Assess Skills For Implementing Complex Networks Lab 15 Point

Assess Skills For Implementing Complex Networkslab15 Pointsstudy The

Assess Skills for Implementing Complex NetworksLab (15 points) Study the diagram and scenario provided here. This overrides anything in Skillsoft for Part A of the week 7 iLab. In fact, you do not need to enter Skillsoft to complete Part A. This exercise will utilize skills from your learnings in this course and the two pre-requisite NETW courses. Scenario: The IP address block of 172.17.0.0/17 is already subnetted into VLANs that have the following requirements:

  • VLAN 10 has 243 hosts.
  • VLAN 20 has 55 hosts.
  • VLAN 40 covers wireless hosts in the 3 conference rooms, lobby area, and cafeteria.

Questions:

  1. How would you implement availability in this network? (3 points)
  2. From an efficiency perspective, what should the subnet mask be for the connection between R1 and R2? (3 points)
  3. What security techniques should be implemented on the access layer switches? (3 points)
  4. The solution indicates that all networks use the /24 subnet mask. From experience, you know that this is not the most efficient way to assign host addresses. Assume that VLAN10 has 235 current users and eight servers. If you assume an additional 10% for future expansion, what subnet mask should be used on VLAN 10’s network segment? (3 points)

Paper For Above instruction

In designing a complex network such as the scenario presented, several critical considerations must be addressed to ensure optimal performance, reliability, security, and scalability. This paper explores the implementation of availability, the selection of an efficient subnet mask for router-to-router connections, security techniques at the access layer, and an appropriate subnetting strategy for VLAN 10 based on future growth projections.

Implementing Availability in the Network

Network availability is paramount to ensure continuous service and minimize downtime. To enhance availability within this network, redundant infrastructure components should be employed. Implementing redundant links between key devices such as switches and routers is fundamental. For instance, deploying multiple physical links between R1 and R2 with link aggregation protocols like Ethernet Bonding or LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) can provide load balancing and failover capabilities. Additionally, redundancy should extend to switches through the deployment of spanning tree protocol (STP), which prevents loops while enabling rapid recovery from link failures. Spanning tree protocols, such as Rapid PVST+ or MSTP, offer faster convergence times, thus reducing downtime during network topology changes.

Further, deploying redundant power supplies and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for critical network components ensures resilience against power outages. For high-availability configurations, implementing protocols such as HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol), VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol), or GLBP (Gateway Load Balancing Protocol) for default gateway redundancy ensures users always have access to network resources, even if one router fails.

Efficient Subnet Mask for Router-to-Router Links

From an efficiency standpoint, selecting an appropriate subnet mask for router-to-router links is essential to conserve IP address space and simplify routing. The link between R1 and R2 typically requires a point-to-point connection with minimal address consumption. Given that only two endpoints need to communicate, a /30 subnet mask (255.255.255.252) is ideal. This subnet provides exactly two usable IP addresses, suitable for a point-to-point link, while conserving IP addresses within the 172.17.0.0/17) block. Using a /30 prevents wastage of addresses and keeps the network design tidy, supporting scalable growth if additional point-to-point links are added in future expansions.

Security Techniques for Access Layer Switches

Security at the access layer switches is critical to prevent unauthorized access and network attacks. Several techniques can be implemented to safeguard these devices:

  • Port Security: Limiting the number of MAC addresses learned on a port prevents MAC flooding attacks and unauthorized device connections. Configuring static MAC addresses for trusted devices adds an extra layer of security.
  • VLAN Segmentation: Proper VLAN segmentation isolates different user groups and sensitive data, restricting lateral movement within the network. Implementing private VLANs further enhances security by isolating hosts within the same VLAN.
  • Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI): DAI helps prevent ARP spoofing attacks by validating ARP packets against a trusted database.
  • DHCP Snooping: It ensures only authorized DHCP servers can assign IP addresses, preventing rogue DHCP attacks.
  • Port-Based Authentication and Security Protocols: Implementing 802.1X authentication controls access based on user credentials, ensuring only authorized users connect to the network.

Subnet Mask Selection for VLAN 10 with Future Expansion

VLAN 10 currently services 235 users and eight servers, with an additional 10% capacity for future expansion. To determine an appropriate subnet mask, the total estimated hosts need to be calculated:

  • Current hosts: 235 + 8 = 243
  • Additional 10% for growth: 243 * 0.10 = 24.3, rounded up to 25 hosts
  • Total future hosts required: 243 + 25 = 268 hosts

To accommodate 268 hosts, the subnet mask must support at least that many addresses. The power of two closest to 268 is 256, which aligns with a /24 subnet mask (255.255.255.0), providing 254 usable hosts. Since 254 is insufficient for 268 hosts, a /23 subnet mask (255.255.254.0) is necessary, offering 510 usable addresses. Therefore, implementing a /23 subnet mask allows for current requirements and future expansion without address depletion, optimizing efficiency while maintaining scalability.

Conclusion

Designing an effective and secure network demands careful planning around availability, efficient IP address management, security, and scalability. Redundant infrastructure and protocol implementations can maximize uptime, while judicious subnetting strategies ensure optimal IP address utilization. Security techniques such as port security, VLAN segmentation, and dynamic ARP inspection protect against common threats. As networks grow, the ability to adapt subnet structures like VLAN 10’s mask to accommodate future needs becomes critical. Applying these principles ensures robust, scalable, and secure network operations suitable for complex organizational environments.

References

  • Cisco Systems. (2020). Cisco Routing Protocols Configuration Guide. Cisco Press.
  • Kurose, J., & Ross, K. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th ed.). Pearson.
  • Stallings, W. (2019). Data and Computer Communications (10th ed.). Pearson.
  • Mitchell, C. (2016). Network Security Essentials (2nd ed.). CRC Press.
  • West, J. (2015). Practical Network Automation. O'Reilly Media.
  • Lynn, P. (2020). Networking All-in-One For Dummies. Wiley.
  • Hucaby, D. (2018). CCNP Routing and Switching ROUTE 300-101 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.
  • Odom, W. (2015). CCNA Routing and Switching Complete Review Guide. Cisco Press.
  • Seifert, R., & Sauter, M. (2022). Implementing Security in Modern Networks. IEEE Communications Magazine.
  • Chen, M., & Patel, K. (2019). Efficient Subnetting Strategies and Network Design. Journal of Network Engineering.

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