Abstract It is becoming common place for small businesses to utilize networks for all of their machines.It provides a safe way to connect to the internet as well as share files securely through the network.Although small businesses have limited budgets, this does not mean that a small LAN cannot be put into place and service all their networking needs. Introduction Frank just bought a hardware store and would like to implicate a small network consisting of, 14 PCs, a printer, scanner and fax combo and a cable modem.This document will explore different types of networks and cables and ultimately choose and recommend a network for Frank’s Hardware Store. Cabling Standards In Frank’s hardware store scenario, category 6 (Cat 6) Ethernet cable will be recommended.It is able to handle speeds of 10 GB/s compared to category 5 (Cat 5) cables 1 GB/s speeds.The speed of cat 5 cable would be sufficient for a hardware store application but the cat 6 cable would be able to handle any expansion as well as ip security cameras.Cat 6
