Networking System for the Computer Components of the United States Marine Corps Financial Management School

摘要

The purpose of this study was to identify the networking requirements of the Marine Corps Financial Management School, and then propose a suitable networking system. The study followed a logical path of overviewing the School's situation, determining the needs and requirements of a networking system, and then finding a suitable solution. The Financial Management School (FMS) has 240 Zenith Z-248 microcomputers, of which 201 have a need to be networked into seven distinct Local Area Networks (LANs). The seven distinct LANs consist of six classrooms with 31 microcomputers, and one backup classroom with 15 microcomputers. The FMS's classroom situation was found to be unique among DoD schools, and public universities. The needs of a networking system as provided by the FMS director, and the detailed requirements provided by DoD regulations were extensive. The DoD regulations, although outdated, are still applicable, and provide specific and verifiable security requirements to be adhered to. A shortage of detailed data prevented a single LAN system solution from being found. Conclusions were made on key LAN system components that would work at the FMS. Specifically, a shielded wire media (not fiber optic cable) should be used, a star wired ring topology would best serve the LAN, and Advanced Net Ware/286, SFT Net Ware, or VINES software would all meet the FMS software needs. (Theses)