Question

Discuss cabling and what you would use for a smaller Mom and Pop type business. Define the business and how you would set up a network and what hardware and connection mechanisms need to be in place. How many computers would be needed? What other information do you need? (employees, locations, size, etc.)

Answer 1

Cabling is the set of wires made of either copper or glass that is used to connect computers and other network components to enable them to communicate. You’ll need a sufficient number of Ethernet cables to connect all devices in your network. Most modern networks use Category 5 or 6 cabling, and you can purchase the cables in a variety of lengths. You can even buy cables in different jacket colors to distinguish network devices in a large network. For instance, you can use blue cables for PCs, red ones for servers.

Computer network infrastructure is the backbone of your business. All your devices, applications, software, and most of your work is supported by or built upon your computer network. Therefore, planning, design, purchasing hardware, and security for a business computer network need to be a high priority for your business. Building the best network for your business depends on your business needs. For example, most businesses rely on things like email, phones, data, mobility and connectivity.

When selecting equipment to create your business network infrastructure, you must first consider the size and layout of your company as well as your data-access needs.

The list of devices needed to set up a computer network and hardware for your business is given below:

1. LAN Cable

2. Switch

3. Router

4. Patch Panel

5. Firewall

6. Modem

7. Access Point

LAN Cable:-

Ethernet cables are used to provide an internet connection, connect devices to a local network. They plug into Ethernet ports on a variety of devices. The most common use for an Ethernet cable is connecting a WiFi router or modem to the internet entry port or telephone line

Switches and Routers:-

A router or switch connects to your modem via an Ethernet cable and provides connectivity to multiple devices. Unlike switches, routers enable you to connect two networks together. Routers and switches with a DSU/CSU provide T1 links to different branches. Routers have built-in firewalls and advanced features such as Web filtering. Switches are mainly used for facilitating communication within a single office network, although some contain such router-like features as the ability to create (VLANs).

Patch Panel:-

These are useful when you need to connect a large number of devices to your switch. Companies to plan their network keeping in mind future growth and associated network expansions must prefer patch panel. They are great assets that not only make future addition of network-devices easy but also keep your network closet organized.

Firewall:-

The firewall is the first line of defense from the outside world. A good firewall is a great help to reduce your threat profile. Without a firewall, there is little to filter out the known threats that are on the internet. A good firewall also allows you to limit access to content on the internet.

Modem:-

Modem translate the data that is sent to it so that it can display on your computer. Computer information is stored digitally, however information sent over phone and cable lines are analog waves. So your modem takes the analog waves, changes it to digital and delivers it to your computer.

Access Point:-

In order to have effective WIFI coverage you will want to use a wireless access point. You can connect as many wireless access point to a network as is necessary to provide adequate coverage. For the best coverage it is a good idea to have more access points with the signal strength turned down then to have one access point turned all the way up.

Number of Computers depends upon the size and the layout of your business. Counting may increase by each pace of your business. At the beginning, less number of computers may work but after that quantity varies on the output of the business.