Chapter 4:
Mini Case 1: Smith, Smith, Smith, and Smith is a regional accounting firm that is putting up a new headquarters building. The building will have a backbone network that connects eight LANs (two on each floor). The company is very concerned with network errors. What advice would you give regarding the design of the building and network cable planning that would help reduce network errors? I have to make some assumptions regarding the network design for this new building. Since they are a regional accounting firm, constructing a brand new building, and mainly concerned with network errors and data reliability, I have to assume that cost is a lower priority. Cost is always a concern, but having accurate information is the …show more content…
Finally I would interconnect all of the V-LAN switches together. This adds several advantages. You now have the ability to electronically reroute circuits through different devices in the case of network congestion or the off chance of a physical break in the network(s). Again, we are concerned with errors so redundancy is a key. Now we move to the core layer side. Since we will be using interconnected V-LANs, there is no need for additional routers to connect to servers, or to allow access to other LANs. The only router needed should be a core internet router to allow access to the internet and possible connection to a future WAN or additional BN if another close building is acquired. This will substantially reduce the amount of central hardware required to connect the building externally. Of course I would have a hot spare router installed in the case of a problem, but the router would be the type that would include firewall capabilities.

I believe this covers all of the most common error issues that could arise. With the inherent advantages of using fiber and interconnected V-LAN hardware, I believe that we can have a very error free environment that is as prepared for the future that a new installation should have. The added costs associated with this type of design should be of little concern when taking the capabilities for future growth and error negation into