Week 2: Graded Activity - M199205zn/Datacomm-CS3 GitHub Wiki

Problem Statement:

You are tasked with designing a small-scale network for a university library that supports both client-server and peer-to-peer communication models.

Requirements:

  1. The library has 20 computers divided into:

    • 15 library workstations for student use (connected in a peer-to-peer model for resource sharing).
    • 5 administrative computers that require controlled access to sensitive information via a client-server model.

  2. A centralized server will:

    • Manage shared resources like databases, files, and printers for the administrative computers.
    • Provide secure access for library staff to student records and book inventory systems.

  3. The library workstations should:

    • Share resources like files, media, and printing directly among themselves.
    • Not require centralized authentication to communicate with each other.
    • Be connected in a way that ensures minimal latency when accessing shared resources.

  4. The entire network must allow all computers to access the Internet through a router.

Tasks for Students:

  1. Analyze the Problem:

    • Identify which parts of the library require a peer-to-peer setup and which require a client-server setup.
    • Determine how devices will connect to the network (e.g., switches, routers, and other network peripherals).

  2. Create the Diagram:

    • Use a diagramming tool (e.g., Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or hand-drawn diagrams) to represent the network.
    • Your diagram should include:
      • All 20 computers, categorized into workstations (peer-to-peer) and administrative systems (client-server).
      • A server and its connection to the administrative computers.
      • A router for Internet connectivity.
      • Network peripherals like switches for connecting the devices.

  3. Label and Annotate:

    • Clearly label each part of the diagram (e.g., workstation, admin computer, server, router, etc.).
    • Use arrows to show the flow of communication between devices in both models.
    • Highlight how the network handles requests differently in the peer-to-peer and client-server sections.