual
understanding of how and why the network is arranged the way it is, and how data moves through
it.

2) Types of Network Topology:

2.1) Star Topology:

- A star topology, the most common network topology, is laid out so every node in the network is directly
connected to one central hub via coaxial, twisted-pair, or fiber-optic cable. Acting as a server, this central
node manages data transmission—as information sent from any node on the network has to pass through
the central one to reach its destination—and functions as a repeater, which helps prevent data loss.
2.2) Bus Topology:
- A bus topology orients all the devices on a network along a single cable running in a single direction from
one end of the network to the other—which is why it’s sometimes called a “line topology” or “backbone
topology.” Data flow on the network also follows the route of the cable, moving in one direction.
2.3) Ring Topology:
- Ring topology is where nodes are arranged in a circle (or ring). The data can travel through the ring
network in either one direction or both directions, with each device having exactly two neighbors.

2.4) Tree Topology:

- The tree topology structure gets its name from how the central node functions as a sort of trunk for the
network, with nodes extending outward in a branch-like fashion. However, where each node in a star
topology is directly connected to the central hub, a tree topology has a parent-child hierarchy to how the
nodes are connected. Those connected to the central hub are connected linearly to other nodes, so two
connected nodes only share one mutual connection. Because the tree topology structure is both
extremely flexible and scalable, it’s often used for wide area networks to support many spread-out
devices.
2.5) Mesh Topology:
- A mesh topology is an intricate and elaborate structure of point-to-point connections where the nodes
are interconnected. Mesh networks can be full or partial mesh. Partial mesh topologies are mostly
interconnected, with a few nodes with only two or three connections, while full-mesh topologies are fully
interconnected.
2.6) Hybrid Topology:
- Hybrid topologies combine two or more different topology structures—the tree topology is a good
example, integrating the bus and star layouts. Hybrid structures are most commonly found in larger
companies where individual departments have personalized network topologies adapted to suit their
needs and network usage.

3) Communication and Bandwidth:

3.1) Commutations in terms of networking:

- In telecommunications, commutation or packet switching is a method of grouping data that is
transmitted over a digital network into packets. Packets are made of a header and a payload. Data in the
header is used by networking hardware to direct the packet to its destination, where the payload is
extracted and used by application software. Packet switching is the primary basis for data
communications in computer networks worldwide.

- Packet switching allows delivery of variable bit rate data streams, realized as sequences of packets, over
a computer network which allocates transmission resources as needed using statistical multiplexing or
dynamic bandwidth allocation techniques. As they traverse networking hardware, such as switches and
routers, packets are received, buffered, queued, and retransmitted (stored and forwarded), resulting in
variable latency and throughput depending on the link capacity and the traffic load on the network.

3.2) Rules of communication:

 Message Timing: People use timing to determine when to speak, how fast/slow to talk, and how
long to wait for a response.
 Access Method determines when someone is able to send a message. If two people talk at the
same time, a collision occurs. Hosts on a network need an access method to know when to begin
sending messages.
 Flow Control how much information can be sent. Hosts use flow control to negotiate how much
data can be sent/received.
 Response Timeout: Hosts on the network also have rules that specify how long to wait for
responses and what action to take if a response timeout occurs.
 Establishing Rules: Communication begins with a message, or information, that must be sent from
a source to a destination. For example: TCP/IP
 Transmission should be less, take place without errors and the cost of transmission should be less.
 Message should be safe and secure.

3.3) Bandwidth requirements for networks:

- Bandwidth is measured as the amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another within
a network in a specific amount of time. Typically, bandwidth is expressed as a bitrate and measured in
bits per second (bps).

- Bandwidth availability plays an important role when using VoIP or WebRTC services. If the user does not
have enough bandwidth or available bandwidth when making calls, the user might experience voice
quality problems that could result in choppy voice, unexpected issues, and a poor user experience.

- This chart provides the bandwidth requirements for high quality performance:
P3) Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types:

1) Operating principles some of networking devices:

1.1) Repeater:
- A repeater operates at the physical layer. Its job is to regenerate the signal over the same network
before the signal becomes too weak or corrupted so as to extend the length to which the signal can be
transmitted over the same network. An important point to be noted about repeaters is that they do not
amplify the signal. When the signal becomes weak, they copy the signal bit by bit and regenerate it at the
original strength. It is a 2 port device.

1.2) Hub:
- A hub is basically a multiport repeater. A hub connects multiple wires coming from different branches,
for example, the connector in star topology which connects different stations. Hubs cannot filter data, so
data packets are sent to all connected devices. In other words, collision domain of all hosts connected
through Hub remains one. Also, they do not have the intelligence to find out best path for data packets
which leads to inefficiencies and wastage.

1.3) Bridge:
- A bridge operates at data link layer. A bridge is a repeater, with add on the functionality of filtering
content by reading the MAC addresses of source and destination. It is also used for interconnecting two
LANs working on the same protocol. It has a single input and single output port, thus making it a 2 port
device.

1.4) Switch:
- A switch is a multiport bridge with a buffer and a design that can boost its efficiency (a large number of
ports imply less traffic) and performance. A switch is a data link layer device. The switch can perform error
checking before forwarding data, that makes it very efficient as it does not forward packets that have
errors and forward good packets selectively to correct port only. In other words, switch divides collision
domain of hosts, but broadcast domain remains same.
1.5) Router:
- A router is a device like a switch that routes data packets based on their IP addresses. Router is mainly a
Network Layer device. Routers normally connect LANs and WANs together and have a dynamically
updating routing table based on which they make decisions on routing the data packets. Router divide
broadcast domains of hosts connected through it.

2) Operating principles of some network servers:

2.1) File server:

- File servers store and distribute files. Multiple clients or users may share files stored on a server. In
addition, centrally storing files offers easier backup or fault tolerance solutions than attempting to provide
security and integrity for files on every device in an organization. File server hardware can be designed to
maximize read and write speeds to improve performance.
2.2) Print server:
- Print servers allow for the management and distribution of printing functionality. Rather than attaching
a printer to every workstation, a single print server can respond to printing requests from numerous
clients. Today, some larger and higher-end printers come with their own built-in print server, which
removes the need for an additional computer-based print server. This internal print server also functions
by responding to print requests from a client.

2.3) Applications server:

- Application servers run applications in lieu of client computers running applications locally. Application
servers often run resource-intensive applications that are shared by a large number of users. Doing so
removes the need for each client to have sufficient resources to run the applications. It also removes the
need to install and maintain software on many machines as opposed to only one.
2.4) DNS server:
- Domain Name System (DNS) servers are application servers that provide name resolution to client
computers by converting names easily understood by humans into machine-readable IP addresses. The
DNS system is a widely distributed database of names and other DNS servers, each of which can be used
to request an otherwise unknown computer name. When a client needs the address of a system, it sends
a DNS request with the name of the desired resource to a DNS server. The DNS server responds with the
necessary IP address from its table of names.

2.5) Mail server:

- Mail servers are a very common type of application server. Mail servers receive emails sent to a user and
store them until requested by a client on behalf of said user. Having an email server allows for a single
machine to be properly configured and attached to the network at all times. It is then ready to send and
receive messages rather than requiring every client machine to have its own email subsystem
continuously running.
2.6) Web server:
- One of the most abundant types of servers in today’s market is a web server. A web server is a special
kind of application server that hosts programs and data requested by users across the Internet or an
intranet. Web servers respond to requests from browsers running on client computers for web pages, or
other web-based services. Common web servers include Apache web servers, Microsoft Internet
Information Services (IIS) servers and Nginx servers.

2.7) Database server:

- The amount of data used by companies, users, and other services is staggering. Much of that data is
stored in databases. Databases need to be accessible to multiple clients at any given time and can require
extraordinary amounts of disk space. Both of these needs lend themselves well to locating such databases
on servers. Database servers run database applications and respond to numerous requests from clients.
Common database server applications include Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2, and Informix.

P4) Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware with relevant networking software:

1) What is inter-dependence?
- The definition of interdependency is a situation where two or more people or things are dependent
upon each other. And that inter-dependence will make a system

- It is a relationship in which changes or events in any single part of a system will produce some reaction
or have some significant consequences in other parts of the system.

- An example of interdependency is a relationship where a company depends on someone to provide a

part and the supplier who provides the part depends on the company for its business.

- In networking, the workstation hardware is dependent upon the networking software and so is the
networking software. If either the hardware or the software has issues, the whole system will not function
properly.

2) Definition of workstation hardware:

- A work station is a computer designed for individual use that is more capable than a personal computer.
As they are PCs, they can be used independently of the mainframe assuming that they have their own
apps installed and their own hard disk storage.

- Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit
(CPU), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and
motherboard.

- Network hardware contains physical parts of network such as routers, switches, hubs, modems,…
Some kinds of hardware in networking:

3) Definition of the network software:

- Network software encompasses a broad range of software used for design, implementation, and
operation and monitoring of computer networks. Traditional networks were hardware based with
software embedded. With the advent of Software – Defined Networking (SDN), software is separated
from the hardware thus making it more adaptable to the ever-changing nature of the computer network.

- The SDN framework: The Software Defined Networking (SDN) framework has three layers as depicted in
the following diagram
  APPLICATION LAYER: SDN applications reside in the Application Layer. The applications convey
their needs for resources and services to the control layer through APIs.
 CONTROL LAYER: The Network Control Software, bundled into the Network Operating System, lies
in this layer. It provides an abstract view of the underlying network infrastructure. It receives the
requirements of the SDN applications and relays them to the network components.
 INFRASTRUCTURE LAYER: Also called the Data Plane Layer, this layer contains the actual network
components. The network devices reside in this layer that shows their network capabilities
through the Control to Data-Plane Interface.

- Some types of network software:

 Network operating system: NOS is a system that offers a shared platform for all the connected
computers that can run a shared application. Net and Novell Netware are popular examples of
network software.
 Shared network: a networking software whose applications are centrally saved and each
individual computer can access the applications on their own. Oracle is an example of such
network software.
 Client server network programs: one component of such applications are stored on client’s
system and the other one is stored on server. Both systems then communicate with each other
and utilizes their part of the component accordingly. For example, Microsoft exchange.

4) The inter-dependencies of workstation hardware and networking software:

- A computer hardware and a computer networking software are two different things. Though they both
Computer Hardware and Networking are very important for any system or network to work fine.
Computer hardware can be said as physical devices used with your machines. Hardware is what makes a
computer system to work. Without hardware, a computer cannot function properly. A computer network
system is made up of software and has linked protocols that allow a set of a computer network which can
be used. The protocols defined are standard and are followed by everyone who needs to set up a
network. A network is basically a connection between multiple computers. It enables all systems in a
network to connect with each other whenever required.

- Hardware is important even in creating a network. Different hardware devices like hubs, routers, etc.
can be used to create a network. A network involves different types like LAN, WAN, MAN, etc. which need
different devices and provide connectivity all over the world.
- Essentially, network software controls the workstation hardware. And the hardware does what the
software told. These two components are complementary and cannot act independently of one another.
In order for a computer to effectively manipulate data and produce useful output, its hardware and
software must work together.

- Without network software, computer hardware is useless. Conversely, computer software cannot be
used without supporting hardware. And the hardware cannot function without being controlled by the
software.

- For example, a user has just bought a Wi-Fi card. When the user plugs the Wi-Fi card into the PC, he/she
cannot use it instantly. The user must first install the driver for the PC to discover the Wi-Fi card and
control it. After that, the Wi-Fi card could be used properly. So, in this situation, the Wi-Fi card is the
hardware and the driver is the software. Without the hardware (Wi-Fi card), the software (the driver)
cannot run and without the software, the Wi-Fi card could not be discovered and controlled. Therefore,
this explains the interdependence of the workstation and the networking software.
 CONCLUSION

- To conclude, the assignment has discussed four key areas of networking:

 P1) Benefits and constraints of the different network types and standards
 P2) Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements
 P3) Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types
 P4) The interdependence of workstation hardware with networking software

- These key areas have provided enough important information about networking which is very significant
in normal day life. The research has identified clearly the benefits and constraints of different network
types and standards. The impact of network topology, communication has been informed. The operating
principles of networking devices and server types have been listed and the interdependence of
workstation hardware with networking software has been explained.

EVALUATION

- In my opinion, my assignment has explained and identified enough data about networking with clearly
indication and distinct layout. This project has met the requirements of a professional research and
critically examined the use and the definitions of the networking devices and software.
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