Networking Fundamentals

Assessment Title Network models, media and connections

Purpose of the assessment (with ULO Mapping)

- Apply the principles of networking protocols and standards

- Understand in-depth and apply reference models and layered architectures in networking.

- Recognise network topologies, media types and network components

Assignment description

ABC-Z limited is a small start-up business which is setting up business operations in a suburb just on the outskirts of Melbourne CBD. The business is to operate in a building with a size of 120,000 square meters (200 meters by 600 meters). The building will house large and heavy machinery 50 of which must be connected to a computer system. Each device transmits data at a rate of 2 Mbps and sends a small packet of data every two to three seconds. Now due to several building-related reasons, any cables that are going to be used for this network must be suspended high overhead in a hard-to-reach location. In addition, the business owners are not sure whether these devices will be to communicate with each other over the network since they are made by different manufacturers.

Imagine that you have been hired by the business owner to design and install this network. To get started with the design, you are required to do some background research and prepare documentation based on the questions below. In no more than 1,500 words, write a report that answers the following questions;

1. To address the business owner's concern on whether their machines will be to communicate with each, you inform them that networking devices are designed based on reference models such as the OSI and TCP/IP which allows them to communicate even if they are made by different manufacturers. In class, we discussed the TCP/IP reference model, however there is more than one way of describing it. Find two other examples of the TCP/IP protocol suite that differ from what we discussed and cite the sources. How are those two suites alike, and how do they differ? How do they compare to the TCP/IP protocol suite discussed in class? With the help of diagrams, write a short, concise report summarising your findings.

2. Give a brief description of any other network model that exists or has been in existence besides the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite? Remember to cite all sources used.

3. What type of cable would you recommend for this business based on the business requirements above? Use the media selection criteria discussed in class.

4. ABC-Z is also expected to run an application that will transmit data records to another building in a suburb nearby. The data records are 500 bytes in length, and the application will send one record every 0.5 seconds. Is it more efficient to use a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection? What speed transmission line is necessary to support either type of connection? Show all your work.