ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the technologies that contribute to local area network (LAN) reliability and availability. By applying them, data center managers can ensure that their networks enhance company productivity, not detract from it. To improve the reliability of a ring network, the data center manager can add redundant links between nodes and bypass circuitry in the nodes. A LAN's reliability is a measure of its capacity to operate despite failures in communications links and equipment. Star topologies score high in LAN reliability. To improve the reliability of a ring network, the data center manager can add redundant links between nodes and bypass circuitry in the nodes. Availability is measure of a LAN's capacity to support all users who wish to access it. Availability on a bus network depends on its load, length, and access control protocol. Ring availability is lower than a mesh network's because each node on a ring must wait to receive permission before transmitting data.
