|  | 8.1 | Basic Network Design and Documentation
| 8.1.2 | Network design issues

In order for a LAN to be effective and serve the needs of its users, it should be implemented according to a systematic series of planned steps. While you are learning about the design process, and creating your own designs, you should use your engineering journal extensively.

Your first step in the process is to gather information about the organization. This information should include:

1. organization's history and current status
2. projected growth
3. operating policies and management procedures
4. office systems and procedures
5. viewpoints of the people who will be using the LAN

Hopefully, this step will also help you identify and define any issues or problems that need to be addressed (e.g. you may find that a remote room in the building may not have network access.)

The second step is to make a detailed analysis and assessment of the current and projected requirements of those people who will be using the network.

The third step is to identify the resources and constraints of the organization. Organization resources that can affect the implementation of a new LAN system fall into two main categories - computer hardware and software resources, and human resources. You must document an organization's existing computer hardware and software, and identify and define its projected hardware and software needs. The answers to some of these questions will also help you determine how much training will be required, and how many people will be needed to support the LAN. The questions you ask should include:

1. What financial resources does the organization have available?
2. How are these resources currently linked and shared?
3. How many people will be using the network?
4. What are the computer skill levels of the network users?
5. What are their attitudes toward computers and computer applications?

Following these steps, and documenting the information in the framework of a formal report, will help you estimate costs and develop a budget for the implementation of a LAN.

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