Netw209 Connecting Networks Network Design Team Project

Netw209 Connecting Networksnetwork Design Team Project

The assignment involves designing and installing a LAN/CAN for three buildings of a new college campus in Phoenix, AZ, including network planning, topology diagrams, a proof-of-concept model, and a team presentation.

The project requires developing an IP scheme and VLAN segmentation, creating physical and logical topology diagrams, demonstrating a LAN topology in Packet Tracer, and delivering a comprehensive team presentation with defense of design decisions.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Networking plays a pivotal role in modern educational institutions, especially in the context of new campus setups where comprehensive planning ensures efficiency, scalability, and security. This paper presents a detailed network design proposal for DeVry Communications, Inc., aimed at establishing a robust Local Area Network (LAN) and Campus Area Network (CAN) across three key buildings: Smith Hall, Harris Hall, and Nash Residence. The design prioritizes connectivity, security, scalability, and high-speed access for both administrative and academic purposes, positioning the campus for future growth and technological advances.

Understanding the Site and Requirements

The project encompasses three distinct buildings, each with specific functions and user populations. Smith Hall, serving as the administrative building, hosts 400 users across two floors, necessitating a reliable network infrastructure to support administrative tasks and internal communication. Harris Hall, an administration and classroom facility with 300 users, includes a data center for the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) and Points of Presence (POP), serving as a central hub for network services. Nash Residence is student housing accommodating 375 occupants across three floors, requiring wireless access for mobile connectivity. Both Harris Hall and Nash Residence are in proximity, with LOS distances that influence network topology and device placement.

Network Design Objectives

  • Capacitate the network to support a 20% growth over three years.
  • Ensure seamless internet access for all buildings.
  • Implement robust network security measures to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Provide full network connectivity with Layer 2 and Layer 3 configurations for efficient data flow and management.
  • Establish high-speed wireless access for both administrative staff and students, facilitating mobility and access to digital resources.

IP Addressing and VLAN Segmentation

The first step in the design involves developing a logical IP scheme to organize network addresses systematically. This scheme supports scalability, security, and ease of management. A Class B private IP range, such as 172.16.0.0/16, is suitable for this campus, providing ample address space.

VLAN segmentation enhances network performance and security by isolating traffic among different departments or user groups. For this campus, VLANs could be segmented as follows:

  • VLAN 10: Administrative (Smith Hall)
  • VLAN 20: Academic (Harris Hall)
  • VLAN 30: Student Housing (Nash Residence)
  • VLAN 40: Wireless Networks (Universal for both campus and public access)

Each VLAN will have its own subnet, ensuring traffic isolation and security. For example, VLAN 10 might use 172.16.10.0/24, VLAN 20 172.16.20.0/24, VLAN 30 172.16.30.0/24, and VLAN 40 172.16.40.0/24.

Topology Diagrams and Physical Layouts

Physical topologies illustrate the real device connections, including switches, routers, access points, and servers, while logical topologies depict data flow and VLAN segmentation. Four diagrams are necessary: campus, Smith Hall, Harris Hall, and Nash Residence.

The campus diagram integrates all buildings, showing inter-building links via fiber optics or high-speed Ethernet, ensuring minimal latency and high bandwidth. Inside each building, structured cabling connects workstations, access points, and switches to core switches, which connect to distribution routers leading to the MDF/data center.

Proof-of-Concept Model Using Packet Tracer

The next step emphasizes creating a simulated LAN topology within Cisco Packet Tracer. This model demonstrates connectivity among VLANs, routing between subnets, wireless access points, and security configurations such as ACLs and firewall rules. Key elements include:

  • Core switches in each building connected via fiber links.
  • Layer 2 switches connecting client devices and wireless access points.
  • Router interconnecting VLAN subnets with Layer 3 capabilities.
  • Wireless access points providing high-speed Wi-Fi for mobile users.
  • Security devices to enforce policies across network segments.

Security Considerations

Security strategies involve implementing VLAN segregation to isolate sensitive departments, deploying access control lists (ACLs) on routers to restrict traffic, enabling secure Wi-Fi protocols (WPA3), and setting up firewalls at key network points. Regular monitoring and updates are essential for maintaining network integrity and safeguarding data.

Scalability and Future Growth

The design accounts for future expansion through scalable IP schemes and modular hardware choices. Wireless infrastructure supports increased users, and network devices are selected for high throughput and reliability, ensuring the campus network evolves seamlessly with organizational needs.

Conclusion

The proposed network design integrates comprehensive IP scheme planning, VLAN segmentation, topology visualization, and a simulated proof-of-concept, forming a resilient, scalable, and secure campus network infrastructure. Adherence to best practices in network architecture enables DeVry Communications, Inc. to deliver innovative, reliable connectivity tailored to current and future technological demands.

References

  • Cisco Systems. (2022). Cisco networking architecture essentials. Cisco Press.
  • Odom, W. (2019). CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.
  • Stallings, W. (2020). Data and Computer Communications. Pearson.
  • Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2021). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. Pearson.
  • Perkins, C. (2023). Network Security Essentials. Wiley.
  • Hucaby, D. (2017). Cisco LAN Design Overview. Cisco Press.
  • Cisco. (2023). Building Cisco Remote Access Networks. Cisco Press.
  • Gupta, A., & Singh, M. (2020). Wireless Networking: An Introduction. Journal of Modern Networking.
  • Douglas, K. (2018). Designing Campus Networks. O'Reilly Media.
  • Minasi, J. (2020). Mastering Cisco Networking. Sybex.

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