Draw and label a model of an office Local area network That is using a star topology for wired connections and a point-to-point topology for wireless connections. Be sure to label the connections, Types of connections and Hardware used. Identify which devices are directly connected and what they are connected, Explain the basics of how the network will work to get information from the Wide area network to the Local Area network. Explain how IP Addresses will be assigned to devices in the network.
I apologize, but as a text-based AI, I cannot directly draw or provide visual representations. However, I can describe and explain the model you requested:
Model of an office Local Area Network (LAN):
1. Star Topology for Wired Connections:
- Main Switch: This is the central device in the LAN where all wired connections are made or terminated.
- Workstations: These are individual computers or devices connected directly to the main switch through Ethernet cables.
- Printer: This device is also connected directly to the main switch through an Ethernet cable.
2. Point-to-Point Topology for Wireless Connections:
- Wireless Access Point (AP): This device acts as a bridge between the wired LAN and wireless devices. It allows wireless devices to connect to the LAN using radio waves.
- Wireless Devices: These can include laptops, smartphones, tablets, or any other devices with wireless capabilities.
3. Connections:
- Wired: Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat 5e or Cat 6) are used to connect the main switch to workstations and the printer.
- Wireless: Radio waves are utilized by wireless devices to connect to the wireless access point.
4. Hardware Used:
- Main Switch: A network switch with enough ports to accommodate all wired connections in the LAN.
- Wireless Access Point (AP): An AP capable of supporting the number of wireless devices desired for connectivity.
- Workstations: Desktop or laptop computers connected via Ethernet cables to the main switch.
- Printer: A network-enabled printer with an Ethernet port for connectivity.
5. Devices Directly Connected:
- Main Switch: Directly connected to workstations and the printer through Ethernet cables.
- Wireless Access Point (AP): Directly connected to the main switch via an Ethernet cable.
Basics of Network Operation:
To get information from the Wide Area Network (WAN) to the Local Area Network (LAN), a router is typically used. The router acts as the gateway between the LAN and the WAN. It connects to the LAN through the main switch and connects to the WAN through a modem. The router manages the incoming and outgoing traffic and forwards data packets between the LAN and the WAN.
IP Address Assignment:
IP addresses are assigned to devices in the network using two primary methods:
1. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP): A DHCP server is typically installed on the LAN to automatically assign IP addresses to devices when they connect to the network. This eliminates the need for manual configuration and ensures efficient utilization of IP addresses.
2. Static IP Assignment: For certain devices that require a fixed IP address, such as servers or network printers, an administrator manually assigns a permanent IP address to that device. This ensures that the device always has the same IP address and can be easily accessed.
Note: The specifics of IP address assignment may vary depending on the network infrastructure and configuration chosen by the organization.