Old-Tech Corporation has 10 computers in its main office area, which is networked in a star topology using 10 Mbps Ethernet hubs, and wants to add five computers in the manufacturing area.
One problem with the existing network is data throughput. Large files are transferred across the network regularly, and the transfers take quite a while. In addition, when two or more computers are transferring large files, the network becomes unbearably slow for users.
Adding the manufacturing computers will only make this problem worse and result in another problem. Because the ceiling is more than 30 feet high, there is no easy way to run cables to computers, and providing a secure pathway for cables is next to impossible. Devise a solution to this company's networking problems. As part of your solution, answer the following questions:
1. What changes in equipment are required to bring this company's network up to date to solve the shared-bandwidth problem?
2. What topology and which type of device can be used in the manufacturing area to solve the cabling difficulties?