LAN Considerations

BUS 188

Chapter 9

LAN Implementation Alternatives Dedicated servers Non-dedicated servers Large central computer systems Service bureaus

Contracting out Zero-slot LAN

Connecting computers with existing serial or parallel ports

Sub-LANs A different approach that provides a subset of

LAN capabilities – good for peripheral sharing and file transfers Has lower data transfer rates Lower costs Gets implemented with physical data switches However, hard to expand Contention problems

LAN Selection Criteria Cost Number of workstations Types of workstations Number of concurrent users Type of use Number and types of printers Distance and medium

LAN Selection Criteria Cont. Speeds Applications Expandability Device connectivity Connectivity to other networks Adherence to standards Vendor/support Manageability security

LAN Management Tasks Users/group oriented Printer oriented Hardware/software oriented General

Backups/recovery Education monitoring