Question

Physically set up a bus topology in the medium company's main office and remote offices, detailing the equipment and configuration required.

Answer 1

1. Main Office Setup:

   • Equipment Required:

     • Ethernet cables (for the backbone)
     • Ethernet switches (optional, for connecting multiple devices to the backbone)
     • Network Interface Cards (NICs) for each device (computers, printers, etc.)

   • Configuration:

     • Install a single Ethernet cable as the backbone, running along the corridor or main pathway where most of the office's devices are located.
     • Connect each device (computers, printers, etc.) to the backbone using Ethernet cables.
     • Optionally, if there are multiple devices in a particular area, you can install Ethernet switches to connect them to the backbone efficiently.
     • Configure each device with a unique IP address within the same subnet for communication.
     • Set up a DHCP server to dynamically assign IP addresses to devices if necessary.
     • Install network monitoring software to keep track of network performance and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

2. Remote Offices Setup:

   • Equipment Required:

     • Similar to the main office setup, Ethernet cables and NICs for each device.
     • VPN (Virtual Private Network) routers or software for secure communication between the main office and remote offices.
     • Internet connection for each remote office.

   • Configuration:

     • Install a similar bus network setup in each remote office, with a backbone cable running through the main area.
     • Connect devices in the remote offices to the backbone using Ethernet cables.
     • Set up VPN connections between the main office and remote offices to ensure secure communication over the internet.
     • Configure routing tables on the routers to direct traffic between the main office and remote offices.
     • Use firewall software or hardware at each location to protect the network from unauthorized access.
     • Test the connections to ensure reliable communication between the main office and remote offices.

By setting up a bus topology in the main office and remote offices of the medium-sized company, you can establish a simple yet effective network infrastructure that allows for communication between all devices while keeping costs relatively low. The use of VPN connections ensures secure communication between the main office and remote offices, enabling employees to work efficiently from any location.