Case 3 -a

CASE 3

A. The Company has received bids from different network service providers to install: 1.) a

Token Ring Network; 2.) a traditional shared Ethernet 10 Base-T network; 3.) a switched

Ethernet 10Base-T network; and 4.) a wireless Ethernet network. What factors must be

considered in the evaluation? Make appropriate recommendations.

Answer:

A network service provider is a business or organization that sells bandwidth or network access by providing direct backbone access to the Internet and usually access to its network access points. For such a reason, network service providers are sometimes referred to as backbone providers or internet providers.

Network service providers may consist of telecommunications companies, data carriers, wireless communications providers, Internet service providers, and cable television operators offering high-speed Internet access. Here some factors that may considered for selecting network service provider are as follows:

* Speed. If all you want to do is check e-mail and read web pages, a dial-up connection may be enough. But most people also want to download music or television shows or watch videos. For these, you will need a faster connection with broadband access, such as a digital subscriber line (DSL), a cable modem, or satellite

* Availability. For dial-up service, is there a local phone number for access?

* Wireless access. Can you get a wireless connection for other computers in your campus?

* Software. Is there any software required to activate the service? How do you get it? What is the capacity of the software? Can you use whatever browser or e-mail program you'd like?

* Support. Are there any additional charges for support?

* Special Features. What services are provided in terms of spam blocking, virus protection, instant messaging and chat rooms?

* Terms of Service. Is there a limit to the number of hours per month you can use the service?

* Cost. Are there any...