Question

What mechanisms would you use to determine the overall planning of network functions related to the operations of a company?

Answer 1

A network is a group of various interconnected hardware and software devices within an organization, or connecting to the other organizations or the internet. The hardware components used in a network formation are computers, switches, hubs, routers, network interface cards, printers, cables, and phone lines. Various software components are also used in the formation of a network like protocols and network services.

The installation of hardware is the initial task followed by the installation of software like an operating system. The operating system is one of the most important parts of a network framework. It contains various communication protocols which are the heart and soul of any network. It also contains applications that ensure the security of the network. The overall network infrastructure is responsible for handling connectivity, network security, access control, routing, and switching capabilities. Various servers like file and print servers, database servers, application servers, web and messaging servers, etc.

While planning for network functions related to the operations of a company, these are the mechanisms that need to be clarified and determined:-

• The suitable physical hardware components for the operations of the company.
• Softwares needed to establish the network.
• An appropriate place for installing the hardware and the way this is to be done.

A number of activities need to be carried out in order to do the actual installation of the hardware components of the network like purchasing the components, assembling them, and configuring the software components. There are two kinds of network infrastructures:-

• Physical network infrastructure:- The components are designed in a specific manner called the network topology.
• Logical network infrastructure:- It comprises all the software components required to enable connectivity and provide security.

The physical network infrastructure is responsible for providing necessary components to establish a connection between various devices whereas the logical network infrastructure is actually responsible for performing the actual communication by defining the secure routes of communication that are guided by various protocols to ensure safety in the communication channel.

The Open Source Interconnection commonly known as the OSI model along with the TCP/IP is an important model that governs the functioning of hardware and software components. It is a conceptual model yet it holds great importance as it guides various network formations. TCP/IP is the protocol that has 4 layers as opposed to 7 layers in the OSI model.

Hope this helps :)