Question

XYZ Technologies, Hyderabad is a company that deals with data science and AI projects. They have different divisions: ADMIN, SALES, PRODUCTION and SERVICE. The layout of the Hyderabad branch is: 

The management wants to connect all the devisions as well as the computers of each devision (ADMIN, SALES, PRODUCTION and SERVICE. 

Based on the above specifications, answer the following questions:
(i) Suggest the topology and draw the most suitable cable layout for connecting all the divisions in the Hyderabad office.
(ii) XYZ Technologies is having its head office in the USA. Out of LAN, MAN and WAN, which kind of network will be created to connect Hyderabad office with USA Office? Justify your answer.
(iii) Suggest the division for the placement of server. Explain the reason for your selection.
(iv) Suggest the placement of Switch/Hub with justification.
(v) Where will a repeater be placed in the suggested network layout? Justify your answer.
 

Hint:

Use Star topology for easy fault isolation, WAN for global links, place servers close to heavy users, use repeaters for long cables, and switches at central points.

Answer 1

(i) Suggested topology and cable layout:
The most suitable topology for connecting all divisions in this office would be a Star topology.
In a Star topology, each division’s network is connected to a central device such as a switch.
This ensures that if one link fails, the other divisions remain connected.
Given the distances and layout, the central point can be placed close to the ADMIN division since it is centrally located with shortest average distances to other divisions (60m to SERVICE, 69m to SALES, 84m to PRODUCTION).
The cabling can then run from the switch at ADMIN to all other divisions with separate cables.
This minimizes disruption and allows easy fault detection.
A diagram should show ADMIN at the center connected directly to SALES, PRODUCTION, and SERVICE.
(ii) Type of network for Hyderabad–USA connection:
The Hyderabad branch and the USA head office are geographically distant and located in different countries.
To connect two offices over such large distances, a Wide Area Network (WAN) is required.
A WAN connects computers or networks across cities, countries, or even continents using leased lines, satellite links, or the internet.
A LAN is limited to a single building or campus, while a MAN covers a city, but only a WAN can cover countries.
Hence, the Hyderabad office and USA HQ will use a WAN for secure, reliable communication.
(iii) Suitable division for server placement:
The best division to place the main server is PRODUCTION.
This is because PRODUCTION has the highest number of computers (120) and likely the highest network load.
Placing the server close to the largest number of users reduces network latency and traffic congestion.
It ensures faster access for users doing frequent data transfers, backups, or project work.
Moreover, centralizing the server in the division with the maximum demand improves overall network efficiency.
(iv) Suitable placement of Switch/Hub:
The Switch or Hub should be placed in the ADMIN division for optimal connectivity.
The ADMIN division is the most central point in the layout based on the given distances to other divisions.
By placing the switch here, cable lengths to other divisions are minimized, which reduces cost and signal loss.
A centrally placed switch also simplifies management, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
It provides an efficient connection point for all divisions with minimal cabling.
(v) Placement of Repeater with justification:
A repeater is needed when the cable length between two points exceeds the maximum cable length supported without signal degradation.
The maximum segment length for twisted pair Ethernet is about 100 meters.
In the given layout, the longest distance is between SALES and SERVICE at 135 meters.
Therefore, a repeater should be placed between SALES and SERVICE to boost the signal over the long distance.
The repeater should be installed approximately halfway between the two divisions to amplify the signal effectively.
This ensures clear and uninterrupted data transfer without loss or errors due to signal weakening.