IDNP:Part 2
NTC/362
06/29/2015

Importance of Communication Protocols Communications protocols are a very important communication capability. Communications protocols allow two systems or more to communicate effectively and to pass data over a network and between different communication devices. Communication protocols allows for the process of breaking data down into tiny packets that are the encrypted and signed by the sending device. Each of these packets are sent individually to cut down on errors. If any errors occur, instead of resending the whole line of data it is only necessary to send that specific packet to complete the transfer. Communications protocols also allow you to have secure and private communications when transferring data. Each packet we previously discussed has a header imbedded in its data that signifies where it is going. It will then only open on the device it has been addressed to. Also if someone were to intercept one of your packages it is still not the whole transfer since all the data is sent separately in smaller packages and they wouldn’t receive the full data transfer. There are many different kinds of protocols that govern how computers interact with each other through the internet and govern how they communicate most effectively. Common communication protocols include everything from how the data is secure to how the packets are structured and sent.
Identifying Protocols/Network Architecture The links of communication and how they will be realized for Kudler Fine Foods will follow standard procedure for any company invested in keeping current technological infrastructure and database keeping at the forefront. Kudler’s line of communications will run over a dedicated leased T1 line over existing copper fiber pairs between each store and will be arraigned in a star topology with the La Jolla Store being the central hub of communications. A star topology consists of linking each stores internal network to a central hub. This is very advantageous for network stability reasons. This ensures that if one line goes down then the whole system can still function until the line is repaired. These lines will provide a 1.54 Mbs that will have the ability of multiplexing between each store. Utilizing this T1 line rather than a T3 will save on cost but still allow us further expansion on the network architecture in the future. Kudler will also be utilizing VOIP (voice over internet protocol) for their telephone needs. VOIP will allow Kudler to maximize its bandwidth usage and keep costs relatively lower costs than normal copper telephone lines since they do not use as much bandwidth.
Traffic Analysis Traffic analysis is the process of gathering information from messages to develop a system wherein you can ascertain information in communication patterns over the network. Imagine the network as a vast road system. This road system is guided by stops and start points or traffic lights. These traffic lights control the flow of traffic and keeps congestion on the roadways to a minimum. Now if construction were to occur the civil engineers could decide to either close that road way or divert traffic from it. Mush like traffic analysis for a network it is the system architect to determine what is needed and what is not to have the desired functions achieved on the network. When we do this we can allow multiple channels to be opened or closed depending on priority and trying to relieve congestion of data. “For example, voice over IP applications have special requirements and need a different priority queue. Also, any business-critical application like order processing would take priority over basic internet usage” (Horton).
Latency/Response Time/Jitter Latency refers to the amount of time a packet takes to reach its destination after transmittal. If it is taking a long time for packets to reach their destination it might signify something wrong in the transmittal of the packets and possibly packet errors. Having to constantly resend these packets could cause a network slow down because of the latency which is not a desired outcome in a large business handling millions of packets per minute. Response time according to the business dictionary is “the interval between user-command and the receipt of an action, result, or feedback from the system” (BusinessDictionary). Obviously the quicker response time the better response the system has to requests for data and this allows users to get quick and fast inquiries, customer orders, etc. out of the system. Jitter is caused by network congestion. It is commonly referenced to as pulses or disturbances in the network.
Data Rates/ Network Availability Data Rates need to be controlled by the network administrator to prioritize and section or certain portions of network bandwidth to cover day to day operations. If data rates aren’t maintained and portioned congestion can occur which can cause latency and an overall bad user and customer experience. Higher data rates will guarantee the most effective use of the network without having to worry about to many problems with functionality. There are many more factors in making sure that a network remain available to the user. To ensure that network availability in switched and routed networks remains constant the most important factors to consider would be considering network topology, redundant or backup systems and servers, priority channels on the network, and trouble ticket systems.

References
Horton, L. (n.d.). Understanding network traffic flow analysis. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://searchenterprisewan.techtarget.com/tip/Understanding-network-traffic-flow-analysis

What is response time? definition and meaning. (n.d.). Retrieved July 1, 2015, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/response-time.html