Characteristics of a Network

Every network is characterized by a set of properties or factors that determines the usability of the network. These characteristics may be imposed due to hardware limitations or due to the implementation technique used. The seven major characteristics of a network are described here.

• Speed : Speed or data rate determines the rate at which information is transmitted over a network.
• Cost : Cost indicates the expenses incurred in procuring the hardware, installation and maintenance of the network.
• Security : Security indicated how protected the network is and the data transmitted through it. Security is an important factor and should be given high priority.
• Availability : It is the probability that the network will be available for use when it is required. It is calculated as the percentage of time in an year the network is available to the total time in the year.
• Scalability : It indicates how well the network can accommodate more users and data transmissions requirements. Network should be designed considering the future also.
• Reliability : It indicates the dependability of the components that make up the network, such as the routers, switches and PC's. Reliability is often measured as the mean time between failures or the probability of a failure.
• Topology : Physical topology is the arrangement of cables, network devices and end systems whereas logical topology is the path taken by data through the physical topology.

These characteristics provide a means to compare different networking solutions.