Evolutionary design of local area networks

Abstract

This study presents the evolutionary design of a local area network. In the last few years network managers have been faced with rapidly advancing technology and increased demand on LAN bandwidth from users. The purpose of this study is to assist network managers in decision making when developing a mid-size LAN. The methodology for this study is to develop a mid-size LAN using current technology to replace a router-based design with a switch-centric design. As an example, the current proposal for the ROC military school's campus network is used as a basis for redesigning a LAN by taking advantage of the emerging switch technology. This switch-centric design is evolved from a revised basic model to an enhanced and advanced model. The resultant design arrived at is less expensive, easier to manage, and simpler than the current router-based design and allows greater flexibility to meet user's increasing bandwidth demands. The fundamental advantages of switching technology over router based solutions is a lower per port cost, higher capacity and faster response.