Designing and Supporting Computer Networks – Chapter 1

Explain How a Hierarchical Network Design Creates a Stable, Reliable, Scalable Network

Network requirements

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Ease of management

Fast recovery

Application response time

Fast troubleshooting

Four fundamental network design goals

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Scalability

Availability

Security

Manageability

Core Layer:

connects Distribution Layer devices

Distribution Layer

interconnects smaller LANs

Access Layer

provides connections for hosts and end devices

Subdividing the three-layer model into modular areas

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Enterprise campus

Server farm

Enterprise edge

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Advantages of Modular Framework

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It creates a deterministic network with clearly defined boundaries between modules.

It eases the design task by making each module independent.

It provides scalability by allowing enterprises to add modules easily.

It enables the designer to add services and solution without changing the underlying network design

Steps in network design projects

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Identify the network requirements

Characterize the existing network

Design the network topology and solutions

Explain what Factors Need to be Considered when Designing the Network Core Layer

Network backbone

Goals of the Core Layer

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Provide 100% uptime

Maximize throughput

Facilitate network growth

-Combining routing and switching in the same device
-Redundancy and load balancing
-High-speed and aggregate links
-Quick convergence


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  • Full mesh topology
  • Partial mesh topology
  • Failure prevention
  • Reducing human error

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Explain which Factors Need to be Considered when Designing the Distribution Layer of a Network

Filtering and managing traffic flow

Access control policies

Route summarization

Isolating Core Layer from Access Layer failures

Routing between VLANs

Explain how redundant links improve network reliability and stability

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Explain how ACLs filter traffic for security and traffic management

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Explain the concept of route summarization and describe how it is implemented at the Distribution Layer of the network

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Explain which Factors Need to be Considered when Designing the Access Layer of a Network

  • Physical location of equipment
  • Wiring closets
  • Converged networking
  • Availability

-Naming structures
-VLAN architecture
-Traffic patterns
-Prioritization strategies

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Functions of VLANs:

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Separate and classify traffic

Control broadcasts

Contain VLANs within a single wiring closet

QoS at the network edge:

  • Classification
  • Assigned priority

Security risks at the network edge:

  • Authentication
  • Wireless security

Security measures at the Access Layer

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Physical security

Strong passwords

SSH

Disabling unused ports

Security policy

Describe the Benefits and Security Implications of Creating Server Farms

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Defined entry and exit points for network traffic

Redundant, high-capacity links

Load balancing and failover

Lower cost of providing services

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Firewalls

LAN switch security features

Intrusion and prevention systems

Load balancers

Network analysis and management devices

DMZs

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Describe the Considerations of an Implementation of a Wireless Network Design

Customer requirements:

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Roaming

Authentication

Services and applications

Encryption

Coverage and number of users

Describe the Factors that Affect the Implementation of VPNs

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Cost of bandwidth

QoS

Security

Remote access