MN405 Data and Information Management

Problem Based Learning (PBL) 3: Computer Network

Case Project 1-1

Networking Gadgets, Inc. currently employs eight people but plans to hire 10 more in the next four
months. Users will work on multiple projects, and only those users assigned to a project should have
access to the project files. You're instructed to set up the network to make it easy to manage and
back up yet still provide centralized storage for project files.

 Would you choose a peer-to-peer network, a server-based network, or a combination of

both?
 Why?

Answer

Networking Gadgets, Inc. requires a server-based network that incorporates a centralised control

that is governed by a central database. In essence, the company already knows its resource

requirements i.e. a network supporting eight people with the expected expansion of the ten new

hires. Therefore, a limiting factor mostly seen with server-based infrastructure is solved which

means we can acquire the necessary server to support the resource requirements. Moreover, the

network can have extended services that peer-to-peer network cannot meet as needed by

Networking Gadgets (Posey, 2000). Furthermore, P2P networks are insecure as they do not

authenticate those accessing a network’s resources.

For one, the employees will work on different projects and will require access to resources based on

authorization and authentication. Now, servers are essentially PCs that govern and control access to

IT resources (Wolf, 2012). Therefore, through the central control, the management of the company

will allocate its employees to projects based on the team or field they belong. This requirement will

be met using the network’s abilities to assign user’s accounts (username and password). Moreover,

server-based networks tend to be more stable as compared to P2P network because of the stringent

control measure which will provide the company with a consistent service. In addition to this, it’s

easier to track records or data across different users since time stamps are assigned to every

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process. This resource makes it easier to backup data depending on the needs of the users, again

this functionality serves Networking Gadget requirement of having a backup option.

Case Project 1-2

CNT Books hired you as a productivity consultant. Currently, it employs six people who still use
floppy disks to get files from one computer to the next. You're to bring them into the 21st century by
configuring a network that allows them to share files through the network. Employees must also be
able to control resources on their own machines. The company wants the most inexpensive solution
and only minimal training for employees.

 Would you choose a peer-to-peer network or a server-based network?

 Write a list of supplies you might need to purchase to accomplish this task.
 What computer configuration tasks might you need to perform?

Answer

CNT Books requirements are very simple and easy to achieve, theirs is a simple network that offers

sharing capabilities with minimal system control. Moreover, they require a network that gives the

users (individuals) maximum access and control. Now, Peer to Peer networks is perfect for this

situation. In this network, all users have the same privileges and can share files equally and

independent of a central control. This outcome gives the users maximum control which will satisfy

CNT Books requirement of having a network that gives the employees control over their resources.

Moreover, because of the reduced requirements, the network is inexpensive to set-up and even

maintain. In addition to this, it requires minimal skills to use as it follows the normal routine of

computer usage unlike server-based networks (Cope, 2002). In the end, each user (employee) will

have access to all the company’s computers, therefore, have the right to communicate and share

data.

List of supplies needed to meet this task:

1. Switch – For connecting the users i.e. employees.

2. LAN cables – Because the computer exists, connecting them will require cables.

3. Network interface Card – for PC network communication.

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Computer configurations

1. Installing the network drivers to enable the network interface cards (NIC). Through the NIC, the

PC will communicate via the communication channel (Ethernet).

2. Configure the individual PC using a common protocol with the same privileges. This

configuration will ensure the users have maximum control over their resources and have equal

sharing rights.

3. Assign unique PC identifier, this can be done using an IP and even a unique descriptive name for

the user's functional ease (Microsoft, 2017).

Case Project 1-3

CNT Books has expanded considerably since you first got the network up and running three years
ago. It now occupies an entire floor in the building, and its LAN has grown to include several servers
and more than 60 workstations. CNT Books has recently purchased another book company and
needs more space and computers. Expansion plans include leasing another floor four stories up in
the same building and adding 35 workstations and at least one more server immediately, with
additional equipment purchases expected.

 What type of network is called for—LAN, WAN, MAN, or internetwork?

 What additional devices might be needed to ensure efficient network communication?

Answer

CNT Books expansion has only grown to have more server and user requirements, moreover, it has

purchased a new company and will incorporate it in the same building. As such, the new network

will be a local area network. Although extended, the new network still covers the same location and

has the same requirements of sharing computer resources in the most inexpensive way. Moreover,

its additional requirements include an additional server and new workstations which mean no public

network is needed, eliminating the possibility of it being a wide area network (Beal, 2017).

Nevertheless, the network has grown to include additional networks which might necessitate the

need for a router to enable internetwork communication. Routers facilitate communication between

different networks by identifying the best paths to data destinations.

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Case Project 1-4

You want your GPS to upload data to your PDA wirelessly so that you can plot your travels on the
advanced mapping software installed on your PDA.
 What networking technology might you want as a feature of both your GPS and PDA to
accomplish this task?

Answer

Local area network, particularly, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is needed for this scenario.

This networking technology allows devices like GPS and PDA to communicate wireless using radio

signals. Moreover, this technology can be built using different network protocols, however, the most

commonly used are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. In essence, these devices will have built-in devices that

serve as transmitters and receivers which will seamlessly transfer the data needed by the advanced

mapping software on the PDA (Mitchell, 2016).

A typical connection will use an ad-hoc system where both the PDA and the GPS will act as peers

since no central control is used (central server such as an access point). Furthermore, these

connections are mostly temporary which aligns with the immediate requirements i.e. a quick fix to a

data requirement problem.

Prepared by: A/Prof Savitri Bevinakoppa March 2017

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References

Beal. V. (2017). LAN - local-area network. Retrieved 13 April, 2017, from:

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/L/local_area_network_LAN.html

Cope. J. (2002). Peer-to-peer network. Computer world. Retrieved 13 April, 2017, from:

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2588287/networking/peer-to-peer-network.html

Microsoft. (2017). How to Configure a Peer Network. Retrieved 13 April, 2017, from:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/250927/how-to-configure-a-peer-network

Mitchell. B. (2016). WLAN - Wireless Local Area Networking Explained. Internet and networking, life

wire. Retrieved 13 April, 2017, from: https://www.lifewire.com/wlan-816565

Posey. B. (2000). Understanding the differences between client/server and peer-to-peer networks.

Tech republic. Retrieved 13 April, 2017, from:

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/understanding-the-differences-between-client-server-

and-peer-to-peer-networks/

Wolf. M. (2002). Home Networking: What Type Is Best? Inform IT. Retrieved 13 April, 2017, from:

http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=26437&seqNum=3

Prepared by: A/Prof Savitri Bevinakoppa March 2017