2024F-T4 CPL 5559 - WIL Project 10 (WNEM Group 1)
Week-5 Deliverable
Submitted By:
-Hafis Muhammed (c0893418) [Team Leader]
Jackson Chacko Neelankavil (c0897018)
Ravinder Singh (c0898498)
-Anjali (c0906970)
Submitted Day and Date:
Friday, 11th october 2024
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Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………….3
Network Topology Overview……….......................................4
Analysis of School Infrastructure…………………………….7
Implementation Details……………………………………….8
Network topology…………………………………………….9
Conclusion……………………………………………………10
Reference……………………………………………………..10
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Introduction
St. Augustine French Immersion School's distributed infrastructure presents
significant connectivity challenges across its multiple buildings. To address these
issues and ensure consistent internet access for enhanced learning opportunities,
we will evaluate various network topologies and recommend the most suitable
solution.
Network Topology Overviews
Star Topology
Fig 1: Star Topology
Key Features:
Central hub or switch
Point-to-point connections between devices and the central node
Easy to install and manage
Characteristics
Centralized control and monitoring
Scalable for adding new devices
Failure of one node doesn't affect others
Potential single point of failure at the central hub
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Mesh Topology
Fig 2: Mesh Topology
Key Features
Devices interconnected with multiple paths
Self-healing capabilities
Distributed data transmission
Characteristics
High redundancy and fault tolerance
Excellent for covering large areas
Complex setup and maintenance
Efficient data routing
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Bus Topology
Fig 3: Bus Topology
Key Features
Single cable backbone
Devices connected directly to the main cable.
Characteristics
Simple and cost-effective for small networks
Easy to install and configure
Limited scalability
Vulnerable to cable failures
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Ring Topology
Fig 4: Ring Topology
Key Features
Devices connected in a circular pattern
Data travels in one direction
Characteristics
Equal access for all devices
Predictable performance
Failure of one device can disrupt the entire network
Difficult to add or remove devices
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Analysis of School Infrastructure
St. Augustine French Immersion School's distributed infrastructure consists of:
Multiple buildings with classrooms
Administrative offices
Other facilities (e.g., library, cafeteria, gymnasium)
Connectivity Requirements
Reliable internet access across all areas
Scalability for future expansion
Easy management and troubleshooting
Redundancy to minimize downtime
Security and access control
Recommended Network Topology
Based on the analysis of the school's infrastructure and connectivity requirements,
we recommend implementing a Hybrid (Star-Mesh) Topology.
Rationale for Chosen Topology
1. Centralized Management: The star topology component allows for centralized
control and monitoring from the main administrative building, simplifying network
management.
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2. Redundancy: The mesh aspect provides multiple paths between buildings,
ensuring connectivity even if one link fails.
3. Scalability: New buildings or classrooms can be easily added to the network by
connecting to the nearest mesh node or directly to the central hub.
4. Coverage: The mesh network extends Wi-Fi coverage to all areas of the campus,
including outdoor spaces between buildings.
5. Performance: Direct connections to the central hub for high-traffic areas ensure
optimal performance where needed.
6, Cost-Effectiveness: While initial setup costs may be higher than simpler
topologies, the long-term benefits in terms of management, scalability, and
performance justify the investment
Implementation Details
1. Central Hub: Install a high-performance core switch in the main administrative
building to serve as the primary distribution point.
The central component will be the main component in the topology since it will be
responsible for the management and organization of the entire network.
2. Building Connectivity: Connect each building to the central hub using fiber
optic cables for high-speed, long-distance transmission.
This creates the primary star configuration, with each building directly linked to
the central hub.
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3. Mesh Nodes: Deploy outdoor mesh access points on building rooftops to create
a wireless backbone between structures.
Such mesh nodes make the second layer of connectivity where two or more
buildings are connected through multiple paths or meshes.
4. Internal Distribution: Implement a star topology within each building using PoE
switches to connect classrooms and offices.
This creates a hierarchical structure within each building, simplifying internal
management.
5. Wi-Fi Access Points: Install indoor Wi-Fi access points throughout the buildings
for client connectivity.
These access points provide wireless coverage within buildings and connect to the
internal distribution switches.
6. Network Management System: Establish host management in the admin
building to provide a centralized management system for the whole network.
Network Diagram
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Fig 5: Network Diagram of Hybrid (Star-Mesh) Topology
Characteristics Contributing to Reliable Connectivity
1. Fault Tolerance: The mesh network between buildings provides multiple paths
for data, ensuring connectivity even if one link fails.
2. Load Balancing: Traffic can be dynamically routed through the mesh network,
optimizing performance and preventing congestion.
3. Seamless Roaming: Students and staff can move between buildings without
losing connectivity, as the mesh network provides continuous coverage.
4. Centralized Management: Network administrators can monitor and manage
the entire campus network from a single location, quickly identifying and resolving
issues.
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5. Scalability: The hybrid topology allows for easy expansion, accommodating
future growth of the school without major infrastructure changes.
6. Quality of Service (QoS): The central hub can implement QoS policies to
prioritize critical applications and ensure consistent performance for educational
tools.
Testing Star Mesh hybrid technology:
To determine if the hybrid star-mesh topology design is functioning effectively we
can take several tests and performance values to verify the problems encountered
at St. Augustine French Immersion School.
Network Performance Testing
Latency and Jitter Testing: Use ping tests with varying packet sizes to
measure round-trip times. Ping Plotter is one example of the tools that
should be used to track latency and jitter over the selected amount of time.
Packet Loss Measurement: This should be done over such long intervals so
as to be able to detect the variance in packet loss after carrying out a
command that pings for a certain period of time. Wireshark captures and
analyzes the packets so as to identify packet drop rates.
Connectivity and Coverage Testing:
Roaming Tests: Perform(practical) Mobility trials with handheld equipment
on the structures to ensure smooth handover between directional antennas
and adjacent buildings.
Dead Zone Identification: Check the connectivity in all parts of the
institutions including the outside terrains of the campus. List any areas that
have poor or no signal coverage that might require signal improvement.
Redundancy and Failover Testing:
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Access Point Failure Testing: Turn off specific mesh nodes to make the network
self-healing, and continue operating under mesh networking topologies. Ensure
that plans for clients still direct them to pointed resources in other ways. Central
Hub Failover: In case failover mechanisms to a backup core switch are in place
then perform a test on the equipment. Another metric is to measure downtime and
then ensure that the system automatically fails back to the primary system once it
has been restored.
Conclusion
The proposed Hybrid Star-Mesh Topology addresses St. Augustine French
Immersion School's connectivity challenges by combining the strengths of both
star and mesh topologies. This solution provides reliable, scalable, and manageable
network infrastructure that will support the school's current and future needs,
enhancing the overall learning experience through consistent and robust internet
access across the entire campus.
Reference
1. "Computer Networks" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum & David J. Wetherall.
2. "Network+ Guide to Networks" by Jill West, Tamara Dean, and Jean Andrews.
3. "Introduction to Networking: How the Internet Works" by Charles Severance.
4. "Networking All-in-One for Dummies" by Doug Lowe.
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