LAN design rules

[dips_007]

Hello i am a student and was looking for some help i would like to know if there are any design rules for LANs. eg like the amount of computer on segments etc. if any one can help would be greatful links to sites would also be good.

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

check out this page and scroll down to the Links section, there are a number of very useful links:

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/l/local_area_network_LAN.html

This link from Cisco might also be helpful:

Designing Switched LAN Internetworks

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/idg4/nd2012.htm

Regards,

GP

[dips_007]

thanks for your reply but was not really of any help

[beisenhamer]

I came across this link on the Cisco site: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps593/products_user_guide_chapter09186a008007d356.html

Maybe this will help? I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for and most beginner networking books should have some info.

BE

[jcengh]

I hope the following helps. With LANs, we need to look at a few things. First, what type of cable will you be using, how many users are there, and what are the future expectations? We need the user expectations to formulate a solution. Plus the cabling will determine what you can/can't do distance and device wise. These are the first questions to answer. I would guess that we are talking UTP or unshielded twisted pair, yet I would need that information. Secondly, here are a few rules to follow, and if I can get more information, I think I can help you out.

(1) If there are only a few users, low bandwidth and growth, use a hub, yet the direction today is toward switching.

(2) With switches, each device needs its' own port for dedicated bandwidth. I recommend 10MB unless the users are high power in which case, use 100MB. Servers should always have a minimum of 100MB connectivity.

(3) Each LAN needs to connect to a router or layer three switch to communicate. This also provides your WAN connectivity.

(4) Use the hirearchical model for your design, unless routing is not needed now or ever.

These are a few suggestions. Give me some specifics, and I as well as this community should be able to help. Good luck!

Jason