Effective Network Design Guide
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ScribdTranslationsEffective Network Design Guide
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsNetwork design
Un réseau efficace est un réseau qui est le fruit d’une bonne sélection du matériel et du logiciel, mais aussi
of good design.
The acquisition of IT technologies cannot transform a disorganized company into a
well-organized company. In other words, computers can improve the performance of a company
well organized and worsen the performance of a poorly organized company especially if these computers are
networked.
This is why it is imperative to analyze the organizational chart, the physical structure, the needs
and the harmonization of equipment before making a final decision on the hardware and software
network to be implemented.
Jusqu’à date nous avons axé notre étude sur les ordinateurs, la technologie, la topologie et les protocoles
of the network. Additionally, we have implemented network software and managed it in a peer-to-peer manner.
in client/server by demonstrating the advantages and disadvantages of each type of network.
Now, we will have to take into account conceptual and constraining factors in the implementation of the network.
The network design is a process established in eight steps.
¾ Needs analysis.
¾ Site analysis.
¾ Harmonization of equipment.
¾ Configuration plan.
¾ Server directory structure.
¾ List of configurations.
¾ Installation planning.
¾ Journal du système.
Needs assessment.
Identify and write down the management issues.
9Need for data centralization (common database).
9Need for automation (automatic downloading).
9Need for communication (messaging, email).
9Need for security (data security, automated backup).
1
Site analysis.
Execute a plan of the premises or buildings.
9Dimension of workspaces for each employee.
9Locations of electrical outlets.
9Location of immovable objects (pillars, partition walls, etc.).
9Location of work cubicles.
9Current location of all computing equipment.
9Location of doors and windows.
9Location of ventilation ducts (air exchanger, air exhaust, humidification,
air conditioning.
9Current electrical wiring (shielding if applicable).
9The other companies with which we share the building (inter-company agreements for the
wiring).
Before installing additional electrical equipment, check with the responsible parties.
buildings, the fire officials and all the building specialists in order to comply
to the specifications and safety rules.
It is important to draw the site plans to scale. There are specialized software for this.
modeling of housing layouts, like Visio.
Harmonization of equipment.
As you outline your sitemap, create an inventory of the equipment at the same time.
current computing. It is helpful to know if the current equipment can be integrated into the network
that you propose to implement.
Make a list of PCs and their peripherals and categorize them. Take note of all the numbers of
series, the models, warranty information and the repair statements.
As much as possible, buy new equipment that are of the same brands, models and
technologies. Harmonize, as much as possible, current and new peripheral equipment (monitors,
keyboards, mice, printers, network card, etc ..).
Take into account the required electrical power (about 300 Watts per station) and have the
installations by an electrician. Require individual MALT sockets (orange sockets).
Thanks to the site plan, anticipate the routing of electrical and data cables.
Use a comparison table to list the quantities, models, and prices of equipment coming from
different suppliers.
2
Configuration plan.
The network configuration plan is based on the site plan and mentions the added equipment. This
The plan is of utmost importance for defining the routing of cables and determining the length of them.
segments to use.
Pay special attention to cable security. Use columns and conduits.
Avoid cables on floors covered by borders, they promote loss of balance.
Server directory structures.
The server directory structure is a set of logical address names used to organize
the files related to user groups. A good understanding of the organizational chart of
The company allows for better compilation of the user list as well as the groups. Moreover, it allows
to organize the network into distinct servers or domains.
The directory structure must provide for the following file types:
• Network operating system files.
• Application files.
• User data files.
• Shared data files.
• Email files.
Configuration lists.
9List of machine names (workstations and servers).
9List of server directories (directory structure of each server).
9List of server users (machines having access to the server).
9List of printers (name, port, speed, default configuration).
Installation planning.
Networks take a long time to install and generally take longer than expected. Plan for the installation.
taking into account the following parameters:
9Purchase of equipment (delays and breakage in deliveries).
9Reading the manuals (configuration options).
9Site preparation (move furniture, remove carpets, build partitions, etc.).
9Data backup (test the backup procedures).
9Setting up the equipment (wiring, computers, printers, testing network links).
3
9Software installation (know the configuration parameters).
9Test the tests (communications, impressions. Everything must be functional before delivering the
network)
9Training. Inform users about the network functions and train them to
procedures to follow in case of problems. Create a simple incident report form.
System Journal.
The system log is, in fact, the documentation of the network. It must contain the detailed history of all
the aspects of hardware, software, and network configuration. It is the most valuable resource
to diagnose potential problems. This journal can be confined in a folder or even in
a database is stored on a floppy disk.
The system journal should contain the following detailed sections:
9Equipment warranties classified by types of equipment.
9Information on equipment (serial number, brand, configuration, name and address of
suppliers of each equipment).
9Current configuration (keep the software and hardware configurations of each up to date
computer.
9Backup plan (create an automated strategy for backing up data and software)
to account for all eventualities.
9Backup journal. Keep a history of backups.
9Log of errors and unavailability. In this log, confine the causes and actions taken.
to remedy the problems already encountered and solved.
All the actions described are essential for obtaining a reliable network as well for maintenance.
as for troubleshooting. If you follow these basic rules, you will be able to plan, install,
to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot a network as efficiently as possible.