Question

Discuss the IT-related challenges you face at the AIT Computer-Lab(s), giving reasons for the challenges and how the challenges could be resolved. In addition, discuss the topology and architecture used in the lab(s).

Answer 1

:: Solution ::

The various IT related challenges faced at the computer labs and their reasons as well as the solutions are as follow:
1) Poor Computer Hardware: The computers in the labs are generally not very good as seen from the hardwares point of view. The Keyboards, mouse, etc have their keys coming out and on pressing the mouse keys, they are not even being pressed. The possible reason of this problem could be the low maintenance and look after the computers. All the hardwares must be bought of good and leading companies and also must be looked after with utmost care.
2) Software Issues: This is the second major problem which is often seen with the computers in the computer labs. The softwares in these computers are not updated timely and thus, maximum are having an older versions. The functioning of these older softwares is quite slow and hanging a lot of times. The softwares must be updated to latest versions for fluent functioning.
3) Low specifications computers: The computers in the labs generally have a lower end processors as well as quite a less RAM installed and thus have a severe issue of very less speed. The reason for this could be the limited funds for the labs or the amount of corruption is quite more. The solution to this could be the proper utilisation of funds as well as purchasing the computers with a bit decent and lag free performance.
4) Problem of Viruses: The computers of the labs are connected with internet all the time and moreover do not have an antivirus installed generally. So, Viruses targets these computers and ultimately they are prone to information leakage or software corrupts.The solution could be installing proper antivirus programs and updating it regularly to latest virus definitions.
5) Severe network issues at times: The network quality generally degrades when all the computers are functioning and using the network in the labs. The reason could be the poor quality of LAN cables or the routers. They must be replaced with the ones having good range and quality.

Generally, in the computer labs, the Bus Topology is being used, and sometimes a star one is also used. In the Bus Topology we have a serial channel with server being at one end and all the nodes are connected to this channel. All the nodes are connected to a single cable only, also called backbone. It requires a less cable as compared to star topology, and is also a bit faster. Although Troubleshooting is quite tough in this topology. And if the main cable gets damaged then either the network fails or it splits into 2 parts. So generally bus topology is only used here.

Now, let us talk about the architecture as well. Since the computer labs are very limited area wise, so generally a LAN architecture is preferred as the distance between the coputers or the nodes is quite less.

Hope it helps.....