Leader Mold College is looking for a company/person that can set up their computer lab.

The
company/person must supply computers as well as install network in the lab and also at the school.

Part A

You are required to draft a budget that will show up all the things that are required in order to set up a
computer lab and also installing network in the lab and also at school. Assume that the lab can
accommodate thirty to thirt-five computers.

Itemized Budget for Computer Lab and Network Installation:

1. Computers latest version 2024 (30-35 units) - $700-$10o0 each Total: $21,000-$35,000

2. Computer desks and chairs (30-35 units) - $20 each Total: $6,00-$7,00

3. Keyboard and mouse sets (30-35 units) - $20 each Total: $600-$700

4. Monitors (30-35 units) - $150 each

Total: $4,500-$5,250

5. Networking equipment (routers, switches, cables, etc.) - $5,000

6. Installation and setup costs - $3,000

7. Software licenses (Operating system, productivity suites, antivirus, etc.) - $3,000

Total: $3,000

Part B

Briefly explain the functions of each component that you have stated on the budget.

Part C
Identify the type of network to be used at the college and the network topology to be used in the
computer lab. Also state the advantages and disadvantages of the type of network and the network
topology stated.

Type of network: The college should use a Local Area Network (LAN) for its network infrastructure. LANs
are suitable for small to medium-sized organizations such as colleges, as they provide high-speed
connectivity and data sharing among devices within a limited geographical area.

Network topology for the computer lab: The computer lab should use a Bus topology. This topology is
cost-effective and easy to set up, making it ideal for a small environment like a computer lab where all
devices are connected to a single cable.

Advantages and disadvantages of LAN:

Advantages:

1. High-speed connectivity: LANs provide fast data transfer rates, making them suitable for organizations
that require quick access to shared resources.

2. Easy to manage: With all devices located in a single location, LANs are easier to monitor and manage
compared to larger networks.

3. Cost-effective: LANs are generally more cost-effective than Wide Area Networks (WANs), making
them suitable for small organizations with limited budgets.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited geographical coverage: LANs have a limited range, which may be a disadvantage for larger
organizations with multiple branches.

2. Security concerns: As all devices are connected to the same network, there is a potential security risk
if one device is compromised.

Advantages and disadvantages of Bus topology:

Advantages:

1. Cost-effective: Bus topology requires minimal cabling, making it cost-effective to set up and maintain.

2. Easy to install: Bus topology is straightforward to set up, with all devices connected to a single cable.
3. Scalability: Adding new devices to a Bus topology network is relatively simple, making it easy to
expand as needed.

Disadvantages:

1. Performance issues: Bus topology can suffer from performance degradation as more devices are
added to the network, leading to potential slowdowns.

2. Single point of failure: If the main cable in a Bus topology network is damaged, the entire network
may be affected until the issue is resolved.

There are various types of networks based on their geographical scope and purpose. Some common
types of networks include:

1. LAN (Local Area Network): A LAN is a network that spans a small geographic area, such as a single
building or campus. It typically connects computers, servers, and other devices for the purpose of
sharing resources and data within the same vicinity.

2. WAN (Wide Area Network): A WAN is a network that covers a large geographical area, such as
multiple cities or countries. WANs are used to connect LANs across long distances using various
communication technologies, such as leased lines, satellites, or the internet.

3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A MAN is a network that covers a larger geographic area than a
LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically spanning across a city or metropolitan area. MANs are often used
by organizations or service providers to connect multiple LANs within a city.

4. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): A WLAN is a type of LAN that uses wireless communication
technology, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices without the need for physical cables. WLANs are
commonly used in homes, offices, and public spaces for wireless internet access.

5. PAN (Personal Area Network): A PAN is a network used for connecting personal devices, such as
smartphones, laptops, and wearable devices, within a small personal space. Bluetooth and infrared are
common technologies used for PANs.
6. CAN (Campus Area Network): A CAN is a type of network that connects multiple LANs within a specific
campus or location. CANs are used by universities, large businesses, and government agencies to
provide connectivity across different buildings and departments.

7. SAN (Storage Area Network): A SAN is a specialized network architecture used to provide high-speed
access to consolidated, block-level data storage. SANs are commonly used in data centers and enterprise
environments to centralize storage resources.

Each type of network has its own advantages and is suitable for different applications based on the size,
scope, and purpose of the network.

Part D

Suppose Leader Mold College want to open branches in the city.

i) Identify the type of network to be used.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

ii) State the advantages and disadvantages of this type of network.Advantages of Metropolitan Area
Network (MAN):

1. High bandwidth: MANs typically offer higher bandwidth than LANs, making them suitable for
transferring large amounts of data over longer distances within a city or metropolitan area.

2. Scalability: MANs can easily expand to accommodate the increasing network traffic and growing
number of connected devices within a specific geographic area.

3. Cost-effective: MANs are more cost-effective than WANs for organizations that need to connect
multiple LANs within a city or metropolitan area, as they require less infrastructure and resources.

4. Improved communication: MANs allow organizations to communicate and share resources efficiently
across different locations within a city, enhancing collaboration and productivity.

Disadvantages of Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

1. Limited coverage: MANs have a limited coverage area, typically confined to a specific city or
metropolitan region. This may restrict connectivity between locations outside the MAN coverage area.

2. Vulnerability to failures: MANs are susceptible to network failures and downtime, which can impact
communication and data transmission between connected LANs.

3. Security risks: MANs may face security threats such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber
attacks due to the extensive network coverage and interconnected devices within a metropolitan area.

4. Complex management: Managing and maintaining a MAN can be complex, especially when dealing
with multiple interconnected networks, diverse technologies, and varying requirements of different
organizations or departments within the network.

Part E

Apart from the network topology that you have stated at Part C, identify any other three network
topologies that can be used else where including their advantages and disadvantages.