1

Name
Tony Starks
Steve Rogers
Bruce Banners

Job
Helpdesk technician
IT assistant
Support technician

Date
27/08 10:00 am
28/08 10:00 am
29/08 10:00 am

Computer workgroups need to be scalable. Scalability is

the ease at which a network system can be expanded or
upgraded should the need arise. As a rule, all computer
workgroup networks should:
Support growth in the number of users for the foreseeable
life of the technology
Allow for increase in data traffic and storage needs as the
network grows
Be flexible to allow for the incorporation of new
technologies as they emerge
When new workgroups established, it is important to
conduct and audit on the needs of the network users to find out
what resources they need to access. This process will then
inform your decision on that and with whom resources should
be shared. In general, there are some basic areas and
resources need to be shared.
Hardware peripherals - Printers and scanners
Data - Customer lists, Databases of sales information
Services - Such as email
Other computers - Both desktop and laptop computers
Personal digital assistants and smart phones
Equipment requirement
For a computer workgroup to be established, certain
equipment must be used. As a rule, all workgroup networks
should have computers that want to share resources on the
network, along with:

Computers equipped with network cards

It is an expansion card that enables a computer to connect

to a network; such as a home network, or the Internet using an
Ethernet cable with an RJ-45 connector.
Ethernet hub
A common connection point for devices in a network, hubs
are commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. A hub
contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it is
copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can
see all packets.

Ethernet cables
Alternatively referred to as a cord, connector or plug, a cable
is one or more wires covered in a plastic covering that connects
a computer to a power source or other device. The picture is an
example of what the power cord may look like for your
computer or monitor. The power cord is just one example of
millions of other cables found in and around computers.
Benefit of computer network
File Sharing: Networks offer a quick and easy way to share
files directly. Instead of using a disk or USB key to carry files
from one computer or office to another, you can share files
directly using a network.
Software Cost and Management: Many popular software
products are available for networks at a substantial savings in
comparison to buying individually licensed copied for all of your
computers. You can also load software on only the file server
which saves time compared to installing and tracking files on
independent computers. Upgrades are also easier because
changes only have to be done once on the file server instead of
on individual workstations.
Security: Specific directories can be password protected to
limit access to authorized users. Also, files and programs on a
network can be designated as "copy inhibit" so you dont have
to worry about the illegal copying of programs.
Resource Sharing: All computers in the network can share
resources such as printers, fax machines, modems, and
scanners.

Communication: Even outside of the internet, those on the

network can communicate with each other via electronic mail
over the network system. When connected to the internet,
network users can communicate with people around the world
via the network.
Flexible Access: Networks allow their users to access files
from computers throughout the network. This means that a
user can begin work on a project on one computer and finish up
on another. Multiple users can also collaborate on the same
project through the network.
Workgroup Computing: Workgroup software like Microsoft
BackOffice enables many users to contribute to a document
concurrently. This allows for interactive teamwork.

Network diagram
Workgroup network diagrams can be used to keep track of
computers and peripherals in a network. They are typically used
when several routers are required, a large number of computers
are in use in one workgroup if a number of workgroups are
working alongside each other. When this is the case, the
network diagram can be used to:
Identify the relationship between computers
Identify where peripherals are attached
Establish the security required for peripherals to be
assessed
One of the key steps in the process of using and designing
network diagrams is in systematically using consistent symbols
for the network diagram, so that information about components
of the network can be gained accurately from the diagram.
Typically, the larger an organization is, the more important and
the more complex the network diagram becomes. There are
now many different types of software that can be used to assist
in the creation of network diagrams, each giving different levels
of flexibility. Base on the scenario, the network diagram for this
firm should be like this:

Implementation
Timelines for establishing a computer workgroup are
based on a range of factors, and can take anywhere from a few
days through to a number of months, depending on the
complexity of the workgroup being established. Key factors that
can contribute to establishing timeline constraints are:
Organizational policy and procedures, especially in regard
to the approval process for large system changes and
expenditure
The number of people involved in the implementation
phase of the workgroup
The number of computers in the new workgroup
The range of security features and shared resources to be
managed
The availability of IT professionals and technicians for
consultation in designing the preferred workgroup

The availability of IT technicians to assist in installing

specialist aspects of the workgroup.
Network access point
Network access points provide access for one or more
computers or other devices to a computer network. Modems,
routers, bridges and wireless access points are all
subcategories of network access points that provide different
types of access to the network or the Internet. Read on to learn
about how each access point differs in its functionality
Modem
Short for MODulator/DEModulator, the older phone modem has
been almost entirely supplanted by cable or DSL-based
modems in the modern world. These devices provide access to
Wide Area Networks such as the networks of
telecommunications and cable providers. However, modems
are typically only able to provide access to one connected
device at a time.
Router
A router is a device that provides multiple devices access to a
given network. Modern routers usually do so using the Network
Address Translation protocol to effectively assign one Internet
address to multiple devices. Most routers are not capable of
directly interfacing with cable or DSL providers, however, so it
is usually necessary for a modem to be used in concert with the
router.
Bridge
A bridge is a device that allows two or more networks to
connect and communicate simultaneously. It is distinct from a
router in that it does not provide routing capabilities. As such,
bridges are typically used to extend the range of a wired or
wireless network in concert with a router.
Wireless Access Points
Wireless access points are commonly known as Wi-Fi access
points. These access points allow devices supporting a wireless
connection standard to connect to their associated network.
Wireless access points may be separate devices, but are

typically integrated into routers and sometimes into modems to

provide both wired and wireless connection capabilities.
Network access points come in a number of varieties and
are frequently used in combination; e.g., it is possible to connect
to a bridge that connects to a router that finally connects to the
wider Internet via a modem. Understanding which types of
access points provide which types of network services is vital to
correctly configuring and connecting to a home network or the
Internet.

Reference
Workbook
http://www.conceptdraw.com/samples/network-diagram
http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/How-to-set-up-your-smallbusinesscomputernetwork-Essential-Guide
http://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Computer-Network