Bead Bar Network

Bead Bar Network

The Bead Bar is a growing enterprise that is seeking a greater level of operations through their network. They need a network design that will allow them to branch out and be more effective in their day-to-day transactions. So now, I have to look at the different components that exist in their system, transmission types, software, topologies, architecture, and pro and cons of the recommended network.

Bead Bar is a company that allows customers to design their own jewelry, with the use of beads, strings, and wires. The Bead Bar has three different divisions, six studios in several different states across the United States. They also issue supplies to five franchises; they supply anyone who needs supplies. They also have Bead Bar on Board that is designed for cruise ships. Studios division manages all the other studios and the original one. It can be very trying to keep up with seven organizations on paper. So many hindrances come from them not having a network. The Bead Bar is limiting its potential as a competitor and its growth as a company

Bead Bar has kept up with all inventory, employees, and finances on paper- based forms. Due to the growth in the company, paper is not working anymore. It is inefficient and causing problems like lost orders, incorrect invoicing, and fulfillment delays. Problems of this nature will only diminish their reputation and cause business to decrease.

A network would allow Bead Bar to be global, quicker, organized, and more efficient. It would make each studio accessible for information from each individual studio. It would help to keep a better track on the amount of inventory coming in and out of each studio. The network would be able to separates the customers, inventory, and monies acquired from each franchise. A Computer networks will make it less likely for the previous problem to occur again. It would put the worth and effectiveness of each division in perspective.

The development of a network and the additions of computers are much needed in order for Bead Bar to reach its greatest potential. The Bead Bar already has purchased 14 personal computers, two notebooks, printers, and zip drives. The personal computers are equipped with Microsoft Windows XP as its operating system and different software for each individual. The Bead Bar has also selected Oracle 9i database to be the best program to meet the current and future needs of the Bead Bar. Oracle 9i Database provides efficient, reliable, secure data management for high-end applications such as high-volume on-line transaction processing environments, query-intensive data warehouses, and demanding Internet applications (Oracle Corp. 2008). Oracle 9i is also great for companies that have multiple studios. The Oracle is a distributed database that has to be used with a network or a telecommunication system.

There were many concerns about the physical and logical setup of the network expressed by the employees. All requirements of the system must be discussed before a valid decision on the topology or architecture can be made. The managers of the Bead Bar were most concerned or interested in the unsightly appearance of a wired network. They also, desire the studios to be interconnected with each other and headquarters. The managers would like an easier way to send and receive designs and need to be able to have access to the corporate office from anywhere. Bead Bar needs a quicker way to receive financial data, but is concerned about the cost of connecting all sites through a network. They would like the ability to electronically receive sales data and send marketing material. Management wants to reduce paperwork and speed up processing of requests. Sending and receiving employee forms electronically is another of their concerns. The Bead Bar wants all its needs met and needs for the system to be cost effective for them at the same time.

Networks, data communication hardware, protocols, network software, and Telecommunication services must be considered when designing the architecture and choosing the best topology for a network. The way information will be transmitted is essential as well. The mesh topology seems to be the best network topology for the Bead Bar. The network architecture is best suited by client/server architecture. Considering all needs that have to be met, these are the best options for the Bead Bar network.

A mesh topology is a type of network setup where each of the computers and network devices are interconnected with one another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the connections go down (Computer Hope 1998-2008). I recommend the mesh topology because it enables all computers to be interconnected as management requested. The mesh topology is designed to operate on a wireless network, which allows the Bead Bar to be able to access their network from anywhere. It is designed to work even when some parts are not working properly. Data can be routed to individual systems as well as all others. Data can be distributed and shared across the network.

Mesh networks are self-healing, the network can still operate even when a node breaks down or a connection goes bad (Wikipedia, 2008). As a result, a very reliable network is formed. The other topology are not do not fit or meet all requirements for the Bead Bar. It is not possible to link all computers