This thesis is a trade-off analysis of the discerning characteristics of local area networks. The operational needs are described followed by the functional, operational and physical requirements for a fabricated customer environment. The following characteristics of local area networks are examined: topology, signalling methods, cable access protocols, and transmission medium. Design issues that affect the configuration and performance of local area networks are examined. A trade-off analysis is then performed for the specified environment using weighted evaluation criteria against the discerning characteristics.