Article Abstract:
The accounting firm Arthur Young is installing local area networks (LANs) in their individual UK offices for administrative support, to allow access to the London office's IBM mainframe, and to allow access to electronic mail. Two methods of data transmission over LANs are Time Division multiplexers (TDM) and Statistical multiplexers (Stat-Mux). Arthur Young opted for Stat-Mux, which is based on the assumption that users do not all access the computer at the same time. Circuits are utilized by demand and not individual ownership. Stat-Mux has advantages such as it requires one-third to one-fourth the circuits required by TDM, but a central disadvantage is that there are delays in getting into the system.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The differences between multi-user computer systems and local area networks are described, with advantages and disadvantages of each discussed. Other topics covered include: choosing a network; selecting a supplier; and security. Conclusions include: it is better to select a major company when choosing a supplier for network software; an 80286 or 80386 file server should be used; and workstations should be 80286 with 10MHz bus speed.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Local area networks (LANs) are an ideal solution to the informations systems needs of many small accounting partnerships. The advantages to a LAN in providing shared access to a central data source include: simplification of data security through the use of system backup tapes; ease of access from multiple workstations; and flexibility to update the system with new technology.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: