Development of a low-cost local area network

Abstract

This article describes the development of a LAN in the University of Hull's Department of Psychology. Financial constraints led to the need to build the LAN around inexpensive components. The Clearway system was chosen for its low cost and flexibility and has provided a good solution to the particular combination of communications problems which had to be solved. The article describes the way the design of the system was related to the needs and resources of the Department and how a software ‘front-end’ was developed to make the system accessible to a wide range of users.