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Why Network
While a network does require an initial investment, for most businesses the long-term savings, enhanced security and increased efficiency far outweigh the expense.
Networking lowers employee costs by allowing users to share expensive devices such as laser printer, plotters, high-performance scanners, and large storage devices. A network can also lower employee costs by allowing faster sharing of software, data, and ideas. When employees no longer have to call a meeting, make multiple phone calls or collect information to proceed with projects, the organization realizes a significant increase in productivity. For instance a sales manager preparing a strategy for the upcoming quarter will no longer need to call accounting for a printout of last quarter’s sales. Any necessary information can be accessed across the network, allowing both the sales manager and the accountant to function more efficiently.

In addition to increased efficiency and long-term cost benefits, networks provide more security control. With networking, an administrator determines what data employees may access. Properly configured, a network can also reduce the probability of someone outside the organization gaining access to confidential company information.

Types of Networks
When designing a network, one of the first decisions to make is which configuration bests suits its intended purpose, physical environment and budget. Several options exit, but the most common types are peer-to-peer and client/server networks. Each type of network has a specific strength for various business needs.

Peer to Peer
Peer-to-peer networks are simple and relatively inexpensive to set up, since the network operating system, such as Windows 95, 98 or ME, is usually included in new computer systems. Recommended for 10 users or less, peer-to-peer can be very effective for small businesses needing a low cost solution.

This type of network, however, does have its disadvantages. Peer-to-peer networking requires separate installations of application software for each workstation on the network, possibly leading to conflicts between incompatible software. Also, since security measures are the responsibility of individual peer-to-peer network users, weaknesses may affect the network. Finally, once a network grows beyond 10 users, the administration of a peer-to-peer network becomes extremely difficult because of the number of users setting security in different ways.

Client/Server
Designed to handle a large number of users, client/server networks are controlled by a central administrator. This creates several advantages: tighter security, simpler software upgrades, enhanced stability and increased efficiency. With multiple dedicated servers and special devices such as redundant power supplies and disk drives, critical network applications can stay running through almost any situation. Disadvantages of a client/server network include a higher initial cost and the administration needed to efficiently handle larger numbers of users

Choosing a Network Operating System
Designed to handle a large number of users, client/server networks are controlled by a central administrator. This creates several advantages: tighter security, simpler software upgrades, enhanced stability and increased efficiency. With multiple dedicated servers and special devices such as redundant power supplies and disk drives, critical network applications can stay running through almost any situation. Disadvantages of a client/server network include a higher initial cost and the administration needed to efficiently handle larger numbers of users

Questions to Consider
Will there be more than 10 users on the network?
Is network security a principal concern?
Do you expect to expand the network in the future?
Is cost a factor in choosing a network type?
Is there data on the network that needs to be regulated or restricted?

Topology
A networks topology is a description of its physical layout. How computers are connected to each other on the network and the devices that connect them are included in the physical topology. Choosing the topology type is one of the first steps in planning a network and depends on a variety of factors such as cost, security needs, operating systems and hardware.

Ring Topology
Ring topologies link workstations in a circular layout and data circles the network in one direction until it finds its destination Ring topologies are typically more difficult to install and usually more expensive. However, their main advantage lies in their ability to be configured in a dual ring layout to provide built-in redundancy for the network. Connectors placed at multiple points on the ring allow information to move between the rings in the event of a cable break.

Star Topology
A star topology is designed around a device called a hub, which acts as a central collection point for the network cabling. Star topology is most commonly used in networks today, because it provides for simple additions, moves, and troubleshooting. Perhaps the most important feature of star topology is its ability to minimize the effects of a cable break. When a cable break occurs, the network hub makes it easy to identify the location of the break, while the rest of the network continues to function.