Chapter 1

Planning a Network Topology

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TCP/IP is the industry standard protocol suite for the network and transport layers

and is suitable for most network installations. Other protocols, such as IPX and

NetBEUI, are useful only in special situations.

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Creating a blueprint of a network’s infrastructure is an essential part of the plan-

ning process. The blueprint should specify the locations of all major network com-

ponents, including cables, hubs and other connection devices, computers, and

peripherals.

Exam Highlights

Before taking the exam, review the key points and terms that are presented below to

help you identify topics you need to review. Return to the lessons for additional prac-

tice, and review the “Further Reading” sections in Part 2 for pointers to more informa-

tion about topics covering the exam objectives.

Key Points

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The OSI reference model is a standard tool for network planning, implementation,

and troubleshooting. You must understand the functions of each of the model’s

seven layers.

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A network’s infrastructure consists of physical and logical components, catego-

rized as hardware and software. You should be familiar with the standard compo-

nents of data networks, how they function, and how they connect.

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Planning a network topology consists of selecting an appropriate network

medium, deciding on the speed at which the network should run, selecting a

data-link layer protocol, and then blueprinting the locations of all the network’s

components.

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Planning the physical placement of network resources consists of selecting loca-

tions for workstations and servers, diagramming cable locations, and creating

secured facilities for routers, hubs, and other connection devices.

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Selecting the protocols for a network is a matter of evaluating the needs of the

network users and balancing them against the requirements specified by the

management.

Key Terms

Attenuation The tendency of a signal to weaken as it travels along a medium. The

longer the distance traveled, the more the signal attenuates. All signals attenuate

as they travel along a network medium, but different media are subject to differ-

ent degrees of attenuation. Signals on copper-based cables such as UTP attenuate