Network design and development services design network topologies and ensure that all network devices can communicate with one another. The network topology defines the shape of a local area network (LAN) and the links between nodes such as personal computers (PC), network printers, and network appliances. Customer specifications and application requirements help determine whether network design and development services recommend a centralized, decentralized, or hybrid topology. Many LANs are shaped like a star, tree, ring, mesh, or bus. Star networks use a central hub, switch or server to route or transmit packets of data. Tree networks are similar to star networks, but are less dependent upon a central node. Ring networks connect network devices in a circular pattern, sending packets around the ring to their final destination. Mesh networks ensure reliable communications by avoiding blocked paths and moving data from node to node until a connection can be established. Bus networks connect networked devices to a main cable or link. If one node fails, the other nodes can continue to operate.

Network design and development services select and install structural cabling and zone cabling for a variety of voice, video, data, zone and wireless communication applications. The selection of copper wire or fiber optic cable is an important consideration. A low-cost copper backbone is suitable for short-distance, low-bandwidth applications. By contrast, a fiber optic backbone is designed for high-bandwidth applications that need to span great distances with low data losses. Depending on the customer’s requirements, network design and development services may recommend the installation of single-mode or multi-mode fiber optic cable; patch, trunk, pigtail, and splitter cables; or bend-insensitive products. Some network design and development services specialize in Internet Protocol (IP) communications such as voice over IP (VoIP), IP telephony, and unified communications. Others manage wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks, determining the appropriate radio frequency (RF), channel and access point locations. Network design and development services that design paging systems and closed circuit television (CCTV) are also available.