School Library Network Design: Infrastructure, Topology, and Floor Plan Development

Abstract

Modern school libraries increasingly rely on digital technologies to support services such as internet access, database management, RFID-based book tracking, printer sharing, and public access terminals. To ensure the efficient delivery of these services, a reliable and scalable network infrastructure is essential. This study proposes the design and simulation of a Local Area Network (LAN) for a school library using Star Topology. The primary objective of the study is to develop a network design that supports library operations while ensuring functionality, scalability, security, and ease of maintenance.
The proposed network consists of computers, a database server, printer, router, switch, access point, and RFID reader interconnected through a central switch. Cisco Packet Tracer was utilized to simulate the network and evaluate the connectivity and communication among network devices, while SweetHome 3D was used to develop the library floor plan and determine the optimal placement of network components. The design process included network requirement analysis, topology selection, and floor plan development
Results of the simulation demonstrated that the proposed network design can effectively support internet connectivity, resource sharing, database access, RFID services, and communication among network devices. Furthermore, the Star Topology provided a reliable and manageable network structure with the flexibility to accommodate future expansion. The study concludes that the proposed LAN design is a suitable solution for modern school library environments and may serve as a reference for future network planning and implementation in educational institutions.