Appendix A: Physical Considerations

Appendix A: Physical Considerations

Topology

At one time, installing a data communication system meant either running twisted pair from terminals to a nearby computer or connecting equipment to distant points via modems. In both cases, a small amount of wiring was involved. In the former case, a few hundred feet of wire was run on the floor or stapled to the wall. In the latter case, a few feet of cable connected to the modem, after which the details of data transmission were the telephone company?s problem.

With the advent of local area networks, computer equipment manufacturers and their customers are finding themselves in the data transmission business, probably to a greater extent than they desire. This appendix is intended as a guide to some of the issues that must be considered in planning and installing a local area network. It is not the intent of this appendix to be a complete installation guide for the major types of local area networks. Rather, it is hoped that a discussion of physical factors will protect the reader from unforeseen surprises once installation is underway.

Topologies were discussed extensively in Chapter 7 , but some of their physical properties need to be reviewed here, as the topology of a local area network has an influence on the problems which may be encountered during installation. The physical factors of various topologies are reviewed below:

Star-wired Networks

Star-wired networks include local area networks with a central controller, token ring networks that utilize wire...

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Local Area Networks: An Introduction to the Technology

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Appendix A: Physical Considerations

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