Factors affecting choice of network

• What type of applications do users require? / Are the users going to require a wide range of applications?

• Will they need large data storage? / Are they going to store a large number of data files?

• From where will they operate the network e.g. at home in office or remote access from different locations. / Where does the processing get done?

Are the users going to require a wide range of applications? Are they going to store a large number of data files?

Performance in terms of:

• reliability

• user friendliness

• capacity

• speed of processing.

Different parts of the organisation may have different performance requirements e.g. a real-time e-commerce system may require greater speeds and capacity and security than the in house payroll system

• Initial purchasing of equipment.

• Installation and training.

• Maintenance / Personnel costs.

• Size of the available budget will determine what can be done e.g. fibre optic cable is faster but is also more expensive. Fibre optic cable cabling offers faster transmission rates than other media but costs significantly more. One has to also take into account the ongoing maintenance costs.

• Wireless systems are flexible but need more maintenance.

• The cost will also depend on the topology required

• How secret is the data

• Consequences of others seeing it

• Firewall

• Number of users

• Spyware, viruses, hackers, etc.

Will they have to prepare for outsider access? etc.

• Needs can range from a small LAN to a global WAN

• Some communications media are limited to the distance they have to travel

• Amount of data processing required must also be considered

The size of a network can vary depending on the size of the organisation and can go from a small room containing one or two PCs to a global network.

• More often networks are not developed from scratch but need to fit in with existing systems. Sometimes an extension is required e.g. when a new branch office opens.

• Therefore any new network must fit in with the operating systems and protocols of the existing.

• It must support any peripherals already in use e.g. bar code readers, printers, etc.

Can the current stock of PCs and peripherals be used on the new network?