What factors should be considered when selecting a LAN architecture?

The following factors should be considered when selecting a LAN architecture:

• Cost - How much is available in the budget and what quantifiable benefits will the LAN provide?
• Reliability - How dependent is the organization�s operations on the LAN?
• Speed - How many concurrent users and how critical is response time?
• Size - How many computers will be connected and what is the overall distance between them?
• Security - How important is secure communications to the network?
• Growth - What are the organization�s plans for growth?
• Administration - How will the LAN be administered? Who will assume what responsibilities?