Download - Askari Bank
Askari Commercial Bank Ltd
Chapter No: 1
Introduction of Organization
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Askari Commercial Bank Ltd
1.1 History of Askari Bank Ltd
Askari Bank was incorporated in Pakistan in October 9, 1991, as a public limited
company. It commenced its operations on April 1, 1992, and is principally engaged in the
business of banking, as defined in the banking Companies Ordinance, 1962. The Bank is
listed on the Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad Stock Exchanges and its share is currently the
highest quoted from among the new private sector banks in Pakistan.
Askari bank has expanded into a nation wide presence of 57 branches, and on Offshore
Banking Unit in Bahrain. The delivery channels for customer services are supported by a
shared network of over 250 on-line ATMs covering all major cities in Pakistan. As at
December 31, 2003, the Bank had equity of PKR 5.047 billion and total assets of PKR
85.387 billion, with over 350,000 banking customers.
To meet the current challenges and prepare for the future, our strategy focused on the
following:
Increase our market share in most areas of business activity
Develop Retail Banking Business
Introduce fresh initiatives for Corporate and Investment Banking activity
Open an Offshore Banking Unit (OBU) in Bahrain
Implement various technology initiatives to enhance customer service
Pursue an acquisition opportunity to achieve a manifold increase in the branch
network.
Despite the difficult operating environment, Askari Bank was able to substantially
improve our earnings during 2003 by posting operating profits. Considering our
historically high liquidity, our emphasis during 2003 was more on the expansion of our
credit portfolio rather than deposit mobilization.
During the year, we were also able to successfully implement the two important elements
of our credit management strategy:
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Askari Commercial Bank Ltd
(a) Well diversified credit expansion
(b) Containing non-performing advances.
This was achieved despite intense competition for private sector credit in the market.
While some banks were able to achieve substantial growth in consumer financing, our
credit expansion was primarily commercial based, as we remained prudent in identifying
opportunities for sound consumer lending. However, Askari Bank does realize that the
potential for growth in the area of Retail Banking is tremendous, and we will be pursuing
a more aggressive stance in 2005.
1.2 Mission & Vision of Askari Bank
To be the leading private sector bank in Pakistan with an international presence,
delivering quality service through innovative technology and effective human resource.
Management in a modern and progressive organizational culture of meritocracy,
maintaining high ethical and professional standards, while providing enhanced value to
all our Stakeholders, and contributing to society.
Askari Information Systems Limited is an esteemed organization that provides global IT
Solutions in software development. Company’s Vision is “to become an international
leader in information technology and provide quality people, products and services with a
personal touch”.
1.3 Company’s Objectives
To achieve sustained growth and profitability in all areas
To build and sustain a high performance culture, with a continuous improvement
focus.
To develop a customer-service oriented culture with special emphasis on
customer care and convenience.
To build an enabling environment, where employees are motivated to contribute
to their full potential
To effectively manage and mitigate all kinds of risks inherent in the banking
business
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Askari Commercial Bank Ltd
To maximize use of technology to ensure cost-effective operations, efficient
management information system, enhanced delivery capability and high service
standards.
To manage the Bank's portfolio of businesses to achieve strong and sustainable
shareholder returns and to continuously build shareholder value.
To deliver timely solutions that best meet the customers' financial needs
To explore new avenues for growth and profitability
1.4 Strategic Planning
To comprehensively plan for the future to ensure sustained growth and
profitability.
To facilitate alignment of the Vision, Mission, Corporate Objectives and
Corporate Philosophy, with the business goals and objectives
To provide strategic initiatives and solutions for projects products, policies and
procedures.
To provide strategic solutions to mitigate weak areas and to counter threats to
profit
To identify strategic initiatives and opportunities for profit
To create and leverage strategic assets and capabilities of business for competitive
advantage
1.5 Corporate Information
Lt. Gen. Waseem Ahmed Ashraf Chairman
Lt. Gen. (R) Masood Parwaiz Chairman Executive Committee
Mr. Kalim-ur-Rahman President & Chief Executive
Brig (R) Muhammad Shiraz Baig Director
Brig (R) Asmat Ullah Khan Niazi Director
Brig (R) Muhammad Bashir Baz Director
Brig (R) Shaukat Mahmood
ChaudhariDirector
Mr. Zafar Alam Khan Sumbal Director
Mr. Kashif Mateen Ansari Director
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Askari Commercial Bank Ltd
Mr. Muhammad Najam Ali Director
Mr. Muhammad Afzal Munif Director
Company Secretary
Mr. Saleem Anwar
Audit Committee
Mr. Mohammad Afzal Munif, FCA Chairman
Brig (R) Muhammad Shiraz Baig Member
Brig (R) Asmat Ullah Khan Niazi Member
Mr. Zafar Alam Khan Sumbal Member
Registered Office /Head Office
AWT Plaza, The Mall,
P.O.Box 1084, Rawalpindi.
Tel : (051) 9063000 Fax: (051) 9272455
Website: http://www.askaribank.com.pk/
1.6 Departments of Organization
Askari Bank having the aim of winning market is functioning with twenty departments at
head office. Out of these twenty departments every branch of Askari Bank indifferent
areas of country is operating with eight to ten departments. Twenty departments at head
office are the following:
1. Administration 9. Small & Medium Entp. Group
2. Audit Branch 10. Special Operation Management
3. Central Finance 11. Division Treasury Operations
4. Central Operation 12. Division Financial Institution
5. Corporate Banking Group 13. Management Information System
6. Credit Administration 14. Small & Medium Entp. Group
7. Customer Services & Quality 15. Treasury Operations
8. Marketing 16. Human Resource Division
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Chapter No: 2
Information System of Askari Bank
2.1 Information System of Askari Bank
Information is the life blood of an organization. Managers depend upon accurate
accessible and useful information, this requires the information system to be responsive
to their unique information needs, to empower them to think and act
strategically ,develop effective plans, and make decisions that increase their own and
their organization’s competitiveness.
Today, largely through advances in computer and communications technology, we are
living at a time that many people call the information age. One major reason our era is
named so is because most working people today have jobs that are information –
intensive. For example jobs such as teaching, accounting, retailing and managing are all
predominantly based on the handling of information. This emphasis differs from that of
the earlier decades, in which most jobs involved some type of physical labor applied on
farms and factories.
Askari information Systems Limited (AIS) has software that manages the leave record of
the organization. Organization has a developed web-based application, which will
automate the leave management system of Askari Information Systems Limited (AIS).
2.2 Department of Information System
The information system department has to be of fundamental importance. And it turned
out not only to be just that but also a department with one of the friendliest atmospheres.
Their GM Mr. Kamal Ahmed is him self an inspiration and clearly sets the tone for his
department. Information system department is divided into three subdivisions:
Billing
IS
System Enhancement
2.2.1 Billing
Once they get the data from customer services and the finance department about the
bills of the customers then it is their responsibility to make sure that the bill gets
delivered rightly to the customer. This is done in a series of three tasks
a. Input data
b. Bill Presentment
c. Bill Processing
2.2.2 IS
Though the IS department has been divided into four main functions
1. MIS
2. LAN/WAN
3. Database Administration
4. Network Maintenance
However, these four can be categorized into two main functions:
i. System Operations
ii. Data Networks
i. System Operations
This is there to see to it that if a remote location wants to access a certain piece of
information, which is stored centrally, and then it should gain access to it. It does that
by covering all of the technicalities regarding the LANs and the WANs and they also
manage Askari Bank Information Systems.
ii. Data Networks
Once system operations gives access to an external or internal inquiry to their data
bank then it is the responsibility of the data networks department to insure
connectivity and smooth and secure transfer of data.
2.2.3 System Enhancement
This subdivision is basically indulged in activities like new product development,
system enhancement and up gradation, software maintenance. Though they usually
make use of the technology and Research and Development of Nortel but further
system enhancement is very much important for Askari Bank.
2.3 Business Activities
Following are the Business Activities implemented in Askari Information Systems.
1) All employees in development department request for leave to their respective
project Manager.
2) All employees in marketing department request for leave to the marketing
executive.
3) The Project Manager can approve or reject a smaller duration leave request. But
he can only recommend a long duration leave request to the General Manager
Development.
4) Similarly the Marketing executive can approve or reject a small duration leave
request but for a longer duration leave, General Manager Marketing must approve
request.
5) The Project Managers and Marketing Executive do the leave request to the GMD
and GMM respectively.
6) The General Manager Development and General Manager Marketing can both
accept or reject the leave request.
7) The employee in Finance department, Admin department and Human Resource
department do the leave request directly to the CEO (Chief executive officer).
8) The General Manager Marketing and General Manager Development do the leave
request directly to the CEO.
9) The CEO can approve or reject any of the leave requests.
10) The record of all the approved leave requests is kept and maintained by the
Human Resource Manager.
2.4 Leave Management System (For Employees)
A leave management system keeps record of all the information related to leave
scheduling, request, approval etc of an employee. Askari information Systems Limited
(AIS) has software which keeps record of all the activities related to leave management.
Leave Management system will automate the leave management system of the Askari
Information Systems Limited (AIS). It is an automated leave management System. On
leave request employees can view his/her previous leaves history. Authority user can
view employees previous leave history while approving leave application. System
automatically keeps check on the late coming and early going employees and provides
functionality to administrator to mark half leave of the employee (integration with time
and attendance system). Leave Management System will provide efficient way to manage
the reports of leaves of the employees. On year completion system will automatically
manage the earned leaves and transfer employees earned leave to next year.
2.6 System Development Life Cycle
2.6.1 Feasibility report
The MIS manager prepares the Feasibility Report to check cost effectiveness and the
required results of developing software.
2.6.2 Specification Requirement
MIS manager sees what is required for making system i.e., staff, time, programmes
and programmers, PC’s and its peripherals. The previous system is analyzed to check
what were the short comings due to which new software is required.
2.6.3 System Design
At this stage no actual programming is done but you will design the required fields
i.e., what are the fields for which entry of data is necessary e.g. name, address etc and
then their queries are designed, modules are formed, data entry forms are made. It is
just paper work.
2.6.4 System Construction
At this stage actual programming is done. A skeleton of system is made and the
programmer programmes the software exactly up to the requirement of the MIS
manager.
2.6.5 System Implementation
After testing and debugging, the system is implemented, when MIS manager is fully
satisfied.
2.7 Information Resource Management
Because so many of the organizations key operations and decision making process
depends upon the use of information, Askari Bank perceives it as key resource. One such
example of that of Bank Accountant whose skillful handling of information has great
effect on the data that is being used to take decisions.
Thus along with such tangible assets such as property, plant, equipment, personnel and
financial resources-information and knowledge have substantial value to organizations.
The term used to describe this view of information is Information Resource
Management (IRM): a concept that recognizes information as a key resource that should
(as should any vital resource) be properly managed. Other fields also think of their assets
in this way. For example the business fields of organizational behavior and human
resource management are based on the recognition of an organization’s employee as key
assets.
In IRM, information is seen as a desirable investment that can be used strategically to
provide a competitive edge, rather than only as a necessary expense that must be
controlled for example it is only through information that Banks take crucial decisions
such as whether to invest in a firm or not? etc., MIS is perceived as an area that can
generate opportunities or value for the organization, not mainly as a source of problems.
Because MIS is seen as a playing a pivotal role in the future successes of IRM-oriented
firms including Banks. The person in charge of the MIS area is often found at the middle
managerial level. In this position the information system department participates in
strategic planning and other key decisions that are made by the organization’s top level
managers.
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Chapter No: 3
Management Information System
3.1 Management Information System
Management information system is said to be any system that provides people with either
data or information relating to an organizations operations. Information systems support
the activities of employees, owners, customers, and other key people in the organizations
environment – either by effectively processing data to assist with transaction work load
or by effectively supplying information to authorized people in a timely manner. For
example, the transaction processing (data processing) system used to perform accounting
and clerical operations in a Bank or any other organization are information systems.
Management Information Systems (software) has become a driving force. It is engine that
drives business decision-making. It serves as the basis for modern scientific investigation
and engineering problem solving. Today, Management Information System takes on a
dual role. It is product, and at the same time, the vehicle for delivering a product.
Decision support systems, office information system/office automation system, and
knowledge based systems are also viewed as facet’s of an organizations information
system, along with inter organizational electronic data inter change (EDI) system that
strategically link a firm to its customer and suppliers.
3.2 Management Information Subsystems
Management Information System include many subsystems such as Decision Support
System, Transaction Processing System, management reporting system, Office
Automation System, Forecasting System etc however these will be discussed in detail
later in the report.
3.3 Data versus Information
Many people use the terms data and information synonymously. However there’s a
distinct and important difference. Data refers to facts. When data is filtered through one
or more processors so that they take on meaning and value to person they become
information, it is information rather than data which people use to make decisions.
3.4 Data Processing-Information Cycle
Both computer and human mind act as processors that select data and transform them into
meaningful information. As information is generated from data it too becomes a part of
the data store. The data processing-information cycle shown above illustrates this. Some
of the types of information that may be provided to decision makers after data are
transformed into information by computers or some other kind of processing. The format
of the information received is often dictated by the needs and preferences of the decision
makers.
3.5 Information Technology
Computers are an essential part of modern information systems, and it is virtually
impossible to study information systems today without knowing something about them
and how it operates. In fact, without computers it is unlikely that information systems
would even be considered a serious field of study. Some of the basic components of a
computer-based information system described below:
3.6 What is a system?
A system is a set of interrelated components that collectively work together to achieve
some common purpose or goal. A CBIS is a collection people, hardware, software, data,
and procedures that interact to provide timely data and information , both internally and
externally, to authorized people who need it, this information may be required by a client
who wants to have the balance of his credit account checked, by an executive who wants
to know how much the bank has loaned to a particular company ,or by a human resource
manager who wants know the particulars of a certain employee , all these people can get
any type of information required through a CBIS in which data is saved in databases and
files.
3.7 Components of Computer-Based Information System
A computer-based information system (CBIS) is an information system in which the
computer plays a major role. Such a system consists of the following elements:
3.7.1 Hardware
The term hardware refers to machinery. This category includes the computer itself,
which is often referred to as the central processing unit (CPU), and all of its support
equipment.
3.7.2 Software
The term software refers to computer programs and the manuals that support them.
Computer programs are machine-readable instructions that direct the circuitry within
the hardware parts of the CBIS to function in ways that produce useful information
from data.
3.7.3 Data
Data are facts that are used by programs to produce useful information. Data is
generally stored in machine-readable form on disk or tape until the computer needs
them.
The technical operations of a CBIS consist of items:
Input
Processing
Output
Storage
Programs available on a CBIS are either systems software or applications software.
Traditionally, programmers write computer programs, users or end users work with
the results. A system analyst assesses the computer-related needs of the users and
designs systems to meet those needs.
To be processed by a CBIS, data must be systematically organized. Usually they
arrange into fields, records, files and databases. Data can also be updated in these
databases but only authorized persons can do that.
3.7.4 Procedures
Procedures are the policies that govern the operation of a computer system.
Procedures often specify the actions that people should take in a step-by-step manner.
3.7.5 People
Every CBIS needs people if it is to be useful. Often the most over looked element of
the CBIS, people are probably the components that most influence the success or
failure of information systems.
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Chapter No: 4
Management Information System
Chapter No: 5
Personnel & Management
of
Management Information System
5.1 MIS Personnel
The MIS personnel can or cannot be non IT persons. The Information System Manager is
present in all departments of the bank.
The Management Information System (MIS) Manager looks after the I.T Staff and
controls their operations, the planning and implementation of System Development Life
Cycle also is done by the Information System Manager.
Following are the job titles of people who interact directly with managers and users and
in general manage the whole information system-although these are not the only
personnel working the I.T Department, many other job titles may be found within this
area.
5.1.1 Computers Operations Personnel
These are the people responsible for the day to day operations of Transaction Processing
System s, management reporting system, and all other shared multi-user computers.
Some of the job titles for the people in this category are the following:
i. Computer operations manager/System Manager
The computer operations manager is in charge of the entire operations activity. He
has the responsibility of hiring and assigning work to the other operations personnel,
he is generally a supervisor, he also plans the installation and removal of equipment
with consent of the concerned authorities, and generally all other tasks to ensure that
data get processed as efficiently as possible.
ii. Computers operators
They are in charge of running the equipment in the I.T Department. Their job is to
load disks and tapes, create backup files and ensure their safe transport to the second
branch of the Bank; they also initiate solutions to equipment malfunctions and similar
functions.
iii. Data Entry Personnel
These are the people within the bank’s I.T Department who enter data into the main
computer system.
iv. System Librarians
They are responsible for managing data stored on such media such as disks. Including
among these are the backup copies of important programs and data records kept
pertaining to the daily transactions of the bank. Accounting data, debit and credit
entries, customer info etc.
5.1.2 System Analysts
System Analysts are the technology professionals charged with analyzing, designing and
implementing large computer-based information systems. Because they are the crucial
interface among users, upper management, and programmers, they must be skilled in
business, computers, and other technology-based areas. They must also possess good
interpersonal communication skills as they are the one who basically have to
communicate with the employees of the organization and perceives whatever they may
need in the Information System that is being designed...
5.1.3 Programmers
The computers professional who are specifically charged with writing computer
programmers are called programmers. Some of the types of programmers, maintenance
programmers, and systems programmers.
i. Application Programmers
The programmers code the applications programs-the software that serves the direct
needs of end-users. Generally it is the systems analyst who initially specifies what
programs needed must do. Armed with a set of formal-often technical-specifications
from the analyst, the applications programmer then write programs from them.
ii. System Programmers
System programmers code the systems software that controls the operation of
computer hardware and makes it possible to run applications programs.
5.2 MIS Management
At the top of the computer hierarchy are MIS executives. In Askari Bank Limited I.T
Managers or I.T Director is at top of the I.T Department Hierarchy. These MIS
executives oversee the full range of MIS-related activities, including Transaction
Processing which traditionally accounts for the largest share of the information
processing- as well as telecommunication, data administration, and end-user support.
5.2.1 Database Administrators
Database administrators are responsible for ensuring that users and programmers have
access to the data that they need in order to make decisions or run applications. They are
also responsible for ensuring both the integrity and security of the data in the database.
Managers and users are likely to have to contact and work with database administrators in
order to gain access to the data they need.
5.2.2 Telecommunications and Network Management/Network Administrator
Telecommunications mangers and network managers/Network Administrators are
responsible for meeting the data communications needs of users in the organization. The
increasing trend toward networking and distributed processing has increased the
importance of these positions.
5.3 Duties of MIS Personnel
They manage information inflow from start of any work to its final destination
and scrutinize all the information.
They generate report for a top manager e.g. is target matched or not?
Audit: they scrutinize the systems that are already present for the purpose of
compliance of system in bank.
Payrolls: it is made on MIS. In it information about employees, his salary
allowances, deductions, provided fund, tax, net and gross salary is recorded and is
given to employees in printed form.
Communication: E-mail is used with URL i.e., www.askaribank.com.pk
Through ASKARI BANK lines
They don’t use a secret net connection b/c they don’t have web-based server and they
use dial-up connections.
5.4 Data Management
The issue of how to manage data receives a great deal of attention from information
system professionals. Managerial decision making is likely to be more effective when
managers are able to quickly access the data they need on demand.
Most of the other databases data has been stored on computer-files and databases.
These databases include:
Customer/client databases
Employee databases
Accounting databases
Credit databases
Data has been physically stored on a variety of media, including magnetic disks, compact
Discs and paper such as business forms, memos and reports.
However it has been experienced that Computer based storage offers several advantages
over paper based storage, such as abilities to;
store data compactly and efficiently
quickly edit and modify stored data
make backup copies
rapid access
5.5 File Based Management System
File processing refers to an environment in which data is physically organized into files
(collection of related records). The file processing environment is linked to the specific
application programs that are being used in the organization. These data and files are
shared by many application programs.
Although file management is done manually as files on the computer cannot be manually
signed, but files are also created on computer for record and references. Files made on
FMBS include:-
Basic borrowers fact sheet (personal & professional record)
Their Securities (legal documents are manually kept0
Correspondent Files
Credit Files
Legal Files
Working
Askari Bank uses a file processing system with different customer files for example:
checking, savings and loans. Often, customers call the bank questions on several of their
accounts.
Suppose the customer called in with questions about his or her savings, checking, and
loan account. Service representative now has to go through the following procedure:
Enter the checking-account-balance program
Get the required checking Information
Leave program
Enter saving-account-balance program
Get the required saving Information and leave program
Enter loan-account-balance program
Get the required loan Information and leave program
5.6 Data Based management System
Database management system is a collection of software that has been designed to
provide a systematic and flexible approach to organizing and access to data that could
possibly exist as separate files
In database management all of the Information is put into a central database and only one
program or file entry is required. When a customer makes an enquiry all the checking,
savings and loan data are instantly available. DBMS has not yet been fully implemented
in Askari Bank and will be used when web-access is made.
It is used for references only and soft copies are made for example a credit database may
include:
Name
Location
approval authority of credit
expiry/tenure
securities
sort of finance
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Chapter No: 6
Hardware
6.1 Hardware Resources
Hardware resources include all physical devices and material used in information
processing. Specifically, it includes not only machines, such as computer and other
equipment, but also data media. That is tangible objects on which data is recorded, from
paper sheet into magnetic disks. Examples of hardware, which Askari Bank is using in
Pakistan, are as follows:
6.1.1 Main Server
Processor 1x Intel Xeon DP 2.4 GHz (400 MHz Front Side Bus)
Processor Capable 2 (DP)
Cache 512KB built-in-on motherboard
RAM Installed 1 GB
PC2100 ECC 266 MHz Registered DDR (ECC Chip Kill)
Server Internal Storage
Capacity
Five Ultra 320 SCSI enabled Bays
Slots 5
Ports Four USB, 1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse, 1 Parallel, 2 Serial, 1
Graphic, 2 x Ethernet
Network Interface Card 2 x Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000, 64 Bit Full Duplex,
Wake on LAN (Integrated)
CD-ROM DVD-RW
Floppy Drive 1.44 MB Floppy Drive
Display 17” Display
Printer Laser Jet 1200 HP
6.1.2 Client Computers
All client computers which are using in Askari Bank are IBM Compatible with following
configurations:
Intel/Celeron 650 MHz (P-3)
128 MB RAM (Memory)
20 GB HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Window 2000 Professional
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Chapter No: 7
Software
7.1 Software Resources
Askari Bank software resources include all set of information processing instructions.
This generic concept of software include not only the set of operating instruction called
computer program, which direct and control computer hardware, but also the sets of
information processing instructions called procedures that people need.
Computer Program
A computer program or software program is a step-by-step list of instructions written for
particular computer architecture in a particular computer programming language. The
term "program" specifically refers to the blocks of instruction code that are loaded into
memory for execution by an interpreter. “Instruction” can be defined as command given
to computer.
All programs on a computer system can break down into two main categories:
1. System software
2. Application software
7.1.1 System Software
System software is a generic term referring to any computer software whose purpose is to
help run the computer system. Most of it is responsible directly for controlling,
integrating, and managing the individual hardware components of a computer system.
System software is opposed to application software that helps solve user problems
directly.
System software is the operating software, which Askari Bank use to control and
supports the operation of a computer system. SQL Server 2000 (For Database Server) and
Window 2000 (For Normal Server/Clients) are using as system software in Askari Bank.
System software performs tasks like transferring data from memory to disk, or rendering
text onto a display. Specific kinds of system software include loading programs,
operating systems, device drivers, programming tools, compilers, assemblers, linkers, and
utilities. System software can be stored on non-volatile storage on integrated circuits that
is usually termed firmware.
7.1.2 Application Software
Application software is a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a
computer directly to a task that the user wishes to perform. Application software includes
user-oriented programs. Application software includes the programs, software packages,
and tools needed for such specific, end-user-oriented tasks as billing, accounts receivable,
word processing, payroll, database management.
Two main categories of application software exist.
i. General-purpose application software
It includes programs and packages that are being used by workers in the organizations
subunits such as word processing spreadsheets, database or file management, and
presentation graphics. These are more likely to be purchased externally than developed
internally by the organization.
ii. Special-purpose application software
It includes programs and packages that support the activities of workers in a particular
subunit. Accounting debiting and crediting entries, software’s used in ATM’s, and
payroll are usually called Special-purpose software’s as these software’s have been
developed for special purpose operations and have to be custom made according to the
organizations requirements. This kind of software is being used by a limited number of
users or subunits than are in general-purpose applications.
The following application softwares are used by Askari Bank:
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
SQL 2000
Usually, SQL server 2000 is used as backend database server by Askari Bank for their
database through which data is record, retrieve, edit, or delete etc.
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Chapter No: 8
Networking
8.1 Networking
A network consist of two or more computers connected together on a desk or it can
consist of many Local Area Networks (LANs) connected together to form a Wide Area
Network (WAN) across a continent.
In the Askari Bank all the workstations within the Bank are connected through Local
Area Network (LAN). The bank has over 107 branches all over the country which have
been linked through Microwave or Phone lines, Satellites and most of the connections
have been provided by Comsat.
8.1.1 Local Area Network (LANs)
Local Area Networks - a system of computers that share resources such as hard-drives,
printers, data, CPU power, fax/modem, applications, etc... They usually have distributed
processing - means that there are many desktop computers in the Askari Bank which are
distributed around the network and that there is no central processor machine
(mainframe).
The components used by LANs in Askari Bank can be divided into cabling standards,
hardware and protocols. Following are components which are using in Askari Bank:
Coaxial cables
Bayo Nette Connector (BNC)
Star Topology
Bridges
Ethernet Hubs or Multi-port repeaters
But in some departments of Askari Bank Fiber-Optics cable is using for high speed data
transfer rate. Data remain accurate when it passes through it, because it has high
bandwidth, no problem with EMI, durable cables, and cable run as long as several
kilometer. The size of optical fiber is very small just like a human hair.
8.1.2 Topology
The physical topology of a network of Askari Bank is configuration of cables, computers,
and other peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology
which is the method used to pass information between workstations. Basically, Askari
Bank is using star topology in their most departments. So, that’s why I will discuss the
star topology which is given below:
i. Star Topology
Star network is one of the most common computer network topology which is used in
Askari Bank. In its simplest form, star network consists of one central, or hub computer
which acts as a router to transmit messages.
A star network requires each node of a network to be connected to the central file server
or host via a single cable. To enable this connection to take place, a piece of equipment
called a 'hub' is used. Each cable leading from a node is plugged into the hub and a single
cable is used to link the hub to the file server node. Thus each node has its own direct
connection but congestion can occur between the hub and the file server.
Advantages of a Star Topology
Easy to install and wire.
Easy to implement and extend, even in large networks
Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.
No disruptions to the network then connecting or removing devices.
The failure of a non-central node will not have major effects on the functionality
of the network.
Disadvantages of a Star Topology
Requires more cable length than a linear topology.
If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.
Maintenance costs may be higher in the long run.
Failure of the c node can disable the entire network.
More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the
concentrators.
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