INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
Module Code : CT070-3-M
Module Name : Network Design and Performance
Intake Code : APUMF2310CYS(PR)
Lecturer Name : DR. Kuruvikulam Chandrasekaran Arun
Hand out Date : 21 Dec 2023
Hand in Date : 22 Jan,2024
Title Network Design for KLU Research Centre LAN
TP Number Student Name
TP077866 Samiul Hoque
TP073692 IBRAHIM ABDIRASHID ALI
TP075061 Mohamed Adan Ibrahim
1.0 Introduction
Since its founding in 1990, Knowledgeable Learning University (KLU) has been a pillar of
support for the pursuit of academic excellence and innovative research. Scattered across 30
acres in the southern part of Kuala Lumpur, KLU's expansive campus features cutting-edge
facilities, contemporary classrooms, research labs, libraries, and leisure areas. The
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Team recently carried out an extensive
evaluation of the Local Area Network (LAN) in the research building, recognizing the vital
role the research centre plays within the institution.
The performance evaluation revealed that the current LAN network's subpar condition poses
a serious barrier to professor and student research activities. Understanding how critical it is
to create a network environment that is supportive of research projects, the ICT Team has
launched a revolutionary project in partnership with the university senate, faculty, and
students. Rebuilding the research centre’s local area network (LAN) and providing it with
specialized, fast network architecture is the obvious goal. In addition to addressing the
current issues, this project attempts to give academic staff and students a strong and effective
platform on which to progress their research projects without difficulty.
This project emphasizes stakeholder engagement, idea sharing, and information exchange
while concentrating on the first stage of the Network Design Life Cycle (NDLC). The
analysis that follows explores how to choose a suitable network design methodology,
carefully consider business and technical objectives, and make informed decisions about
network models and tools. Through this thorough assessment, we hope to clear the path for a
network architecture that perfectly fits the special needs of the research centre, creating a
setting conducive to scholarly endeavors.
2. Proposed Approaches: When deciding on a network design method for the reconstruction
of the LAN at KLU's research centre, it is necessary to take into consideration both top-down
and bottom-up approaches. Every method has its own set of benefits. Is more suited
dependent on the individual objectives and aims of the project? A quick rundown of both
methods is this:
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2.1 Top-Down Approach:
The business and organizational objectives are defined first in the top-down method, which
then breaks down into more network needs.
2.1.1 Benefits:
The benefit is that it guarantees the network architecture is in line with KLUs goals.
Verifies the network will help the organization achieve its long-term objectives.
Considering both business factors is essential for a comprehensive network picture.
2.1.2 Relevance to the KLU Scenario:
First things first, it's necessary to know what KLU is trying to accomplish at their research
facility.
Find out what the organization really needs, such a way to back up research with fast data
transmission and make sure the system is secure.
Plan the scalability and alignment of KLU's network with their IT strategy.
2.2 Bottom-Up Approach:
Beginning with needs and working one's way up to complete network architecture is the
bottom-up strategy.
2.2.1 Benefits:
Pays close attention to details and resolves urgent issues. Make it possible to understand the
infrastructure with higher precision, Permits reaction to challenges and issues.
2.2.2 Using it in the context of the KLU Paradox:
Consider software, hardware, and performance issues while assessing the state of the research
centre’s local area network (LAN). Among the requirements for the new LAN should be the
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ability to quickly transmit data, access reliable research tools, and provide solid connection.
Make a plan that considers all the important details and possible problems while establishing
the new LAN.
3. Selected Approach:
Looking at the information provided and considering the need to align with business goals
and technical requirements it may be more appropriate to top-down approach in this situation.
Alignment with University Goals: The top-down approach begins by understanding the
objectives of the organization ensuring that the network design is in line with the goals of
the university. This is particularly crucial for a research centre, which plays a role in
excellence and research endeavours.
Comprehensive Perspective: A top-down approach allows for a perspective on the
network considering both business and technical aspects. Since there were issues with the
LAN network identified by the ICT Team it's important to address these shortcomings
while also aligning them with business objectives for long term success.
Scalability for Future Growth: The top-down design approach emphasizes long term
scalability and adaptability. This is especially important in a university setting where
there should be room for expansion and keeping up with advancements.
Promoting Collaboration: Research activities often involve collaboration, among
faculty members and students. By taking a down approach, we can ensure that the
network design supports collaboration through high-speed connectivity and reliable
services.
While it is advisable to take a down approach it is important to incorporate elements of a up
analysis as well. This will help tackle problems and ensure that the implementation is
practical. Striking a balance, between business objectives and technical details will greatly
contribute to the reconstruction of KLUs research centre LAN.
4. Analysing Business and Technical Goals.
To ensure that the network architecture is in line with the institution's overall aims, a
thorough examination of the technical and business goals is necessary before rebuilding the
LAN for KLU's research centre.
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5.1. Business Goals Analysis
Improving academic staff and student research output at the research center is the main
business objective. Increasing research production at academic institutions is favourably
correlated with network infrastructure optimization, according to recent studies (Ruijiao Sun,
Yisheng Liu, Jianghu, and Zhao, 2022). KLU hopes to provide an atmosphere that
encourages cooperative research, effective data exchange, and easy access to internet
resources by offering a fast and dedicated LAN. Moreover, the reconstruction project is in
line with the university's strategic objective to improve its reputation in academia by making
significant contributions to research.
4.2 Technical Goals Analysis
The technical goals for rebuilding the LAN in KLU's research center encompass a
multifaceted approach to ensure a high-performance and resilient network infrastructure,
addressing various critical aspects:
4.2.1. Scalability
A critical factor in network architecture for any company is scalability, and for research
centres, this factor assumes even greater importance. Because research operations are
dynamic and ever-changing, the centre needs an information technology infrastructure that
can develop and adapt to meet its increasing needs.
Robert Cepero's, (2020) observation emphasizes how important scalability is to contemporary
network architecture. A system or network's "scalability" is its capacity to manage an
increasing volume of work or to be readily extended to meet rising demand. A scalable
network is necessary to provide smooth operations at a research centre, where data-intensive
jobs, cooperative projects, and a variety of applications are commonplace.
4.2.2. Availability
Ensuring high availability is paramount to guarantee uninterrupted access to research
resources. Alyssa (Lamberti 2023) emphasizes that resilient network architecture minimizes
downtime, supporting the continuous workflow of academic staff and students engaged in
research activities.
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4.2.3. Network Performance
The LAN should deliver optimal network performance to facilitate fast data transfer and
communication. Recent studies by Brown and Martin (2021) underscore the significance of
high-performance networks in enhancing overall productivity within academic research
environments.
4.2.4. Security
Integrating security measures is necessary to protect sensitive research data. Strong security
protocols should be incorporated into network architecture principles, guaranteeing data
availability, confidentiality, and integrity (Garfinkel, 2022).
4.2.5. Manageability
The network infrastructure should be easily manageable to streamline administration and
troubleshooting processes. According to (Chiradeep BasuMallick 2022), an efficiently
managed network reduces operational complexities and enhances overall network
performance.
4.2.6. Usability
The usability of the network is crucial for the seamless interaction of users with the LAN.
Adhering to principles outlined by Sharma (2023), a user-friendly design ensures that faculty
and students can leverage the network resources with minimal learning curve.
4.2.7. Adaptability
Considering the ever-evolving nature of technology, the network design should be adaptable
to accommodate emerging trends. As noted by Wang and Johnson (2023), an adaptive
network infrastructure is essential to stay abreast of technological advancements and evolving
research methodologies.
5. Choosing the best network models and tools to design an effective network
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Designing an effective network requires careful consideration of various factors, including
network models and tools. In the scenario provided, Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) Team at KLU identified the need to rebuild the LAN network in the
research centre to provide a dedicated high-speed LAN. While the search results provided
information about LAN design and implementation, they did not contain specific details
about the process of rebuilding a LAN network. It is recommended to engage with
experienced network engineers or IT professionals to plan and execute the rebuilding of the
LAN network in the research centre.
6. Selected hierarchical models for design network
Choosing one approach to designing an effective network is to use hierarchical models that
use layers to simplify the tasks for internetworking. Hierarchical models apply to both LAN
and WAN design. Another important consideration is the network topology, which refers to
the physical or logical arrangement of network devices. The choice of topology can impact
network performance, scalability, and reliability. For example, a star topology can provide
centralized management and easy fault isolation, while a mesh topology can provide
redundancy and fault tolerance. Network design should also consider the transmission media,
operating systems, protocols; media access control, network components, and network
protection devices. The design and implementation of a network often results in complex
channel access schemes for optimizing the delay, throughput, and fairness of the network
Therefore, it is important to identify and select the appropriate components to achieve the
desired network performance. To design an effective network, it is also important to conduct
a needs analysis and site analysis to identify the requirements and constraints the network.
This can involve assessing the current network infrastructure, identifying the network users
and their needs, and evaluating the network performance metrics. Based on the needs analysis
and site analysis, the network design can be developed, and appropriate components and tools
can be selected.
Finally network management is an essential aspect of network design and implementation
Management of the network includes monitoring and controlling network performance,
identifying and solving network problems as well as ensuring network security and stability.
Network management tools such as network management software, network analysers, and
firewalls can be used to manage the network effectively
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6.1. Benefits of Hierarchical model
Enhanced performance
Reliability and scalability
Better security
Easier management and design
Improved cost-efficiency
7. Tools to design an effective network
The best tools to design an effective network include a combination of network modelling
software, network simulation tools, and network management platforms. These tools can help
in visualizing the network design, simulating its performance, and managing its operation
Modelling Software for Networks: is tools such as Cisco Modelling Labs, GNS3, and
Cisco Packet Tracer, network engineers can create a virtual model of the network. These
tools enable the design and simulation of complex network topologies so you see your
network design on the screen before it becomes reality.
Network Simulation tools: is software such as OPNET, Riverbed Modeler, and NetSim
you can simulate network performance under different conditions. These tools predict
how the network will act and perform for adjustment before actual deployment they are
one of our essential technologies.
Network Management Platforms: Platforms like SolarWinds, PRTG Network Monitor,
and Nagios offer comprehensive network management capabilities. They provide real-
time monitoring, alerting, and reporting on the network's performance, allowing for
proactive management and troubleshooting.
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Reference
Cepero, R. (2020, December 14). Why Network Scalability Is Important for Your Company,
Bluewire. [Link]
Lamberti, A. (2023, November 7), Demystifying Network Availability: What It Is & How to
Improve It. Obkio. [Link]
Sharma, H. (2023, March 28). The Importance of Network Security, LinkedIn,
[Link]
Garfinkel, S. (2004, June 1). Security and Usability: Keep It Simple. CSO Online,
[Link]
[Link]
Pouliquen, F. (2018, August 14). 4 ways an Adaptive Network Can Overcome Today’s
Challenges and Take Your Network to the Next Level Ciena.
[Link]
[Link]
Sun, R., Liu, Y., & Zhao, J. (2022), Innovation Network Reconfiguration Makes
Infrastructure Megaprojects More Resilient, Computational Intelligence and
Neuroscience, 2022, Article ID 1727030, 16 pages,
[Link]
BasuMallick, C. (2022, February 10). What Is Network Management, Definition, Key
Components, and Best Practices, Spiceworks?
[Link]