Saguaro Federal has mainframes for all of its banks and businesses must the company use the Ethernet or Token Ring protocol? Explain your choice why is this choice appropriate?
To determine whether Saguaro Federal should use the Ethernet or Token Ring protocol, we need to understand the characteristics and requirements of both protocols.
Ethernet:
Ethernet is a widely used protocol that allows devices on a network to communicate with each other. It uses a bus or star network topology and can operate over various transmission media such as copper or fiber optic cables. Ethernet uses CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) as its access method, which means multiple devices can access the network simultaneously but collisions are detected and resolved.
Token Ring:
Token Ring is another networking protocol that uses a ring topology. In this protocol, a token is passed from node to node, allowing devices to transmit data when they possess the token. It follows a strict sequential order for data transmission, and devices need to wait for their turn to send data.
Given that Saguaro Federal has mainframes for all its banks and businesses, the Ethernet protocol is the more appropriate choice. Here's why:
1. Scalability: Ethernet is more scalable compared to Token Ring. In an Ethernet network, devices can be easily added or removed without disrupting the network's functionality. This flexibility is essential for a large organization like Saguaro Federal that may need to expand or reconfigure its network over time.
2. Availability: Ethernet is widely supported by networking equipment manufacturers and service providers. It is the de facto standard for local area networks (LANs) and is compatible with various devices and operating systems. This means Saguaro Federal can easily find compatible hardware and software, ensuring the availability of networking components.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Ethernet is generally more cost-effective than Token Ring. It offers higher data transfer rates at a lower cost per unit of bandwidth. Considering Saguaro Federal's mainframes serve banks and businesses, where a high volume of data traffic is expected, Ethernet provides a cost-effective solution without compromising performance.
4. Industry preference: Ethernet has become the predominant network protocol in most organizations. It has evolved and improved over the years, offering faster speeds and better efficiency. Many vendors focus on developing Ethernet-based solutions, including switches, routers, and network management tools. This dedicated development and widespread acceptance make Ethernet a reliable and future-proof choice.
To summarize, based on scalability, availability, cost-effectiveness, and industry preference, it is appropriate for Saguaro Federal to use the Ethernet protocol for its mainframes.