COMP247 Data Communications

Assignment 2, 2014: Network Technologies

Objectives
These are the areas that will be tested:





Note

need to present your case clearly.

Questions
1. Wireless Networks [10 marks]
Consider a warehouse that is 60m by 30m. Wireless networking is required so that up to 20 staff
members working in the warehouse can track stock movements and perform stock checks using
mobile devices.
(a) [4 marks] Assume that the useful range of WiFi within the warehouse will be 15m radius.
Design a simple layout of omnidirectional antennas to cover the entire warehouse. Show the
channel to be assigned to each antenna, taking care to minimise interference between the coverage
areas. Briefly explain any key design decisions you have made. [1 diagram, up to 150 words]

(b) [3 marks] Which WiFi flavour (a, b, g, n, ac, ad, or other) would you recommend for this new
installation? Discuss the options and justify your choice. [Up to 200 words]

(c) [3 marks] Would you recommend security for this network, and if so, what type of security?
Discuss the options and justify your choice. [Up to 200 words]
2. Backbone Networks [10 marks]

A backbone network can be constructed as a switched backbone, a routed backbone or a VLAN
backbone. Each of these approaches has its advantages and disadvantages.
(a) [6 marks] Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. [Up to 400 words]


(b) [2 marks] Describe an example of a situation where a switched backbone would be preferred.
[Up to 150 words]

(c) [2 marks] Describe an example of a situation where a VLAN backbone would be preferred. [Up
to 150 words]


3. WANs [10 marks]
Now! Electronics has four stores in the Sydney region (Hornsby, Penrith, Campbelltown, City)
connected in a star topology by leased T-1 lines to its head office in North Ryde.
(a) [2 marks] Sketch the existing WAN, showing the stores, head office and the leased lines.
[Diagram]

(b) [1 mark] What is the maximum data capacity for traffic between Hornsby and North Ryde?
What is the maximum data capacity for traffic between Hornsby and the City store? [Short answer]

(c) [3 marks] A new stock management server is to be installed to track stock in all four stores all
sales will be reported to this server as they happen. Some members of the development team want
to install this new server in head office, while others want to install it in the city store because that
store has 40% of the total sales. Which option do you prefer and why? [Up to 200 words]

(d) [4 marks] Now! is planning an aggressive expansion strategy with offices and stores in each
Australian state. Compare the merits of expanding the existing T-1 based WAN with moving to a
new MPLS-based WAN. [Up to 200 words]
4. Internet Access Technologies [10 marks]
A company with headquarters at 1 Talavera Rd, North Ryde wishes to obtain Internet access. They
require unlimited data capacity and would prefer data rates of at least 10Mbps, but cost is also a
factor to be considered. Using the World Wide Web, research 3 possible Internet access providers
for this address.

(a) [6 marks] Present a summary table showing at least the following information: supplier, access
technology, available data rate and annual cost. (Because this is a class assignment, it is not
appropriate to contact the companies for further information you must rely on published
information only.) If you can find other useful information such as service level guarantees, include
it in your table. In your answer, provide links to web pages that provide the information that you are
summarising. Higher marks will be awarded to answers which contain more complete information.

(b) [4 marks] Based on your table, select a preferred supplier and briefly explain the reasons for
your selection. [Up to 100 words]