Network design and management is an iterative procedure that encompasses network synthesis, topological design and network realization. It aims to design such a network that can meet the needs of operator or subscriber. The process of network planning is very important before the establishment of new network or service.The planning of traditional network involves four layers methodology.

• Medium and long term network planning
• Business planning
• Network planning of short term
• Maintenance and operations

These layers incorporate various time horizons like business planning layer explains the process that is helpful for operator specific network operations. Maintenance and operation layer determines of how network will work for daily basis tasks.

The planning of network process starts with the task of external information acquisition. It includes:

• Forecasting about new network operations and services
• Financial information related to cost
• Network capabilities and its technical details

The planning of network is involved the implementation of new system in four layers OSI model. It indicates that network administrator must select network topology or protocol before network design implementation.

Network design involves three basic steps before the establishment of physical structure.

Topological design:

In this stage, you need to determine about the place of network components and the process of their connectivity. Optimization methods are employed with the use of mathematics theory called graph theory. This stage determines the optimum connection matrix, cost, and location of connectors and switches.

Network synthesis:

This stage helps you to determine the size of different components and performance criteria like grade of sale. This method is known as “Nonlinear Optimization” that determines about required grade of sale, topology, transmission cost and information for routing calculation.

Network Realization:

This stage explains of how to meet network requirements, components, and reliability within the network. This method is known as “Multicommodity Flow Optimisation” that involves the calculation information of physical circuit plan.

These three stages are interrelated to each other that makes network design process rather easy if you fellow them in sequence order.

Network Design implementation:

Before designing any network, it is essential to know some basics about LAN topologies with their plus points and drawbacks. There are three types of topologies that you can choose in accordance to the requirements of your network.

Bus Topology:

In this topology, all nodes are connected to single transmission medium with the use of T-connectors and coaxial cable. A terminator is attached at the end of the wire to absorb signals for transmission.

Advantages:

• Simple and easy to install.
• Low cost.
• Reliable.
• Easily extendable

Disadvantages:

• Slow performance in heavy loading
• Difficult for trouble shooting.
• Cable damage can cause network failure.
• High electromagnetic interference.

Star Topology:

In this topology, peers are connected to centralized component named as hub by cable segment. Transmission is occurred through hub among all computers.

Advantages:

• Low electromagnetic interference.
• Easy steps for troubleshooting.
• Flexible for modification.
• Centralized control.
• Failure of one node does not affect the network

Disadvantages:

• Hub failure can break down network.

Ring Topology:

Computers are connected on a single circle of wire where signals travel in loop form at one direction and pass it to destination computer.

Advantages:

• Equal and easy access to all nodes
• High speed
• Low rate of EMI

Disadvantages:

• Failure of one computer can affect the entire network
• Difficult to resolve problem
• Operation can disrupt due to network configuration.

These are some basic topologies for network design. You can select any of them according to the size and requirements of your network

Basic steps for network design:

Draw a rough structure of your network to determine the exact location of main switches and computer.  Review all topologies with their pros and cons carefully and select the one that fits to your requirements.

For cables, consider the following recommendation:

• UTP is suitable for star topology
• Coaxial is for bus topology
• STP is suitable for ring topology

Install them and check the working of network. It is simple process of network design and installation that you can perform without assistance of any technician.

Computer network accessories are essential in the successful creation and maintenance of network. Before set up, it is necessary to know about latest tools and hardware compatibility with your machine.

If you research on internet regarding the best network accessories, it makes you confuse to select the best products in the comprehensive collections of the products listed on different website for sale. Here I would like to give you overview of some essential network accessories that help you to buy relevant products.

Computer cables:

In the network installation, there is need of different cables like USB cables, power cables, monitor cables and drive cables. It is better to take a review of these cables to find the best solution that can provide you efficient connectivity. Try to buy the following cable such as DVI cables, CD-Rom cables, Drive cables, KVM cables, modem cable, multimedia cable, ribbon cable and shield cable.

Network Cabling:

Connectors and quality cables are essential to provide full potential to networks. Connectors, jacks, bulk network cable, RJ 45 connector, modulator adaptor, and patch panels must be bought for fast and efficient running of network.

Network hardware:

Quality network hardware makes your network performance reliable and efficient. Network hardware includes routers, hub and switches, network cards, media convertor, print server,10 mini Rack hardware and network storage.

Installation Accessories:

Hardware and repairs must be included in the list of network accessories. These accessories includes external boxes, CPU fans, pc cases logos, power strips, screws, heat sink compound locks, case brackets and wire and Velcro ties.

Voice cable:

Different type of voice cables include telephony cable, modular cable, cellar accessories, cordless phone batteries,  66 block accessories and modular/wall jack.

Security accessories:

Security accessories are essential to maintain a network security that saves it from unexpected events. Network security accessories include cameras, DVD cards, DVR download cards, magnetic contact switch and installation accessories.

Video or audio cable:

Video and audio cables are essential for optimal listening and entertainment. You can browse different types of connectors and cables related to audio and video data transfer. Voice or audio cable is 2.5 mm cable, RCA cable, adaptor cable, ¼ XLR cable, bulk speaker component cable, HCMI cable and adaptor coaxial cable, TV accessories, DSS accessories, cable clips, splitters, and MP3 accessories.

The purchase of network accessories is a complicated process. Many people waste their time and money in the purchase of network accessories because they do not much about it. This article aims to provide information about the usage of necessary network accessories used in small to medium networks. Cisco is the popular name that provides high quality network accessories to consumers in cost effective price. You can get installation guide and list of network accessories for the ease of non professional people. All you need to do is prepare the comprehensive list of these network accessories along with their price. It will help you to estimate the budget and insight of risks involved in the installation of network process.

The setting of network at home will be quite easy if you learn some things before getting started. First you need to get information about the network kits that comes with network devices and adaptors like phone, USB cables and phone line cable. There are some tips that you should keep in mind before you try to plug anything in.Support from ISP website

You need to visit the website of networking company to get surety that you have installed the latest drivers in your operating system. You need different driver for different operating system so you need to get compatible drivers that suite to your operating system.

Support from windows installation CDs

You also need to install windows built in network drivers at the time of home network setup.

Network name

You should select such a name for your network that is referred as a workgroup as well. Select something related to your small business or family name. While in wireless network, you need network identification code and also Service set identifier. You can have same name of SSID and work group.

Assigned unique name

You need to decide unique name for the computer as you can use descriptive or literal type names.

Configuration

It is also important to know about the process of configuration in which you can have several benefits. By configuration process, you can share printer, data and even resourced to other connected computers. For sharing purpose, go to printer icon, click right on it and select properties. In the dialogue box, you will find sharing option and select it.

Internet sharing

In the same way, you can also share your network connection with your friends and family members. In windows, you will find built in networking sharing option or you can share it with use of some network sharing options. You can also try a gateway in form of build in router that controls internet traffic like switchboard.

Encryption

In home network, someone can easily get access while using shared wall in a hotel or a building. The process of encryption scrambles your information that only two computer can understand. In that process, you need to create a key that is consisting of number and letters like a password.

While in HomePlug and wireless network, there is build in standards for encryption. Firewall is another program that will save your computer from the attack of hackers when you are connected to internet.

IP Address Issues

In networking, the issue of static and dynamic IP addresses is very complex. The IP Address is consisting of four to three digit set separated by dots like 192.168.1.1 that is usually assigned to a device on a network. Dynamic IP address is the temporary address that is issued by your network service provider. This temporary address remain active until you log in. if you want to run a website and printer that you want to access via internet, you need static type of IP address that cannot be changed. You can get this from internet service provider in which you can also run your own server. These are some healthy home networking tips that will help you to set up your own network without the assistance of a professional