Question One $[30$ Marks$]$

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Network Cabling Infrastructure $(20$ Marks$)$

To ensure a secure and reliable network, Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology should have implemented the following standardizations for their network cabling infrastructure:

Structured Cabling System: Implement a structured cabling system that adheres to industry standards such as ANSI$/$TIA$-568.$ This system should include:

Horizontal Cabling: Connects workstations on the third floor to the telecommunications room on the same floor.

Vertical Cabling $($Backbone Cabling$)$: Connects the telecommunications rooms on each floor to the main distribution frame $($MDF$)$ located at the Demarc $($demarcation point$).$

Cable Types:

Category $6$a $($Cat$6$a$)$ or Category $7($Cat$7)$ Cables: These cables support higher data transfer speeds and bandwidth, which are essential for handling the increased network load.

Fiber Optic Cables: For backbone cabling, fiber optic cables are recommended due to their high bandwidth and long$-$distance capabilities.

Network Design:

Redundant Paths: Implement redundant cabling paths to ensure network reliability and minimize downtime in case of cable failure.

Proper Labeling and Documentation: Ensure all cables are properly labeled and documented for easy maintenance and troubleshooting.

Security Measures:

Physical Security: Secure all telecommunications rooms and the MDF to prevent unauthorized access.

Network Security: Implement network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.

$1\mathrm{.}2$ Switch vs$.$ Hub $(10$ Marks$)$

Differences between Switch and Hub:

Switch:

Operates at the Data Link layer $($Layer $2)$ of the OSI model.

Uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination.

Reduces network congestion by creating separate collision domains for each connected device.

Supports full$-$duplex communication, allowing simultaneous data transmission and reception.

Hub:

Operates at the Physical layer $($Layer $1)$ of the OSI model.

Broadcasts data to all connected devices, leading to network congestion.

Creates a single collision domain, increasing the likelihood of data collisions.

Supports half$-$duplex communication, allowing either data transmission or reception at a time.

Recommendation:

The intern should recommend using a switch instead of a hub. Although switches are slightly more expensive, they offer better performance, scalability, and network efficiency, which are crucial for the company's future growth.

Question Two $[30$ Marks$]$

$2\mathrm{.}11000$Base TX $(5$ Marks$)$

$1000$Base TX refers to a Gigabit Ethernet standard that uses twisted$-$pair cabling $($Cat$5$e or higher$)$ to achieve data transfer rates of $1$ Gbps$.$ It indicates a high$-$speed network capable of handling large volumes of data efficiently.

$2\mathrm{.}2$ Intranet vs$.$ Extranet $(10$ Marks$)$

Intranet: A private network accessible only to an organization's employees. For example, a company's internal HR portal where employees can access personal information, company policies, and internal communications.

Extranet: An extension of an intranet that allows external parties $($e$.$g$.,$ partners, suppliers$)$ to access certain parts of the network. For example, a supplier portal where vendors can check inventory levels and place orders.

$2\mathrm{.}3$ Throughput and Bandwidth $(5$ Marks$)$

Throughput is the actual rate at which data is successfully transmitted over a network, while bandwidth is the maximum capacity of the network. High bandwidth does not always guarantee high throughput due to factors like network congestion and latency. Efficient network performance requires optimizing both throughput and bandwidth.

$2\mathrm{.}4$ CSMA$/$CD Protocol $(5$ Marks$)$

CSMA$/$CD $($Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection$)$ helps manage data transmission in Ethernet networks by:

Carrier Sensing: Devices check if the network is free before transmitting.

Collision Detection: Devices detect collisions and stop transmitting, then wait for a random time before retrying. This protocol reduces data collisions and improves network efficiency.

$2\mathrm{.}5$ Ethernet Network Limitations $(5$ Marks$)$

Ethernet networks become insufficient when:

High Data Volume: They cannot handle the increased data volume and speed requirements.

Scalability: They struggle to scale efficiently with a growing number of devices.

Latency: They experience high latency, affecting real$-$time applications.

Question Three $[30$ Marks$]$

$3\mathrm{.}1$ Types of Device Servers $(10$ Marks$)$

Serial Device Servers: Connect serial devices to a network, allowing remote monitoring and control of industrial equipment like PLCs $($Programmable Logic Controllers$).$

USB Device Servers: Enable USB devices to be accessed over a network, facilitating remote management of USB$-$based sensors and instruments.

Ethernet Device Servers: Provide network connectivity to devices with Ethernet interfaces, supporting remote monitoring of n