Key Elements of an Enterprise Network: Essay Sample

Introduction

An enterprise network typically refers to the central backbone that enhances organizational communications and connections for computers and devices in all departments. An environment with an enterprise network configuration is usually meant to allow for straightforward access to data and easy insight for the analytics (Reid, 2000). A modern established enterprise network has a high working speed connection of alternating switches and routers that substantially mediates information between desktops and computer servers. To create an efficient operating enterprise network, the existence of four fundamental network elements is necessary. These include Hardware, software, client servers, and connection media. The study will involve an in-depth analysis of these elements and how they can be altogether to promote communication in workplaces.

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Hardware

The essential element of an enterprise network is hardware. Hardware is composed of various models, including but not restricted to switches, routers, modems, and repeaters. In the absence of these elements, computers will not be able to access the networks whatsoever. The availability of network media helps to interconnect computers to routers and repeaters. The vital importance of routers or switches is to allow for the sharing of a single network connection amongst several computers at the same time (Martin-Flatin et al., 1999). With the help of switches and routers, a single network originating from a single-ported modem is propagated throughout the organization. Moreover, repeaters are used to refresh network signals and elongate the connectivity of cables beyond the stipulated maximum bandwidth. For instance, most organizations use repeaters to ensure that category five cables extend their functionality past the 300-foot top length without any loss of connection (Martin-Flatin et al., 1999). Ideally, the hardware element of an enterprise network facilitates and adjusts the length of the connection between computer servers and devices.

Software

In the configuration system of an enterprise network, a software element is essential to enhance the interaction between the routers, switches, repeaters, and the network. One of the most apparent forms of network software is protocols. Protocols are software that is used to initiate instructions on how network devices should connect and interact concurrently. Monitors are other examples of software elements in an enterprise network (Martin-Flatin et al., 1999). The central role of a monitor is to display the interface of the computer user and help in opening up programs and applications that typically enhance interaction using a range of devices such as keyboards and mouse. Other internal tools that function to improve the connection between network elements in an environment can also be classified as software.

Client Devices

All mobile devices and computer servers linked to client devices can generally be referred to as client devices. They are substantial elements of an enterprise network system because it is primarily the clients who always request access to networks. In other words, client devices need software and software to access the network in whatever form of arrangement is being implemented in an environment (Mercer, 1996).

Connection Media

Ideally, an enterprise network cannot operate effectively when there is no connection between the software, hardware, and client servers. It is imperative to note that the network type defines which nodes or system of nodes connection (Mercer, 1996). Therefore, all the discussed key elements of an enterprise network could be arranged using the connection nodes in various topology types such as bus, tree, star, ring, and mesh, as illustrated below.

Mesh Network

Mesh network involves the concept of the route. In most routers, there are redundant links between two nodes if any of the links between two nodes is damaged then they will communicate with another link or route, this network is intelligent in response to a disaster (Besaw et al., 1994). The main disadvantages of this kind of network are, it is difficult to install and configure. Therefore, they will need an expert to install and configure it. There are bulk of cable connections that are required, which is an expensive solution for small organizations.

Star Network

In this network, every node has its connection with the hub; hence there is no intermediate node between node and hub. So, this dedicated link is used for the transfer of data. It gives a fast performance with few nodes, and it is easy to modify and troubleshoot. The network solution is best for little organization (Besaw et al., 1994). This kind of network solution also has drawbacks: it is an expensive solution because whenever you want to add a node in the network, you will be required to build a dedicated connection between node and hub. If the hub fails, the whole network stops because all nodes are dependent on the hub (Besaw et al., 1994). Additionally, another disadvantage faced by this enterprise network solution is that if a switch or a hub fails to operate, every device connected to this network will be disconnected because there is no network connection.

Bus Network

In this network, data can be transmitted only in one direction, and all network is connected with a single line or cable. It is cost-effective and commonly used in small networks or home groups. This network is easy to understand and easy to implement. If this network central cable or link fails, then the whole network will be stopped, and as the central cable size increases, signal attenuation increases for faraway devices (Besaw et al., 1994). The main disadvantage of this type of network is that when many workstations are connected to this network, it will result in slow networks because of increased data collision. Additionally, if the main cable fails to operate or gets compromised, the whole network will be affected and will stop functioning.

Ring Network

As multiple nodes are connected in a ring shape, act as a repeater for data transmission. Data will transfer sequentially in this network that is bit by bit, and data will pass through all nodes that exist between sources to the destination node (Besaw et al., 1994). The Ring topology is cheap and expandable; many workstations can afford it. It can also be expanded in terms of network coverage to accommodate more workstations. This kind of network enterprise has one major drawback; if one node is added to the topology, it will disturb the network performance since it will increase the collision of data in the network.

Tree Network

A tree network is formed with the integration of different star networks into a single network. This network topology is mostly used in Wide Area Network, and it is for large organizations. In this topology node extension is possible and easy. The expansion will attract the extensive coverage of workstations, and it is accessible in terms of installation and configuration (Besaw et al., 1994). The main drawback facing this type of network is that if any error occurred within the network, it is easily diagnosed. If we add more nodes in the network, then maintenance is complicated. If the central hub fails, the whole network will stop working, thereby negatively affecting an organization's performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an enterprise network comprises four key elements: hardware, software, client devices, and connection media. The study has revealed that these elements must be connected in a specific system model to enable them to work more efficiently. For instance, switches, and routers are connected with network devices such as modems to lengthen the range of connectivity in an environment. Furthermore, protocol and monitoring software help display user interface with the help of computer tools such as a keyboard. Most importantly, it is also crucial to acknowledge that these critical elements can be arranged using connection nodes in different topology modes to allow for more accessible network connectivity.

References

Besaw, L. M., Wu, J. C., Chang, C. Y., Smith, D. D., & Kean, M. J. (1994). U.S. Patent No. 5,276,789. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patents.google.com/patent/US5276789A/en

Martin-Flatin, J. P., Znaty, S., & Hubaux, J. P. (1999). A survey of distributed enterprise network and systems management paradigms. Journal of Network and Systems Management, 7(1), 9-26. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1018761615354

Mercer, R. A. (1996). Overview of enterprise network developments. IEEE Communications Magazine, 34(1), 30-37. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/482241/

Reid, W. J. (2000). U.S. Patent No. 6,131,120. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patents.google.com/patent/US6131120A/en