Computer Networking: Design, Implementation, and Maintenance

NETWORKING

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
LO1..................................................................................................................................................2
P1 Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards.....................2
P2 Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements.......7
M1 Compare common networking principles and how protocols enable the effectiveness of
networked systems.......................................................................................................................9
LO2................................................................................................................................................10
P3 Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types...........................10
P4 Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware with relevant networking software.
...................................................................................................................................................13
M2 Explore a range of server types and justify the selection of a server, considering a given
scenario regarding cost and performance optimisation.............................................................14
LO3................................................................................................................................................15
P5 Design a networked system to meet a given specification. (Sadiku, M.N., 2017. ).............15
P6 Test and evaluate the design to meet the requirements and analyse user feedback.............15
D2 Design a maintenance schedule to support the networked system......................................17
LO4................................................................................................................................................19
P7 Implement a networked system based on a prepared design................................................19
P8 Document and analyse test results against expected results.................................................22
M4 Recommend potential enhancements for the networked systems.......................................24
D3 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions........................25
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................26
References......................................................................................................................................27

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Benefit and constraints of peer-to-peer and client server network....................................3
Table 2: Benefits and Constraints of different network types.........................................................4
Table 3: maintenance schedule......................................................................................................17
Table 4: Test result when compared between expected and attained result of the network design
.......................................................................................................................................................22

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Peer-to-peer network........................................................................................................2
Figure 2: Different types of computer network...............................................................................4
Figure 3: Wireless Standards..........................................................................................................6
Figure 4: Ethernet standards............................................................................................................6
Figure 5: Different network topology..............................................................................................7
Figure 6: Types of Network Topology............................................................................................7
Figure 7: Different Network protocols............................................................................................9
Figure 8: File server.......................................................................................................................10
Figure 9: Mail server.....................................................................................................................11
Figure 10: Web server...................................................................................................................11
Figure 11: Database server............................................................................................................12
Figure 12: Network design............................................................................................................15
Figure 13: IP address on computers...............................................................................................16
Figure 14: Printer configuration....................................................................................................16
Figure 15: Switch configuration for VLAN..................................................................................17
Figure 16: Router configuration....................................................................................................17
Figure 17: Web server configuration.............................................................................................18
Figure 18: DNS configuration.......................................................................................................18
Figure 19: User and password on mail server...............................................................................19
Figure 20: FTP configuration........................................................................................................19
Figure 21: Ping successful between design and sales department.................................................20
Figure 22: Ping failed when connecting outside the scope............................................................21
Figure 23: configuration of the router...........................................................................................26
Figure 24: Configuration of routing algorithm..............................................................................27
Figure 25: Configuration of Switch used in the network..............................................................27
Figure 26: Configuration of Server................................................................................................27
Figure 27: Configuration of DNS server in the network...............................................................28

Introduction
Computer Networking stands for design and implementing a network for establishing
communication among the user with proper use of software and protocols. In this report,
fundamentals of computer networking are discussed covering network types, network systems,
various network topologies along with different protocols and standards used in a network
system. The report will address interdependent network components used in the organizational
network. The present report will provide network design, its implement implementation and
maintain the schedule. Brief knowledge for enhancing the system according to the future
requirement will be delivered. Different testing techniques and potential enhancement will also
be provided.
1

LO1
P1 Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards.
Network System
Peer-to-peer and client-server are computer system architecture that applies to some types of
businesses.
Peer-to-peer network
In this network model same workgroup is used for connecting the system using unique names.
The primary purpose of this network is to share resources in minimum expense.
Figure 1: Peer-to-peer network
(Source: )
Client-server network
This kind of network has two logical parts a server and a client. Here the workstations are
referred as clients that can access file which is stored on the server. The network has centralized
database that controls the access of resources.
2

Table 1: Benefit and constraints of peer-to-peer and client server network
Peer-to-peer network Client-server network
Benefit: This type of network is very easy to
be set. Expense for network maintenance is
low. Dependency of the network is low, and
cost of Server is not present
Benefit: In Client-server network architecture
a Centralised backup system can be
attainable. Therefore network security is
maintained and fast resource sharing is
possible with central administration.
Constraints: Due to lack of centralised server
complexities arises while data backup. In
peer-to-peer network security is fragile.
Constraints: Main drawback of in
implementing this network is related to cost
factor. The network demands a server with
sufficiently large memory space.
Recommendation- The organisation can opt for implementing a client-server network system so
that all the devices and resources in the network can be effectively managed and controlled with
proper communication.
Network Types
Computer network technology supports various different types of network structure for
connecting the devices in the networks according to size and scalability. PAN, LAN, WAN and
MAN are he most common network types.
3

Figure 2: Different types of computer network
Personal Area Network, PAN – the network is formed when a computer of an individual is
linked with his other gadgets like a telephone, mobile phone, table, modem, etc.
Local Area Network, LAN – When a group of people or system are connected to a network for
sharing data and devices in a small area like a campus, building or a room.
Wide Area Network, WAN– When two or more LAN network is linked with one another over
a wireless technology it called as WAN (Niephaus, et al 2015). It can be seen commonly in
business organisation.
Metropolitan area network, MAN – It is the extended version of LAN network forms
connecting devices. The network is comparatively larger then LAN and smaller than WAN
network.
Table 2: Benefits and Constraints of different network types
Type of
network
Personal Area
Network
Local Area
Network
Wide Area
Network
Metropolitan
area network
Benefit Maintenance
efforts and cost of
the set up is low.
data sharing and
resource sharing
can be done in
The network
structuring is
uncomplicated
LAN is
homogenous.
Implementation
Several devices
can be linked in
this type of
network. Provides
high performance
and maintenance.
Connection of
both wireless
and wired
devices is
possible.
Performance of
4
Network
Types
PAN LAN MAN WAN