Page 201 - Computer_Science_F5
P. 201
Computer Science The following guidelines describe the after the network is complete.
basic steps toward designing a computer
Technical goals are needed so
network, with more attention on the
as to enable you to design a
local Area Network (LAN):
network that meets users’ needs.
1. Identifying the client’s business
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
network availability, scalability,
and technical goals. Technical design goals include
The first step in designing a LAN performance, and security.
(Local Area Network) is to establish 2. Assess existing infrastructure:
and document the goals of the design.
The design should aim at addressing (a) Evaluate the client’s current
the following goals:- environment, applications, and
(a) Functionality: The network must necessary upgrades.
allow users to meet their job (b) Develop network diagrams and
requirements, and provide user- identify key equipment (routers,
to-user and user-to-application switches, firewalls, cabling).
connectivity, with reasonable (c) Document server names,
speed and reliability. addresses, cabling types, and
(b) Scalability: The network must lengths.
be able to grow, that is, the 3. Logical network design:
initial design should grow (a) Focus on data flow and select a
without any major changes to logical network topology.
the overall design. (b) Design a scalable, redundant,
(c) Adaptability: The network must high-speed multilayer switching
be designed with an eye toward LAN infrastructure.
future technology and should (c) Choose interior routing
include no elements that would protocols.
the limit implementation of new
technology as they become 4. Document and propose:
available. Write a proposal and present the
(d) Manageability: The network design to the client.
should be designed to facilitate
network monitoring and Creating network topologies using a
management to ensure ongoing ‘Packet Tracer simulator”
stability of operation Network topologies refer to the physical
(e) Technical goals: The goals or logical layout of nodes (devices)
and the connections between them in a
that the client wants to achieve computer network. Different topologies
192
for Advanced Secondary Schools
Computer Science Form 5.indd 192 23/07/2024 12:33
