This document provides an overview of key concepts for designing a local area network (LAN). It defines common LAN components and topology types, including peer-to-peer and client-server networks. Specific components discussed include switches, routers, wireless access points, cables, and internet connection methods. The roles of IP addresses, DHCP, and network diagrams are also summarized.
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Networks la ns and design
1. IT U1O2
LAN Design
For Study Design 2011-2014
Mark Kelly
mark@vceit.com
Vceit.com
Last changed: 14/03/14 03:13
2. What is a LAN?
• Local Area Network
• Two or more computers connected so they
can exchange data
3. P2P or Client-Server?
• A P2P (Peer-to-Peer) LAN has no file server to
control the LAN
• Cheap
• Easy to set up
• Must trust users
• Small number of users
4. Client-Server
• Has a file server at the
heart of the LAN
• Server runs the NOS
• Network Operating
System) controls LAN
5. Client-Server
• Manages logins, security, allocates privileges
• Runs community services e.g. Virus scan,
backup, allocating IP addresses
• Controls users (especially untrustworthy ones)
• Allows many users to connect
• Servers are EXPENSIVE
• NOS is difficult to maintain. Expertise
required.
8. CABLES
• UTP
• Category 6 (CAT6)
• Maximum length:
– about 100 metres
• Twisted wire core
• Electrical signals
• RJ45 connectors
• Top data bandwidth: 1Gbps (gigabit per sec)
• 1Gb = 1000 megabits = 1000 million bits
9. Switch
• Short for ‘switching hub’
• Lets CAT cables connect up and branch out
6 port switches 24 port switch
10. Switch
• Switches are smart: only send network
signals to their intended recipient, unlike
dumb hubs which broadcast every
packet to every node.
• Node = any device on network that
sends/receives data packets
• Typically has 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 ports
• Speeds usually 100Mbps or 1000 Mbps
13. Router
4 roles in networks...
1.Protect LAN from outside world (firewall)
2.Guide packets of data from source to
destination
3.Divide LANs into logically separate segments
with different privileges/restrictions
4.Act as a gateway to join dissimilar networks
together
14. IMPORTANT
• The box you have on your home network may
be called a ‘router’ but it’s usually
– A switch (the ports on the back)
– A router (invisible circuitry inside the box)
– An ADSL modem
– A WAP (if it has antennae)
– Perhaps a USB print server to share printer
amongst computers on the LAN
But...
16. Wireless Access Point
• Can be a separate box, usually high up on the
wall with antennae sticking out of it
• Can be built into a SOHO (small office/home
office) router box.
• Connects wireless devices to a normal wired
network
• 802.11 standard
• A,b,g,n variants, each with different speeds
17. WAP
• Must have encryption turned on to protect
from bandwidth leechers or hackers
• WPA2 encryption currently the best
• Don’t use weak WEP encryption
• Max theoretical speed 54Mbps
• Signal strength reduced by distance,
obstacles, interference from other wireless
devices
18. Wireless
• Good for providing flexibility to a wired
network
• Easy to add/detach occasional users (e.g.
Boss’ laptop, visitors)
• Good for temporary LAN, e.g. consulting at a
client’s building for a few days
• Good for mobile users (e.g. stocktake in
library or warehouse)
19. Printers
Four main choices to connect a shared printer to
a LAN...
1.Plug it into one of the computers and share it
with File and Printer Sharing.
• Pro: easy to do; no extra equipment needed
• Con: the computer with the printer attached
needs to be turned on if anyone is to print
20. Printers
2. Get a networked printer
• Built-in NIC lets it plug into a switch and be
shared easily.
• Pro: no particular PC needs to be turned on
• Con: extra expense getting a networked
printer.
21. Printers
• 3. Get a router/switch/modem box with a
print server built into it
• Pro: cheaper than networked printer; no 1 PC
needs to be turned on.
• Con: harder to find
Printer port
22. Printers
• 4. Buy a separate print server box
• CAT6 to connect it to the LAN
• USB cable to connect to printer
23. Internet connection
Choose from:
• Dialup – slow (e.g. 40Kbps), prone to
dropouts, cheap, can’t use phone when
internet is in use; can be connected wherever
there’s a phone plug.
24. Internet connection
• ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+ – always connected; can
be relatively cheap; can be fast; not available
in all places; gets slower the further away is
the phone exchange; can be very fast
(24Mbps theoretical max)
ADSL splitter allows both a
computer and phone to connect to
the same line.
25. Internet connection
• Cable internet – fast (10-20 Mbps); restricted
coverage even in cities; bandwidth shared
with others in your area
27. Internet connection
• Wireless broadband – good for mobile people;
pretty expensive downloads; can be slow;
limited coverage; can be black spots with no
signal.
• Uses same technology as mobile phone
internet connection
28. Internet connection
• Dialup and broadband wireless are the only
ones that can be used away from the location
in which they are installed!
• ADSL, satellite and cable modems only work
where they were set up.
29. DHCP
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Allocates IP addresses to computers and other
devices needing internet access
30. Static IP addresses
• Static IP addresses do not change – like a
phone number
• Commonly found with ADSL & cable internet
connections
• It means that a computer or server can be
found at the same location at any time
31. Dynamic IP addresses
• Dynamic IP addresses change every time you
connect to the internet.
• Typically found with dial-up internet
connections.
• When you dial the ISP, their DHCP server
allocates you an IP address for the duration of
your connection.
• Like a seat on a train, you’ll probably never
get the same address again.
32. Local IP addresses
• At home, school or office, you can’t afford a
separate IP address for each device connected
to the internet
• Instead, use local IP addresses that only exist
within your LAN
44. Creating Network Diagrams
• Network diagrams design the components of
a LAN
• Software
– Visio
– Inspiration
• Makes adjustments easier than by hand-
drawing or using MS Word shapes
45. Visio
Drag & drop components.
Click an item and drag to another item to connect them.
48. Network Diagrams
• You can summarise rather than labelling
repetitively (e.g. “All cables are CAT6 except
where noted)
• Indicate key information such as speeds (e.g .
Gigabit NIC), size (e.g. 4 port switch), features
(e.g. 802.11g WAP)
• Spell out the components within the router
box
49. Network diagrams
• Make it really clear what is connected to what
• Make it a good size so it doesn’t become
crowded or hard to interpret
• When hand-drawing, try using graph paper
and Mathomat to keep it neater
• There are no strict rules about what shapes
represent which network components
50. Network diagrams
• Pay close attention to the case study to work
out what network design is appropriate
• Especially whether a file server is needed or
not
• Don’t create a client-server LAN unless you
really need to (too expensive and hard to
maintain)
51. Tips
• Never recommend hubs. Use switches.
• Never use coaxial cable.
• Nowadays, never recommend components
less than 100Mbps
• Prefer gigabit speed components, especially
in servers
52. Thanks!
Mark Kelly
mark@vceit.com
IT Lecture Notes - vceit.com
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