NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY

Networking technologies that allow users to share data, applications, and peripherals are constantly evolving   offering higher connection speeds and larger bandwidth capacities. In today’s educational environment many devices require network connections, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, cellular and mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and other devices. These network connections facilitate access to information stored, as well as the Internet. Users and their devices today rely on, and expect, a connection for information more than ever before.

Two primary methods of providing a network connection exist; wired (via cable) and wireless. Wired networking has traditionally been deployed for stationary computers and machines which do not require mobility. Wireless networking allows the user to roam wire free where the wireless network exists while never dropping the connection to the network. Traditionally, wired connections have been the primary means of access to the network, with wireless connectivity offering a secondary means of connection for mobile devices.

 

Wired Networking:

Wired networking connections provide the foundation of the Local Area Network. Incoming connections, Data Center interconnections, IT closet facilities, and stationary computing devices have all traditionally been connected to the network via a series of cables. The primary benefit to a wired connection is that the wire provides a standard level of service (performance, security, reliability) which can be relied upon in all situations. Typically, wired connections (correctly installed) have an extremely low failure rate and provide a standard of service which helps provide a very low cost for support per connection. Once the connection is configured, very little needs to be done in order to maintain the system.

 

Wired Advantages

•Standard level of service guaranteed to each user/device

•High bandwidth capable (1GB/10GB) Low cost of support

•Higher level of security

•Minimally impacted by radio-frequency interference

 

Wired Disadvantages

•High cost of initial installation

•Difficult to install in some locations

•Number of connections limited by number of cables installed

 

Wireless Networking

Wireless networking technology is relatively new to the enterprise and education markets. Although individual consumers have been using wireless routers and access points for some time, systems capable of providing wireless services to a large number of users across a campus began maturing about five years ago.The proliferation of wireless technologies has significantly increased in all markets. Wireless networking Is deployed for a number of reasons ; the primary purpose being mobility allowing laptop users to roam the facility freely and not rely on a wired connection. Although the freedom to roam the facility and always be connected to the LAN can be a great advantage for network users, the amount of support needed to manage the system and users is much higher than that required by a wired network. Due to the broadcasting nature of a wireless system, security is an important concern and provisions should be made for guest / unauthorized users to use the system in a limited and controlled way.

 

Wireless Advantages

•Supports user mobility

•Provides network connectivity in locations without wired ports

•Significant capital cost savings over a wired network

 

Wireless Disadvantages

•Additional support and management of the wireless system and users leads to higher operational cost more susceptible to security breaches

•Shared bandwidth system which can limit performance

•Connectivity not always guaranteed

•Impacted by radio frequency interference