Title: Handson Networking Fundamentals
1Hands-on Networking Fundamentals
- CECS 410 Computers Networks
- Notes, Part 18
- Basic Network Design
2Objectives
- Determine factors that affect network design
- Implement guidelines for installing cable
- Use structured wiring and networking in your
network designs - Design a network for a home
- Design a network for an office or organization
3Factors that Affect a Network Design
- Planning should precede equipment purchase
- Nine factors to consider
- Purpose of the network
- Anticipated network traffic
- Redundancy requirements
- User movement
- Future growth
- Security considerations
- WAN connectivity
- LAN and WAN costs
- Existing network topology and resources
4Purpose of the Network
- Number one task match network with user needs
- Scenario bandwidth demand varies with office
- Architects produce drawings saved to large files
- File transmission likely to require high
bandwidth - Copywriters generate files with high text content
- Likelihood that files are smaller than
architects' - Likelihood that bandwidth need is also less
- General considerations
- What type of information is to be shared?
- What software applications are used?
- What resources are required to run applications?
5Purpose of the Network (continued)
- General considerations (continued)
- What components are to be shared?
- Examples printers, CD arrays, storage, and
others - What are the organizational business patterns?
- How are patterns associated with network use?
- What role does the network play in the business?
- What roles does network play in operational
strategy? - What types of computers are to be connected?
- What is the function of the computers on the
network? - What kinds of LANs and WANs are to interconnect?
6Anticipated Network Traffic
- Two primary factors to consider for a new network
- Number of users
- Types of servers and hosts that will run on
network - Scenario 1 home network without a server
- Low network traffic largely consisting of file
sharing - Scenario 2 home network for entertainment
- Traffic heavier due to use of streaming video
- Scenario 3 office with one server
- Traffic heavier into and out of server
(bottleneck) - Scenario 4 office with multiple servers
- Traffic to any one server is light (if tasks
distributed)
7Anticipated Network Traffic (continued)
- Actions to take when upgrading a network
- Obtain benchmarks of current network use
- Consider traffic from specific devices
- Benchmark performance assessment
- Some benchmarks that can be collected
- Slow, average, peak activity in relation to work
patterns - Slow, average, peak activity at different network
points - Typical network activity related to certain
applications - Example benchmark tracking database server
activity - Determines slow, average, peak access times
8Redundancy Requirements
- In relation to network paths
- Provide extra cable and equipment
- Enable system to tolerate failure of one or more
devices - Increase redundancy if continuous LAN use
required - Include enough network paths to hide malfunction
- User should not be aware of need to reroute
traffic - Three examples when down time harms organization
- Users in office cannot access financial programs
- Bank unable to process user and cash transactions
- E-business cannot perform transactions on Web
server
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10User Movement
- Network should adapt to users required to
relocate - Business events requiring network to adapt
- Reorganization to meet challenge of changing
markets - Restructuring due to merger and/or acquisition
activity - Networks should be responsive to physical
movement - User may need network access while moving around
- Example user in a hospital or warehouse with
laptop
11Future Growth
- Successful networks have growth potential
- Scalable networks extend original investment
- Several ways to accommodate growth
- Select 100BaseTX network if goal is 1000BaseTX
- Converts to 1000BaseTX better than 16 Mbps token
ring - Design networks around modern routers and
switches - Avoid use of older devices, such as bridges and
hubs - Install cable of Category 5e or better in cable
network - Employ standardized technology in wireless
networks - Example use 802.11 devices without proprietary
add-ons
12Security Considerations
- Security vital in office and home networks
- Levels of protection vary with network
- Examples of security level need by company type
- High payroll-processing company
- Moderate provider of a public database of health
statistics
13WAN Connectivity
- Varies with design of LANs
- Consider how LAN and WAN will interoperate
- Basic WAN connectivity need
- LAN requires DSL or ISDN lines to connect to
Internet - Complex WAN connectivity based on various needs
- Satellite communications for overseas connections
- Frame relay to join LANs in neighboring states
- T-3 lines for universal access to a Web site used
to market products
14LAN and WAN Costs
- Important factors in any LAN or WAN project
- Are constrained by budget or specific allocation
- Are projected using itemized list
- Communications cable (for a cabled network)
- Network devices
- Additional computers and printers required for
network - Network management/analysis software and hardware
- Installation
- Training
- Vendor consulting
- WAN service or leasing fees
15Guidelines for Installing Cable
- Cable plant is foundation for cable-based
networks - General guidelines for the network designer
- Install the highest-quality cable possible
- Install extra cable to allow growth and user
movement - Audit existing cable runs as needed
- Develop upgrade plan to meet three needs
- Network expansion
- High-speed communications
- Flexible WAN connectivity
- Ensure cable compliant with current IEEE
specifications and fire codes
16Strategies for Upgrading Cable
- Plan to replace all legacy cable
- Multimode fiber-optic cable replaces thicknet
backbone - Switches or routers replace repeaters
- Category 5e cable replaces thinnet or Category 3
cable - Upgrade thinnet NICs to newer NICs
- Managing cable and connector costs
- Compare cost of new cable to maintenance cost of
old - Factor in increased productivity
- Variables of installation costs
- Labor needed to remove old cable
- Removal or neutralization of hazardous materials
17Strategies for Upgrading Cable (continued)
- Considering environmental requirements
- Plenum areas and areas that have EMI/RFI
- Considering extra cable requirements
- Install 20 percent to 50 percent extra cable
- Simplifies process of connecting future
workstations - Builds redundant transmission paths
- Create or redesign wiring closet locations
18Strategies for Installing the Cable
- Use structured wiring and structured networking
principles - Install wiring to meet or exceed maximum
bandwidth - Install Category 5e or better UTP cable to
desktop - Install multimode fiber-optic cable between
floors - Match cable run distances to appropriate IEEE
specifications
19Strategies for Installing the Cable (continued)
- Install single-mode fiber-optic cable for long
runs - Use wireless options as an alternative
- Install 802.11 wireless options when cable not
viable - Ensure available standards are followed
- Install star-based cable plants
- Install only high-quality cable
- Follow all building codes, such as for plenum
cable
20Strategies for Installing the Cable (continued)
- Handle cable with care
- Do not pull twisted-pair cable with force over 25
lbs - Follow exactly the rules for the cable bend
radius - Leave plenty of extra cable at endpoints
- Ensure contractor (if used) is qualified and
licensed - Properly ground all cable plants (consult
EIA/TIA-607) - Ensure cable and installation certified
- Cable to meet EIA/TIA, IEEE, and UL standards
- Testing equipment to meet EIA/TIA and IEEE
standards - Label all cable following the EIA/TIA-606 standard
21Using Structured Wiring
- Cable fans out as horizontal star from central
location - Details of central location
- May be telecommunications room or wiring closet
- Contains one or more switches or routers
- Requirements of structured wiring
- Flexible cabling, such as twisted pair
- Wiring nodes into a physical star
- Adherence to standards for horizontal wiring
- Defined by EIA/TIA-568-A or EIA/TIA-568-B
- Centralizing the cable plant in switches or
routers
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23Using Structured Wiring (continued)
- Requirements of structured wiring (continued)
- Intelligence built into the switches and routers
- Used to detect problems at the nodes
- Ability to isolate hosts and servers on cable
segment - Ability to provide high-speed links
- Includes hosts and servers and other network
devices - Horizontal wiring
- Encompasses a single floor in a building
- Fans out to various rooms and office areas
- Divides cable plant into discrete units (modular
design)
24Using Vertical Wiring and Structured Networking
- Vertical wiring (riser cable)
- Cabling and network equipment used between floors
- Ties horizontal cables on floors to form logical
backbone - Principles to follow
- Deploy an extended star topology between devices
- Daisy-chain wiring closets between floors
- Use with redundant backplanes and power supplies
- Use high-speed cable (multimode fiber-optic
cable) - Not susceptible to EMI and RFI
- Reduces congestion on backbone
- Adhere to standards for vertical or backbone
cabling - Follow EIA/TIA-568-A or EIA/TIA-568-B
25Using Vertical Wiring and Structured Networking
(continued)
- Principles to follow (continued)
- Use riser-rated cable for through cable ports or
shafts - Follow UL/NEC standards for fire and flame
resistance - Install fire-stop material on cable throughway
openings - Structured network combines horizontal and
vertical wiring - How to implement a structured network
- Centralize network at strategic points
- Example place switches in wiring closet
- Connect points via high-speed links into chassis
switch - Place main chassis switch in machine room
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27Using Vertical Wiring and Structured Networking
(continued)
- Benefits of a structured network
- Centrally locates network devices
- Centralizes or distributes network management
- Monitor network from station using SNMP
- Use network agents on each floor to gather
information - Perform much of the network maintenance in one
area - Add redundancy without much difficulty
- Segment network according to workgroup patterns
- Servers/hosts share UPS and conditioned power
source - Conditioned power provides known range of power
- Scales well and is amenable to high-speed upgrades
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29Integrating Wireless Communications
- In a small network (home or office)
- May work well with one wireless access point
- Access point wireless bridge, switch, or router
- In a larger network (large organization)
- Combine wireless networking into structured
network - Example 1 multiple access points on a single
floor - Connect access points via cable to router
- Use DSL or T3 line to link router for Internet
access - Example 2 multiple-floor network
- Vertical portion consists of switches joined by
fiber links - Switches join access points on floor
- Account for practical distance between devices
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32Designing a Network for a Home
- Similar to designing for larger network in
business - Conducted on a smaller scale
- Advance planning helps ensure successful results
- Structure of discussion of home design
- Tips for locating computers
- Using cabled or wireless designs
- How to maintain a home network
33Locating Computers
- Common design combines desktops and laptops
- Place desktop out of harms way, such as home
office - Connecting desktop and peripherals to power
source - Plug devices into power strip with surge
protector - Connect power strip to reliable, grounded outlet
- A few pointers for laptops
- Keep them out of reach of food, drinks, and
children - Avoid putting heavy items onto device
- Place laptop in position that allows for
ventilation - Keep wireless units away from sources of
interference
34Walking Through a Cabled Design
- Structured wiring/networking principles valid in
home - Seven ideas for cabled home network design
- Locate central switch in a protected area
- Ensure computer reachable with cable less than 90
m - Setting up multi-story home with multiple
switches - Use 10/100/1000BaseTX switches
- Link with Cat 6 cable and 1000BaseTX connections
- Install Cat 5e cable for switch connections to
computers - Use plenum cable in attics and crawl spaces
- Run cables through walls (do not staple to
exterior) - Run cable away from sources of interference
35Walking Through a Wireless Design
- Two reasons for choosing wireless in the home
- Low-cost multifunction access points, such as
routers - 802.11g communications
- Points to consider in a wireless design
- Using an access point and ESS topology
- Test reach of access point (if used)
- Locate access point in protected area with stable
power - Take extra security measures when near other
users - Configure an SSID and use WPA and 802.11i
- Consider purchasing access point with firewall
- Plan for reach of devices to be under 30 meters
36Maintenance and Support Issues
- Remodeling home may affect reception
- Wireless access point may have to be relocated
- Reset switch or router if link not functioning
properly - Periodically inspect cable, replace damaged parts
- Problems connecting or maintaining connection
- Check network connecting configuration on
computer - Check Web for NIC/WNIC driver updates
- Ensure same SSID and security configuration is
used on all wireless devices
37Maintenance and Support Issues (continued)
- General tips for checking connection
configuration - Ensure TCP/IP is installed in the operating
system - Check the IP address and netmask configuration
- Ensure computers on network have same network ID
- Ensure computers in same workgroup or domain
- Applies to Windows-based networks
- Inspect NIC/WNIC for physical connection status
- LED blinks (or remains on) if connection is
working - If LED does not blink, two actions can be taken
- Check devices connecting to NIC/WNIC
- Replace NIC/WNIC
38Maintenance and Support Issues
- Inspect cables and identify sources of
interference - Make sure network equipment functions properly
- Periodically check for updates and replacements
- Vendor may cut off service after end-of-life
(EOL) point - New network equipment offers number of advantages
- Equipment at beginning of EOL cycle
- Devices can be sent back to manufacturer for
repair - Technical support available
- Web sites can be visited for support and
downloads - Training programs more likely to exist
39Designing a Network Summary Tips
- Determine need and create network diagram
- Plan for high throughput and redundancy
- Utilize modern devices, such as switch with ASIC
chip - Explore cable and wireless options
- Use certified cable in context of structured
network - Install strong security if wireless option
selected - Scenario network home in historic area of town
- Select wireless option to preserve historic
character - Utilize DSL Internet connection
- Implement wireless router, including tests
- Configure SSID, WPA, and 802.11i for wireless
security
40Summary
- Network design begins with needs assessment
- Design points traffic, redundancy and security
needs, user movement, growth, WAN connectivity,
cost - Cable plant choice critical to cabled
infrastructure - Set up horizontal cabling in structured wire
format - Vertical cables connect horizontal cabling on
floors
41Summary (continued)
- Use cable certified to meet EIA/TIA, IEEE, UL
standards - Manage and grow structured network from key
points - Use full-duplex communications to avoid
collisions - Apply office network design to home (smaller
scale) - Use routers to segment networks, control traffic
42Summary (continued)
- Use switches to separate collision domains
- Isolate host/server traffic to simplify
management and reduce costs - Use trunking to improve bandwidth and redundancy
- Combine cable and wireless designs to meet needs
for stability and mobility - Aggressive maintenance plan averts obsolescence