Strategic Choices for Data Communications Systems [microform] / Robert G. Arns and Patricia A. Urban

Issues and strategies for developing a campus data communications system are discussed. It is suggested that individual microcomputer (MC) workstations will occasionally have a need for (1) access, via a data communications network, to a more powerful processor; (2) specialized software; (3) sophisticated output devices; (4) central data sets; or (5) communication with other work stations or with remote networks. This aspect of campus computing, the development of a local area network (LAN) to tie MCs to each other and to other computing resources, requires a number of choices about what form the LAN will take and how to bring it about. Attention is directed to network design considerations, network classifications, network topology (geometric pattern formed by the physical components of the network), network access, switching technologies, network protocols, data security and organizational development, implementation choices, and integrated voice and data communications. It is suggested that replacement of a telephone communication system with an integrated, high performance data and voice communication system provides an occasion for establishment of campus data communications capability. (Author/SW)