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Chapter 1
Planning a Network Topology
Most users in a typical office are well served by a standard desktop
computer as a
workstation, but you still must choose the type of case the computer will
have. Mini-
tower cases are ideal if the computer will be located under the desk, and
they usually
provide sufficient room inside the case for adding new drives and other
components.
However, you should take into account that having the computers on the floor
makes
access more difficult for technical support personnel and might require
extra-long
cables for the monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The horizontal cases in small
form are
better suited for placement on the user’s desks and generally provide easier
mainte-
nance access, but they tend to take up more room than most users would like.
Tip
One development in PC hardware that is useful in saving desktop space is
inexpensive
LCD (liquid crystal display) flat panel monitors. These monitors take up far
less space than
traditional CRT (cathode ray tube) models and, being lighter, are much
easier to move around
the desk as needed.
In some offices, every user has a desk and every desk has a computer.
However, this
is not always the case. For example, your network might require kiosk-style
worksta-
tions that different people use throughout the day. In this case, the
network blueprint
should specify a location for the kiosk that is convenient for users and
provides other
resources they need, such as desktop space and printer access.
Some users do not need standard desktop workstations, and you should note
these in
the blueprint as well. People who use laptops or other portables as their
primary com-
puters might need docking stations on their desks, or they might only need
access to
a cable jack providing a network connection.
Locating Peripherals
The locations of printers and other shared components are an important
element of the
network blueprint. In this case, the primary concern is ergonomics. Select
locations for
printers that provide convenient access for the users but are far enough
away to avoid
interference and discomfort. Some types of printers release ozone and other
gases dur-
ing their operation that can be irritating or even toxic to some people.
However, plac-
ing all printers in a closed room at the far end of the hall is likely to be
inconvenient
to everyone.
When considering printer locations, you should take into account maintenance
access to the machine and also proximity to expendable supplies, such as
paper,
toner, and ink. In some cases, you might also have to consider the physical
security
of the printer. For example, you might want to make sure that an expensive
color
printer with a high per-page printing cost be kept in a locked room so that
only
authorized personnel can use it.
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