TOPIC 10: NETWORK DESIGN
By the end of tis chapter trainees should be
able to:
Explain the meaning of network design
Describe computer development life cycle
Explain hardware and software creteria
Meaning of network design
Network design refers to the planning of
the implementation of a computer
network infrastructure.
Network design involves evaluating,
understanding and scoping the network to be
implemented.
The whole network design is usually
represented as a network diagram that serves
as the blueprint for implementing the network
physically.
Typically, network design includes the
following:
Logical map of the network to be designed
Cabling structure
Quantity, type and location of network devices
(router, switches, servers)
IP addressing structure
Network security architecture and overall
network security processes
Computer development life cycle
The systems development life cycle
(SDLC), also referred to as the application
development life-cycle, is a term used in
systems engineering, information systems and
software engineering to describe a process for
planning, creating, testing, and deploying an
information system. The systems development
life-cycle concept applies to a range of
hardware and software configurations, as a
system can be composed of hardware only,
software only, or a combination of both
Factors to consider when setting network
infrastructure
1. Understand Your IT network goals
2. Security and Connectivity
3. Disaster Recovery Plan
4. Training and scalability
5. Budget constraints
6. Size of the organization
7. Maintenance cost
LINK AGGREGATION IN NETWORK
DESIGN
In computer networking, link aggregation is
the combining (aggregating) of multiple
network connections in parallel by any of
several methods, in order to increase
throughput beyond what a single connection
could sustain, to provide redundancy in case
one of the links should fail, or both.
Benefits of link aggregation
Increased bandwidth – The capacity of
multiple links is combined into one logical
link.
Automatic failover and failback – The
traffic from a failed link is automatically
switched over to other working links in the
aggregation, thereby achieving high
availability.
Improved administration – All underlying
links are administered as a single unit.
Less drain on the network address
pool – The entire aggregation can be
assigned one IP address
THE NETWORK DEVELOPMENT LIFE
CYCLE
hierarchical network design
A hierarchical network design involves
dividing the network into discrete
layers. Each layer, or tier, in the hierarchy
provides specific functions that define its role
within the overall network
Advantages of hierarchical
network model
[Link] performance
2. reliability and scalability
3. better security
[Link] management and design
[Link] cost-efficiency.
disadvantages of hierarchical
network model
Hardware and Software selection criteria
Hardware Selection Criteria
Hardware must support current software as well as software
planned for procurement over the next planning interval
[year, 18 months, three years]
Hardware must be compatible with existing or planned
networks
Hardware must be upgradeable and expandable to meet
the needs of the next planning interval
Hardware warranties must be of an appropriate length
Hardware maintenance must be performed by
[local/remote vendor, in-house personnel]
Whenever feasible, hardware standards will dictate
procurement of like brands and configurations to simplify
installation and support
Routine assessments of installed infrastructure will feed an
upgrade/replace decision process
Software Selection Criteria
Software must be compatible with current and
future hardware over the next planning interval
Software maintenance and warranties must
be of appropriate length and cost
Sotware help desk must be maintained by
[vendor, third party, in-house personnel]
Software must be standardized throughout
the business to improve purchasing power,
simplify training, and facilitate support
Software must comply with current standards
set by technology leadership
Software must support and enhance business
goals
Constraints of Network Design
Cost
Experienced and expensive staff
Infrastructure equipment
Staff training
Time
location
Importance of network
design
The objective of network design is to satisfy
data communication requirements
while minimizing expense. Requirement
scope can vary widely from one network
design project to another based on
geographic particularities and the nature of
the data requiring transport.
Support net scalability
Improved Service Levels
Cost-effective LAN
Better Security of Networks
Better performance
Network design principles
Deliver services requested by users.
Deliver acceptable throughput and
response times.
Be within budget and maximise cost
efficiencies.
Be reliable.
Be expandable without major redesign.
Be manageable by maintenance and
support staff.
Be well documented.