BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing Transport Network Design, Assignments of Network Design

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BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in

Computing

Transport Network design

STUDENT NAME:

STUDENT ID:

UNIT CODE:

DATE:

Table of contents

• Table of contents.........................................................................................................................
• Task 1: The LAN Design principles and the application in network design process.....................
  • Network design models............................................................................................................
  • OSI network model...................................................................................................................
  • Features of scalable networks..................................................................................................
  • LAN redundancy, bandwidth and load related issues and possible solutions...........................
  • Link Aggregation......................................................................................................................
  • Importance of Link Aggregation...............................................................................................
  • Importance of using EtherChannels.........................................................................................
• Implemented network with LAN design principles........................................................................
  • LAN selected devices...............................................................................................................
  • IP addressing scheme for the company...................................................................................
  • VLAN configuration..................................................................................................................
  • Trunk mode configuration.........................................................................................................
  • EtherChannel configuration......................................................................................................
  • Layer 2 password configuration..............................................................................................
  • The LAN design.....................................................................................................................
• Appropriate WAN solution for the organizational requirements..................................................
  • Various WAN Technologies...................................................................................................
  • Features and benefits of VPN types basing on organizational requirements..........................
  • Types of VPN.........................................................................................................................
  • WAN technology that is recommended for the case scenario................................................
• Solving range of network related problems with the right troubleshooting methods...................
  • Monitoring the network...........................................................................................................
  • Network monitoring tools........................................................................................................
  • Protocols for monitoring the network......................................................................................
  • Test case developed to test the LAN and WAN design..........................................................
  • Documentation of troubleshooting steps for the scenario.......................................................
    • Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................
    • Troubleshooting methodology.............................................................................................
    • Troubleshooting steps........................................................................................................
• References................................................................................................................................

during a session and enables security on the network and helps the connected devices locate each other on the network  Transport layer – this layers helps in end to end delivery of data between hosts and client devices on the network with the help of TCP/IP to ensure fault free delivery of data (Codeacademy, 2020).  Network layer – this is the layer that deals with the network addressing and uniquely addressing packets for destination delivery. It routes the packets with the best path available.  Data link layer – this layer reads and writes data on the communication line and put the data in frames to ensure they are free from errors and transmission. This layer also manages the timing transmissions, adds the type of frame, controlling errors and addressing. It is divided into logical link control which maintains the link between the devices through SAPs (service access points) and the Media access control(MAC) used in coordination of sending of data between devices (Codeacademy, 2020).  Physical layer – this is the layer where the network hardware is defined such as cabling, pulse rates, power input etc. the hardware could consist of routers, switches, network interface cards, cables etc. Features of scalable networks Networks can be scalable if they are designed to expand without the need for extra expensive replacements of the already existing devices or components on the network. The main features of a scalable network are one that can be expanded with minimal impact on the current users of the network and also a network that is designed with the right modular devices which can enable the expansion (Omnisecu, 2020). To ensure a scalable network design, include the following;  Use of expandable modules- devices that can be upgraded to help increase capabilities  Design hierarchical network modules which can be modified and upgraded  Creating IPv6 and Ipv4 addressing which is hierarchical to remove the need of re- addressing in future.  Selection of multi layered switches and routers and other layer 3 devices to filter help minimize the flow of traffic to the network core level. Suggested network design model for the case scenario From the network design models discussed, we recommend the three-tier model. This is discussed below;

• The three-layer network enables the development of high performance networks. This model helps to allow enhanced network management and isolation of different network challenges and causes.
• This model helps in creating a better application filtering policy development
• This model supports future growth of the network

• It also makes redundancy much easy because many interconnections offer better connectivity across many devices, meaning incase one fails, the other is used. LAN redundancy, bandwidth and load related issues and possible solutions The availability of the network for many organizations is important because it helps to support their operational needs. Planning for redundancy is a key part when designing a network because it helps to avoid network service disruptions and reduce the possibility of failures at single points. One of the key option of using redundancy is through installation of duplicated devices and provision of failover service for more important devices (Media, 2020). The other way to implement redundancy is through redundant paths, which offers an alternative physical path where data can travel in the network. This is used to ensure availability. In Ethernet networks the redundant paths may cause loops at logical layer 2 and the solution is to use Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) The STP removes the layer 2 loops when using redundant paths in switches by disabling redundant path in switched networks until the path is needed, especially at times of failures (Media, 2020). The layer 3 in the backbone also implements the redundancy in the switched networks but does not require the STP at layer 2. This layer provides the best path selection and quicker convergence when there is a failover. Using the hierarchical design, it is possible to have some links between distribution and access layers some switches can carry a larger traffic compared to others and this could be a problem. using the link aggregation like the Ether-Channel it enables increase in bandwidth within the components through having a single logical link consisting of various physical links (Media, 2020). Link Aggregation Link aggregation refers to a method of putting together a group of individual Ethernet links to make them work as single logical link. In the cases one has a switch that has more Gigabit Ethernet ports, they can easily link them together with another device that also has those ports and help create a balanced traffic between the links for improved performance (Networks, 2020). Importance of Link Aggregation The link aggregation is used between switches to increase capacity of the network and hence help sustain high transmission speeds. Also helps in defining various methods of make use of many parallel networks to enhance throughput. The most important one however is to help with failover links. Traffic through a failed connection using the aggregation can be moved to working connections. The traffic is

IP addressing scheme for the company Department Start IP End IP VLAN Subnet mask gateway Finance 192.168.22.0 192.168.22.1 1 255.255.255.0 (^) 192.168.23.0/ Sales 192.168.21.0 192.168.21.8 1 255.255.255.0 (^) 192.168.23.0/ Engineers 192.168.20.0 192.168.20.1 1 255.255.255.0 192.168.23.0/ Design 192.168.23.0 192.168.23.2 1 255.255.255.0 192.168.23.0/ WAN 200.210.220.0 200.210.220.1 1 255.255.255.0 200.210.220.160/ Call center 192.168.24.0 192.168.24.1 1 255.255.255.0 192.168.23.0/ Servers 192.168.25.0 192.168.25.2 1 255.255.255.0 192.168.23.0/ Manchester Branch

VLAN configuration

Fig 1: Vlan configuration

Layer 2 password configuration Fig 4: Configuring security on layer 2 switch The LAN design Fig 1: The network design for the company

Appropriate WAN solution for the organizational requirements

Various WAN Technologies WAN networks are a collection of local area networks(LANs) which are connected and communicate and share information with each other over a large geographical area (Edrawsoft, 2020). Below are most common WAN technologies;  IPsec VPN – this technology is able to link various sites to a single private network with the help of internet access. The installation of VPN at every location between firewalls to ensure security between the sites. Mostly the VPN topologies are meshed.  SD-WAN – a type of WAN technology that automatically decides best router on the internet links and private data to and fro locations with the help of software driven networking. The SD-WAN (Software defined- WAN) develops the transport agnostic tunnel to help usage of wireless, cable, DSL etc.  Metro Ethernet – this provides Ethernet point to point data service for networking that helps connection in a metropolitan area. It uses the SONET (Synchronous Optical network) for security of point to point WAN connection (Edrawsoft, 2020). Comparison between private and public technologies Private WAN Public WAN Characteristics -Stacking of bandwidth -Safe transport over internet

• quality of service engine is bi-directional
• Extensive API
• Compatible with any kind of connection
  • broadband services is used such as DSL, satellite etc.
  • Broadband connects mainly office spaces and telecom employees Advantages -Installation require expertise in installation
• availability is constant
• easy to manage and install
• No security problems in WAN
• Gives a professional approach to enterprise network needs. Disadvantages - High costs of leased lines especially over many sites
• Varying WAN traffic meaning sometimes the bandwidth may fail to meet the needs.
• Can be expensive
• High administrative controls
• High expertise is needed in maintenance.

Solving range of network related problems with the right troubleshooting methods

Monitoring tools and troubleshooting methods to establish baseline for network and documentation Monitoring the network Network monitoring entails the whole process of managing and monitoring a network through use of special software tools. The entire system ensures all resources within the network are accessible and working well. In many cases a network administrator can manage the routers, access, and overall components which may be slow, switches, firewalls as well as the performance of the servers. The monitoring system is normally used on the network of companies or institutions (LiveAction, 2020). The network monitoring tools normally detect and alerts admins for devices failures or breaches. They work by measuring the usage of CPU on hosts, the bandwidth in use and other services being used in the network. They can also send message to every host on the network just to find out their responsiveness to requests. Importance of monitoring the network Network monitoring largely helps in ensuring security of stored information. This is possible because it tracks and alerts system admins of any suspicious activities before they could become a serious problem (LiveAction, 2020). The other importance is that it provides ability for troubleshoot. With these tools admins can easily identify the problem within the network and easily find a solution saving time and money for the network administrators. Otherwise more time would be used find the problem (LiveAction, 2020). With the monitoring tools installed, it will help to understand how each network component works, and helps to find how they are used, and if there is need for extra disk space etc. Network monitoring tools There many network monitoring tools on the market and they include;  Nagios XI – This tool is developed for a range of networks, and it is an open-source tools which enables high versatility due to its adaptability to the use of plug-ins on the devices being tracked and provide prompt notifications (LiveAction, 2020).  Zabix – this is a surveillance tool, its open source and it is fully configurable and easy for use. Mainly looks at the monitoring and trends functionality of the network. It is mostly used for monitoring the hardware and servers (LiveAction, 2020).  PRTG – this is a monitoring software which mostly used because of its wide usage in managing networks. Manages traffic, systems, hardware and network applications and

send out warnings in case of problems. This tool uses technologies like SQL, HTTP, packet sniffing etc. Protocols for monitoring the network The protocols used in the monitoring of the network includes;  SNMP – This is the widely used protocol that queries certain items on the network to help gather data from devices like servers, routers, switches, modems etc. which are on the network. The collected data is used to develop needed information for checking performance based on the status like bandwidth, CPU usage and latency in the network.  ICMP – this is a protocol mainly used in error reporting. Devices like routers use this protocol to send error notifications in situations for example if a client or host is not reachable (LiveAction, 2020).  CDP (Cisco discovery protocol) – The data link layer monitoring protocol used for sharing information between cisco devices on the network. The protocol provides details on cisco enabled devices like switches, routers etc. and allow compatibility by default. Test case developed to test the LAN and WAN design Tested case Output Expected output Tests the security protection on layer 2 switch using password Once the right password is provided the admin is able to log into the multilayer switch With the right password, admin is able to log into the switch interface. Documentation of troubleshooting steps for the scenario Troubleshooting Troubleshooting mainly is the diagnosis done on the network system and it is mainly done to ensure the network is working as expected, especially when the network runs into problems. It is systematic check carried out on the systems, devices or entire network to identify the problem. Mostly involves finding the problem then followed by step by step solution finding, then implementation of the solution depending on the complexity of the problem (Blanchard, 2020).

References

beginnersbook.com(2020) Computer Network Topology - Mesh, Star, Bus, Ring And Hybrid. [online] Available at https://beginnersbook.com/2019/03/computer-network-topology- mesh-star-bus-ringand-hybrid Edrawsoft.com(2020) Wide Area Network Technologies - Design And Implement High- Quality WAN Networks. [online] Available https://www.edrawsoft.com/wide-area-network.html Codeacademy team(2020) The OSI model. Available https://www.codecademy.com/article/osi- model Lifewire(2020) Network Monitoring Definition And Tools. [online] Available https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-network-monitoring- Media, O.(2020) Link Aggregation: A Cool Tip For Better Bandwidth & Redundancy On Ethernet Switches - Military Embedded Systems. [online] Militaryembedded.com. Available https://militaryembedded.com/comms/communications/link-aggregation-a-cool-tip-for- betterbandwidth-redundancy-on-ethernet-switches Etutorials.org (2020)Flat Network Topology Chapter 10. LAN Switched Network Design Lan Switching First-Step Networking Etutorials.Org. [online] Available at http://etutorials.org/Networking/Lan+switching+firststep/Chapter+10.+LAN+Switched+Network+ Design/Flat+Network+Topology Blanchard, C.(2020)The Importance Of Network Monitoring. [online] i.t.NOW. Available https://itnow.net/the-importance-of-network-monitoring Omnisecu.com (2020) Cisco Three Layer / Three-Tier Hierarchical Network Model. [online] Available at https://www.omnisecu.com/cisco-certified-network-associate-ccna/three- tier-hierarchicalnetwork-model.php PC & Network Downloads - PCWDLD.com(2020) 10 Best Network Monitoring Tools & Software Of 2020 | FREE - UPDATED!. [online] Available https://www.pcwdld.com/bestnetworkmonitoring-tools-and-software Networks, A.(2020) Network Basics: What Is Link Aggregation & How Does It Work?. [online] Auvik Networks Inc. Available at: https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/blog/network-basics- linkaggregation bSimplify(2020) Different Types Of WAN Technologies - Data Networking Services | Bsimplify. [online] https://www.bsimplify.com/types-wan-technologies-data-networking LiveAction(2020) Types Of Network Monitoring Protocols | Network Management

Solutions. [online] Available at: https://www.liveaction.com/blog/types-of-network-monitoring- protocols Vpnmentor.com(2020) Different Types Of Vpns And When To Use Them (Updated 2020). [online] Available https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/different-types-of-vpns-and-when-to- use-them