Four Branch Offices of an Organisation: Network Characteristics
To set up a robust and efficient network for an organization with four branch offices located in different cities, two types of networks will be required:
1. Local Area Network (LAN) for each branch office.
2. Wide Area Network (WAN) to connect all the branch offices.
—
Characteristics of the Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is used within each branch office to connect internal devices like computers, printers, and servers. Its key characteristics are:
1. High Speed
– LAN provides high data transfer speeds, typically ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, enabling quick communication and data sharing within the branch office.
2. Limited Geographical Area
– Covers a small, localized area such as an office building or campus.
3. Resource Sharing
– Facilitates sharing of resources like files, printers, and internet connections among employees.
4. Wired or Wireless
– LANs can be configured using:
– Wired LANs: Ethernet cables for reliability and speed.
– Wireless LANs (WLANs): Wi-Fi for mobility and flexibility.
5. Security
– LANs are more secure due to their restricted scope, but firewalls and encryption are still needed to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Centralized Management
– Devices are connected and managed through a central switch or router, enabling efficient control and monitoring.
—
Characteristics of the Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN connects all four branch offices, enabling communication and resource sharing across cities. Key characteristics of a WAN include:
1. Large Geographical Coverage
– WAN spans over cities or even countries, connecting distant locations.
2. Slower Speeds Compared to LAN
– WAN typically offers lower speeds than LAN, ranging from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on the connection type.
3. Use of Public Infrastructure
– WANs often use public telecommunication networks like leased lines, broadband, or satellite connections.
4. Cost
– WAN setup and maintenance are more expensive due to the need for long-distance connectivity.
5. Centralized Control
– WANs require central coordination for monitoring traffic and managing connections between branch offices.
6. Reliability and Redundancy
– Redundant links, such as multiple leased lines or failover mechanisms, ensure uninterrupted communication in case of failures.
7. Security
– WANs are more vulnerable to cyber threats. Secure technologies like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), encryption, and firewalls are necessary for secure data transmission.
—
Possible Network Configuration
1. LAN for Branch Offices
– Each branch office will have its own LAN setup, connecting all internal devices.
– Devices will be connected using Ethernet or Wi-Fi with a router managing the internet access.
2. WAN to Connect Branch Offices
– The branch offices will be connected via a WAN, possibly using:
– Leased Lines: Dedicated lines offering reliability and stable speeds.
– MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching): Ensures high-speed, secure connections between offices.
– VPN over the Internet: Provides secure, cost-effective communication using encrypted tunnels.
—
Conclusion
– LAN Characteristics: High-speed, localized communication for branch-specific operations, ensuring seamless resource sharing within the office.
– WAN Characteristics: Reliable, secure long-distance connectivity for inter-branch communication and data exchange.
This hybrid network ensures that each branch operates efficiently while maintaining smooth, secure communication with the other offices.
