Device

Choosing the devices for a computer laboratory is very important as budget is usually
limited. The chosen devices will be used to build a system which is easy to manage and scale. In
addition, the devices performance also must met the users requirement and ability to adapt
future upgrade. So, research on the devices which available in the market is an important step
before a computer network can be constructed.
A network switch is a small hardware device that joins multiple computers together
within one local area network (LAN). The switch is plug-and-play and able to self-learning
which means administrator does not requires to configure it. A switch also serves as a controller,
enabling networked devices to talk to each other efficiently. The computers in computer
laboratory are connected to the Cisco 3560 series switch. 48 port switch is chosen as 30
workstations are planned to set up in computer laboratory. Enhanced version of switch is chosen
because of the Power over Ethernet (PoE) feature is available. This allows a single cable to
provide both data connection and electrical power to devices such as wireless access points and
PoE allows long cable length which unlike the USB. The specifications for the switch are as
below.

WS-C3560G-48PS-E

48 Ethernet 10/100/1000 ports and 4 SFP-based Gigabit
Ethernet ports
1RU fixed configuration, multilayer switch
Enterprise-class intelligent services delivered to the network
edge
IEEE 802.3af and Cisco prestandard Power over Ethernet
Enhanced Multilayer Software Image (EMI) installed
Advanced IP routing

Cisco wireless access point (Cisco# air-ap1242ag-a-k9) is used in this project. The access
point support PoE function and it can provide users wireless connection within the computer
laboratory.
Cisco# air-ap1242ag-a-k9

Uplink, auto-sensing per device, power over Ethernet
(PoE), BOOTP support
Multipurpose and Lockable Mounting Bracket: Provides
greater flexibility in installation options for site survey
options, as well as theft deterrence.
Supports installation in environmental airspaces such as
areas above suspended ceilings
Metal case and rugged features support deployment in
factories, warehouses, the outdoors (NEMA enclosure
required), and other industrial environments

Cisco 2851 router is chosen for this project. 3 routers was compared during the research
on routers specifications. Table below summaries the features of 3 different routers. Cisco 2851
has all the features listed in the table. The features supported may help in current and also future
requirements.
Platform
4-Port
HWIC
9-Port
HWIC
16-Port
Network
Module
36-
Port
NMD
16-
Port
NME
24-
Port
NME-
X
24-Port +
Cisco
StackWise
NME-XD
48-
Port
NME-
XD
Cisco
2851
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cisco
2821
Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No
Cisco
2691
No No Yes No Yes* No No No

In this project, we choose the Cat6 as our Ethernet cable. Cat 6 is fully backwards
compatible with Cat 5e and Cat6 support higher speed. Cat 5e components (jacks or patch panel)
also can be used with Cat6 cable. Table below summarise the characteristic of CAT6 cable.
Cable Name CAT6
Picture


Speed
10/100/1000MbE, 10GbE (Shorter
Distances or Cat6a Required for
10GbE)
Cost
Varies by length and manufacturer;
generally about 20% higher than
Cat 5e
Frequency Up to 250 MHz
Performance
SNR higher
Maximum Cable Length
100 meters; 10GbE over shorter
distances.
Standard gauges in
conductors
22-24 AWG wire