Case Study

Case Study: Small Office Network Upgrade

Scenario: A small office has decided to upgrade its network. They currently have 10 computers connected to a single hub, and they're experiencing slow network performance. They want to improve their local network and add a connection to a branch office.

Part 1: Replacing the Hub with a Switch

Current setup (with hub):

10 computers connected to a 100 Mbps hub

When Computer A sends data to Computer B, all computers receive the data

Only one computer can send data at a time (half-duplex)

Upgraded setup (with switch):

10 computers connected to a 100 Mbps switch

When Computer A sends data to Computer B, only Computer B receives the data

Multiple pairs of computers can communicate simultaneously (full-duplex)

Results:

Reduced unnecessary traffic: Only the intended recipient gets the data.

Increased throughput: Multiple simultaneous communications are possible.

Improved security: Devices don't see traffic not intended for them.

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Part 2: Adding a Router for Inter-office Communication

The office now wants to connect to their branch office. They add a router to their network.

Setup:

Main Office Network: 192.168.1.0/24

Branch Office Network: 192.168.2.0/24

Router has two interfaces:

Interface A: 192.168.1.1 (connected to main office switch)

Interface B: 192.168.2.1 (connected to branch office network)

Routing Process:

Computer A (192.168.1.10) in the main office wants to send data to Computer B (192.168.2.20) in the branch office.

Computer A sends the packet to its default gateway (the router's Interface A: 192.168.1.1).

The router receives the packet and checks the destination IP (192.168.2.20).

The router consults its routing table:

192.168.1.0/24 is connected to Interface A

192.168.2.0/24 is connected to Interface B

The router determines that the destination IP (192.168.2.20) matches the network on Interface B.

The router forwards the packet out through Interface B towards the branch office.

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