Unit 1: IT in Action

Outcome 2: Networks
Name: Selecting the equipment and software:
Question 1. Explain three (3) advantages that Surry Partners will get from networking the computers? Advantage 1 Advantage 2 Advantage 3 Provide internet to each workstation to allow for online tax return completion and submission in the Accounts section. The ability to use the same hardware e.g. printers, faxes, etc. The ability to access and share data with other computers on the network with ease.

Practice SAC Surry Partners

Question 2. Explain three (3) issues that Surry Partners will have to face when setting up the network? Issue 1 Experience; with a lack of experience in using computer networks, they may face difficulty setting up the network. Connecting the right cable to the right component (hardware). Security; securing the network from unwanted party access.

Issue 2 Issue 3

Question 3. Should John purchase the computers be bought or leased? Answer: Leased; if the computers are leased the hardware will be constantly updated and repaired on need by the supplier.

Question 4. Explain the Positives and Negatives for using each of the following Transmission Mediums. Clearly indicate which one you would recommend to John. Transmission Mediums Coaxial Preference 4
-

Positive
Easy to modify -

Negative
Susceptible to damage from lightning strikes Problems with the deployment architecture; susceptible to congestion, noise, and security risks (in large networks).

Good channel capacity

Lower error rates; due to noise immunity.

Cat5/UTP

Transmit data at speeds up to 100 Mbps Has a tip that connects to an RJ45 (standard Ethernet) port. Approximately .17 inches in diameter; this smaller size allows cables to be installed quickly and efficiently, without taking up much room. Can facilitate higher bandwidth for faster data transmission is less susceptible to breakage than other types of cable Can carry a strong signal over a

Limited to maximum length of 100 meters.

Fibre-optic cable

Connections are not available in many areas. Currently, this is one of their biggest disadvantages. Can cost more than

VITTA Resources 2007 - 2010

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Unit 1: IT in Action
Outcome 2: Networks
Name:
wide distance, resulting in a better quality transmission Other types of cable can fall victim to interference from sources such as radios and lights; fiber optic cable has a higher signal-carrying capacity, which equals less interference.
Ideal for the non-reachable places such as across river or mountain or rural area.

Practice SAC Surry Partners

double what a typical cable would. Harder to install than most cabling.

Wireless

Lower speed compared to wired network. Less secure because a hacker's laptop can act as Access Point. Affected by surrounding. (Walls or obstructions act as interference).

Flexible in the sense that if a new workstation is added a new access point doesnt need to be created.
Implementation cost is cheaper than wired network

Question 5. Complete the table below by: a. Fill in the Preference column by numbering the topology types in order from 1, being the preferred option, to 4, the least preferred option, for Surry Partners b. Explain why your preferred option the most suitable for Plenty Valley Garden Supplies. c. Explain why each of the other three topologies are not suitable for Plenty Valley Garden Supplies. Topology Bus Preference 4 Explanation Each computer or device is connected to one another with no central point of access (switch or server). Various computers or devices connected to one another through a central point of access (a switch or server). Each computer or device is connected to another computer until it forms a loop (the last computer connected is connected to the first). Also known as a hierarchy network; a main computer or device is connected to a second group/single computer/device, and then those computers/devices are connected to a third (creating a hierarchy) and so on.

Star

Ring

Mesh/Tree

Question 6. On the sheet provided, draw a simple networked diagram of the system required to fulfil the needs of Surry Partners Accounting and Financial Services Question 7. In placing the hardware for the network it has been discovered that the company needs to purchase more equipment. Explain the following terms so that they understand what device/devices are? Router A device that forwards data packets across computer networks.

Modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital VITTA Resources 2007 - 2010 Page 2 of 4 IT U2 LO2

Unit 1: IT in Action
Outcome 2: Networks
Name:
information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information.

Practice SAC Surry Partners

Hub A device that connects multiple devices via cable connection to the hub.

Switch A network switch or switching hub is a computer networking device that connects network segments. Question 8. Explain the role of the equipment you have selected to add to the information system. Do not forget that you need to recommend more than just computers. Equipment Computers Printers Internet Modem Switch File Server Print Server Role For the staff to use to process orders and store information. To print off receipts or orders for customers or staff to fulfil orders. To provide internet access to all users on the network To connect the internet to the network To connect the network together without the collisions of transmissions between computers on the network. Server to store all files on so that any user on the network can access with ease. Where all print jobs are sent before being qued for printing.

Question 9. Can you suggest some software that John might like to purchase to update his system? Software Virus Protection Role To prevent harmful applications from entering and harming the network

Security
Question 10. Outline three physical issues of security that need to be addressed and provide suggested solutions for these issues. Issue Physical issue 1 Physical issue 2 Physical issue 3 Solution Theft Locks on doors. Fire Smoke detectors. Water Damage Keeping hardware at an adequate level to avoid minor flood damage

VITTA Resources 2007 - 2010

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Unit 1: IT in Action
Outcome 2: Networks
Name:
Question 11. Outline three logical security measures which should be implemented. Issue Logical issue 1 Logical issue 2 Solution Virus; Virus Protection Unwanted access; security program and usernames and passwords for all users on the network to prevent unwanted users from accessing the network. Data back up to prevent loss of valuable data.

Practice SAC Surry Partners

Logical issue 3

VITTA Resources 2007 - 2010

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