Local Area Networks: Making the Right Choices

Introduction Chapter 1 How do I know when I need a local area network? Need to share and exchange information What is the main alternative to a LAN? Defining the LAN in brief How LANs evolved from traditional centralized computer systems A detailed look at the criteria for needing a LAN Situations where a LAN may not be the answer Summary Chapter 2 Ethernet or token ring? Choice comes down to cost, flexibility and compadibility with any existing networks Five factors to consider when choosing between Ethernet and token ring Comparative discussion of Ethernet versus token ring performance Reliability factors Fibre distributed data interface (FDDI) Arcnet Summary Chapter 3Should I go for a structured cabling system? Introduction Structured cabling systems Different types of cable Cabling issues summarized Summary Chapter 4What is a network operating system and do I need one? Introduction What does a NOS do that a PC operating system does not? Description of some popular NOSs The future of network operating systems Summary Chapter 5What other devices can I put on my network apart from PCs? Introduction What does a device need for attachment to a network? Printers File/database servers Network interface cards (NICs) Input devices Image servers Terminal servers Communications servers: Introduction Hubs/wiring concentrators Summary Chapter 6Can I connect my networks even if they are different? Introduction Why not have just one large network? What types of network might you need to connect together? Introducing the solutions: What needs to be achieved? Repeaters Bridges Routers Gateways Summary Chapter 7How do I choose my own LAN? Introduction Categories of supplier Evaluating proposals Supplier considerations Training Other sources of information: User groups and bulletin boards Summary Chapter 8How do I design my network so that it will last and can beeasily extended? RONG> Introduction NOS is crucial Cabling and hubs LAN servers The network operating system (NOS) LAN type Are LANs better able to support changing requirements than minicomputers? Summary Chapter 9What is an open system and is it important to me and mynetwork? Standards are important Introducing the seven layers of OSI What OSI standards are relevant to LANs? TCP/IP Other de facto standards that you may encounter How different standards groups fit together Describing the standards bodies Key concept: Connection oriented and connectionless protocols Chapter 10How do I manage and maintain my network? Defining scope of network management Do all networks need management systems? What elements need to be managed? What functions should your network management system provide? How universal protocols - and hubs - are bringing network management systems under one umbrella Chapter 11Case study, drawing together the themes of the book Choosing consultant to help formulate RFP The RFP Evaluation of quotes from vendors Installation issues Appendix 1: ISDN (integrated services digital network) Appendix 2: Description of Ethernet and token ring technology Appendix 3: Cooperative processing Appendix 4: Costing of a low-end LAN solution Glossary Index