Designing Ethernet Networks

The target of designing networks is to maximize reliability although minimizing cost. These are commonly conflicting goals and therefore tradeoffs must be made. The user can try to follow the given guidelines:

1. For all desktop connections use twisted pair connections. This is cost effective and gives a simple way to troubleshoot problems
2. Build networks like in which wherever possible servers and clients are on the similar network
3. Use routers to build enterprise networks. A Router are more effectual at isolating and controlling traffic between networks. Use bridges to separate traffic inside a network
4. Adopt the SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) as a management standard and only purchase equipment supporting which standard
5. It is wise to purchase machines within an AUI interface and then use transceivers to connect the machine to whatever media you have

Ensure  and  follow  the  design  limitations  for  every  media  categories  which  is  being  used  before  designing networks. An ethernet standard is conservative through nature and the user should strictly adhere to the standards.

Frequently referred to as "Thicknet," 10Base5 technology was the first incarnation of Ethernet. That was used in the 1980s until 10Base2 "Thinnet" along with more flexible cabling appeared. At five millimeters, Thinnet is one-half the thickness of Thicknet. The mainly common form of traditional Ethernet, thus, is 10Base-T due to the inherent benefits of unshielded twisted pair (UTP) over coaxial cabling and its low cost compared to alternatives such as fiber.

The given table lists these well-known forms of Ethernet technology. Besides the category of cable included, another important factor in Ethernet networking is the segment length. A single uninterrupted network cable could only span a certain physical distance before its electrical characteristics are critically affected through factors like as line noise or decrease signal strength.

Name                      Segment Length (Max.)                     Cable

10Base5                    500m / 1640ft.                            RG-8 or RG-11 coaxial

10Base2                    185m / 606ft.                             RG 58 A/U or RG 58 C/U coaxial

10Base-T                   100m / 328ft.                        Category 3 or better unshielded twisted pair

Table

Various other less well-known Ethernet standards exist, involving 10Base-FB, 10Base-FL, and 10Base-FP for fiber optic networks and 10Broad36 for broadband (CATV) cabling.