The network
The current network comprising of category 5 cable could essentially be enhanced through technical upgrading of the infrastructure. Through the installation of a different cable quality, the entire system could become upgraded and increase the network speed. The system upgrade could include replacing the current cables with enhanced versions of network cables.
Category 5 cable connections utilize a single pair of wires for carrying signals through the entire network. The availability of a single pair of cable would immensely enhance upgrading to the category 6A cable connection (Gast, 2005). This upgraded connection requires four twisted pairs of cable wires carrying the essential signals in the system. Intended upgrade would involve installation of three pairs to create the required four by the category 6A cable connection.
Problems
The category 5 cable connections have a limitation of the distance that can be covered. When expansion becomes necessary, repeaters can essentially be used to increase the length of the connection and network. These connection points however, become the weak points through which information can be lost (Breyer, 1999).
Necessity arises to reduce the number of repeaters utilized within a network as a way of ensuring safety of the signals transmitted. By using the category 5 cable connection, the use of repeaters remains a fundamental application, because the maximum length for a cable is a hundred meters. Connections therefore, and as a result of this limitation remain imminent within the category 5 cable connections owing to this limitation.
Solutions
The bridging technique works efficiently in reducing the limitations present within the category networking systems. Bridging allows for the confinement of information in a single network, and in turn significantly reduces the effects of creating joints using repeaters within the network.
The technique does not disseminate information by categorizing the sources; it instead combines all information contained into a single network. The technique connects several network segments into a single channel of transmitting information. The technique could be applied with upgraded networking systems. The length of the network could be enhanced through the utilization of fiber optic technology. This could essentially be increased up to any desired length while increasing the speed of information transmission.
Category 6A cable allows for high frequency performance using the noise reduction capability presented by the insulation. Using the category 6A cables could increase the speed of network significantly. However, the thickness of the cables utilized could involve implementing numerous changes in the infrastructure.
Several connectors cannot require unique modular pieces when fitting into category 6A cable connections (Gast, 2005), as this could significantly increase the costs involved in upgrading the network cabling. The category 6A cables have the capability to run high frequency at lengths surpassing 100 meters. This category of cables possesses the ability to carry a frequency of up-to 500 MHz – more than four times the capability the current category 5 cables.
Enhancement into high frequency network would involve addition of three extra cable pairs. This would upgrade the network into a 1000BASE-T connection. This method of upgrading would involve little amendments into the current infrastructure while enhancing performance (Breyer, 1999).
The costs involved in such an upgrade would be significantly low hence, this would be a cost effective way of ensuring improved performance. Installation of a new infrastructure system would also have significant impacts on budgetary allocation of the company.
References
Breyer, R. (1999). Switched, fast, and gigabit Ethernet. London: MacMillan Technical Publishers.
Gast, M. (2005). 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide 2nd edition. Sebastopol: O’Reilly Media.