Term 2, 2011 Week 3

CONTENTS The physical design of a network Network diagrams People who develop and support networks Developing a network Supporting a network – Network administrator – Network support technician – Help-desk support – Website developer – Procedures to support networks Questions

Takes into account the hardware and software needed to provide the solution. One way to represent the physical design of a network is to draw a network diagram.

Networks in medium to large organisations can become very complex (servers, computers, workstations are often spread widely over the premises). Technical support need a way to represent both the network and all of its different pathways that provide an overview of the connections and allow them to identify and locate equipment. Network diagrams use straight lines that represent cables, and icons that represent communications devices. Physical buildings are not important in a network diagram, but it is necessary to define work areas (i.e. teams).

It is essential that networks are designed to meet all users’ needs. If these needs aren’t being met by the existing system, a new network may be established, or a significant change to the existing network implemented. A systems analyst will be responsible for designing a system. Once the network is established, a number of personnel are required to ensure it runs correctly and perform necessary updates.

A system analyst analyses the requirements of an organisation and its users, and designs and develops new or improved information systems. A system/network programmer will install and maintain software on the network, while technical specialists install and configure the communications devices, network hardware and communications channels.

After a network has been installed, a number of professional people are required for support and maintenance tasks.

Network administrator Responsible for ensuring the network runs efficiently and meets users’ needs. Installs, configures and maintains LANs, WANs, wireless networks, intranets and Internet systems. Identify and resolve connectivity issues. Responsibilities include operational, administrative, maintenance and development tasks.

Operational duties focus on making sure that the network is performing efficiently, correcting any problems and errors as they arise. Involves regular monitoring of network speeds and identification of problems with accessing resources. Administrative tasks include keeping track of components and resources on the network and how they are assigned, as well as setting up of users’ accounts and assigning users’ access rights. Also includes general activities such as data and file backups. Maintenance duties relate to any repairs and upgrades that are needed (i.e. replacing faulty devices, upgrading software, fixing a cable etc.). Development tasks include configuring the network to perform a new function or adding a new feature to the network (e.g. moving from a physical server to a virtual server for some tasks).

Network support technician Provides technical help and assistance to network users to enable them to effectively use the network. Works closely with the network administrator and assists with their duties. Also works closely with network users to help them perform maintenance on devices.

Help-desk support Often established by large networks. Requests for advice or assistance from network users are received by the help desk operator in the form of s or phone calls. Often the help-desk operator can remote into the user’s computer to help them resolve the issue by configuring the device.

Website developer Used by organisations with a website. Responsible for analysing the organisation’s need and designing and implementing suitable webpages to meet those needs. The webpages require continuous monitoring.

Procedures to support networks A procedures manual is a document prepared by the network administrator that outline the steps required to operate, administer, maintain and develop the network. Used by the people who support the network to assist them with performing necessary system maintenance. The manual includes a description of the techniques required for each procedure, and a listing of configurations for various devices and software used on the network.

Questions What are the four major roles of a network administrator? What tasks are performed by a help-desk operator? Identify who would complete the following tasks; – Determining why a user is not able to send or receive s. – Updating software on a user’s computer. – Determining whether to upgrade all users to a new network operating system. Why do you think company websites need continuous monitoring? Check the mock up network diagram. Suggest what network this would be (home, small office etc.) and indicate how this could be improved. Create your own mock up network diagrams in Visio. Create one for a home network (yours if that’s available), small office and large organisation. Write a paragraph on each explaining how it all works.