Factors Affecting Choice of Network

The following is important to consider when implementing a network

• Timescales must be planned and adhered to

• The network should be fully tested at all stages to make sure there are fewer problems in the future.

• You do not need to worry about downtime, you can take as much down time as you need and it won't affect the business.

• Implementation is only required if you are introducing a WAN

When installing a new network compatibility is important because

• Each device on the network needs to be able to "speak" to the other

• There are no approved standards to consider so all components will speak to each other

• There are approved standards e.g. wifi technology that should be used in order to make sure all components work together smoothly

• Everyone on the network needs to have exactly the same experience in all aspects of it's use.

Productivity might be considered when choosing a network because

• Greater productivity means that the network is successful

• As long as productivity does not drop the network is a success

• One of the main reasons you would introduce a network would be to help people be more productive in their job roles

• Productivity is hard to measure so you have to ask people what they think about their productivity levels since the network has been implemented

Security should be considered when choosing a network because

• Networks automatically reduce the security risks in a business

• Encryption should be used in order to protect files, data and individuals

• User accounts are not required as long as encryption is used when transmitting data.

• The use of user accounts and passwords is important to ensure that data is protected regardless of other security measures being used.

• Networks can give hackers access to files of the company and / or individuals.

When choosing a network it is important that

• User experience is considered in order that they have a positive experience when using it

• the network does not need to be easy to use

• The network should perform well

• The network does not need to be accessible to all users

• The network should only be available for a few hours per day

The needs of the users should be considered when choosing a network because

• each user may have different requirements from the network

• a person working alone from home will have different needs to a person working in a large office with may other people

• each person will have a unique set of requirements to enable them to complete their work

• A sales person working on the train will have the same requirements as a sales person working in a large call centre

When considering what components are required for your network

• different situations require different specifications

• you need to buy industry standard component parts at the best price possible

• if you will be using the network to transmit large files e.g. graphics and media files you should aim to buy a higher specification than if you just need to work on and transmit text files and send / receive emails.

• Specification is important if your network is going to cope with the demands you place on it

How you connect your network devices together should be considered because

• An individual who wants to connect a few personal devices together e.g. Smart Watch, Smart Phone and tablet in order to send files wirelessly between the devices might opt for a LAN

• A large company who wants to connect branches across the world using fibre optic cable might choose a PAN

• If the intended use of the network is to connect devices to share resources in a small office with 6 workers then a LAN might be created.

• A student wants to connect a Smart Phone and a Smart Watch might create a PAN

When choosing a network the cost may need to be considered

• if there is a budget, but if there is not budget then just buy the best of everything and hope it is compatible

• because you may have had recommendations that you can't afford

• If you require more from the network then the cost will be higher as you may need to buy components that are higher in specification and these are usually more expensive.

• It is important that you get value for money for your network and spend the right amount for your requirements and in order to ensure increased productivity after implementation.

It is important to consider efficiency when choosing a network

• copper cables are faster than fibre optic so you can make sure the network is efficient and keep costs low if you use this.

• Efficient networks give us the best experience by speeding up download and upload times

• Fibre optic technologies have sped up download times making it much quicker to send and receive files on a network.