IT Infrastructure: Network Design, IP Addressing, and Cloud Computing

This article discusses the network design and IP addressing for an IT infrastructure project, as well as the benefits of cloud computing and a comparison of cloud service providers. It covers topics such as geographical scope of the network, logical network design, IP addressing scheme, and the choice between Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services.

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IT Infrastructure
Name
Course
Institution
Date

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Geographical Scope of the Network..........................................................................................3
Logical Network Design........................................................................................................6
IP Addressing.........................................................................................................................8
Virtualization and Cloud Computing.........................................................................................9
Cloud Service Providers.........................................................................................................9
Google Cloud Versus Amazon Web Services.....................................................................10
Techniques of Using Service Virtualization in Implementing Cloud Platforms.................11
Dynamic Cloud Scaling.......................................................................................................12
Conclusion................................................................................................................................12
List of references......................................................................................................................14

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Introduction
A computer network refers to the interconnection of the various computing devices
such as servers, printers, desktop computers, laptops, phones, among other computing
components for the purpose of communication and file sharing (CISCO, 2014). The size of
the computer network is dependent on the requirements and size of the organization. Network
infrastructure is one of the core components of any business or organization. Moreover,
because of the increased telecommuting, networking has also become necessary in our homes
so as to meet the increased demands for network services (Laan, 2011). This paper will
attempt to analyze the network requirements for the ABC organization including network
topology, network design, and address the IP address and subnetting challenge. It will further
describe virtualization and cloud computing, recommend two cloud service providers and
how virtualization is important in cloud computing.
Case Study
ABC organization is a tour and travel company. The company has been experiencing
immense growth because of the increased demand for its tour services. Currently, the
company has over 800 staff and more that 1000 workstations. The current offices cannot
accommodate the need to hire more staff or increase the number of workstations. As a result,
the company has decided to acquire a new 8-storey building in Sydney so that it can set up a
new office branch. The building has 8 floors each having 30 rooms. Every room will have 5
network points. In essence, this means that every floor will have about 150 connection points
(workstations); in total, the entire building will have 1200 connection points. In addition, the
new office will be connected to 4 servers including the file server, DHCP server, DNS server,
and Print server. All the employees should be able to access the internet from and emails
from their workstations.
Geographical Scope of the Network
From the requirements provided by the organization, the network will be a Local Area
Network, because it will just cover one building with 8 floors. It cannot be a metropolitan or
wide area network since it does not connect two branches or buildings in different locations.
Basically, a LAN is confined within a small geographical network mostly one building, but
this is not a typical requirement (Coleman, 2012). This relates to the requirements provided

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by the ABC organization since it wants to network a new branch office in Sydney. Each floor
on the building has 30 office, and there will be four servers including print, file, DNS, and
DHCP servers. Users will need to access the internet and print. Additionally, each room will
have five network point suggesting that each floor will have 150 network points equivalent to
150 hosts on each floor. Having such statistics will be very important while subnetting the
network and allocating IP addresses.
LAN is very beneficial for such kind of setup because ABC can have many devices
connected together and facilitates the easy addition of network components depending on the
capabilities of components and characteristics of the network infrastructure (Mbaocha, 2012).
Another advantage is that there will be one internet backbone that will be distributed to other
hosts using the network expansion devices such as switches and hubs or wireless access
points.
While setting up the network, there are basic requirements that the client needs not to
mention probably because of the limited knowledge in networking (Guide, 2011). Such
requirements include, provision of wireless access points, firewalls, print services, and the
network should be scalable because the demand for network services may increase over time.
LAN also allows the sharing of resources and servers, for instance, servers will be set up in
the core layer to allow the different users to access them without having servers dedicated for
every floor.
The services required and the number of devices to be connected will determine the
technology to be used in the LAN. The most common types of LAN connections are Ethernet
and Wi-Fi. However, for ABC, the two types will be implemented to provide a wireless
connection for users to connect to the network with their phones and laptops and an ethernet
connection to connect printers, IP phones, and PCs to the network.
The type of network topology that will be adopted in setting up the ABC network is
hybrid network topology. It will combine bus and star topologies. This is because the 8 floors
will be connected using a single backbone truck connecting the various switches in the eight
floors. The hosts in the various floors will be connected in a star topology for easy
management and troubleshooting and because the failure of any node does not affect the
operations of the other nodes. However, one major setback with this topology is that is the
backbone trunk fails, then the entire network within the building will be compromised (Pop,

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2012). However, star-bus topology offers easy management of hosts and services. The
diagram below shows the basic layout and connection within the building.
Figure 1: Network Topology (Source: Author, 2019)
Figure 1 gives us a rough idea of how the connection within the building will be like. Figure
2 below shows the expected network layout on every floor.

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Figure 2: Network Connection of Every Floor (Source: Author, 2019)
Figure 2 illustrates how the different components will be connected on each flow. A
central hub/switch will be available on every floor that will be used to connect the different
hosts such as printers, PCs, Laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Every floor will have up to 6
24-port switches or hubs to support the connection of up to 150 hosts on each floor. Figure 2
only shows the connection of a single switch.
Logical Network Design
Because of the network complexities that have arisen because of the diverse
technologies and multiple protocols, Cisco came up with a layered network hierarchical
model for designing a stable and reliable network infrastructure, three-layer model. This

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model is basically aimed at aiding the network administrators to design, deploy, manage,
scale, and build a cost-effective network. Every layer has its own characteristics, purpose,
and specific devices. Figure 3 below illustrates the three-hierarchical model for the ABC
organization.
Figure 3: Logical Network Design (Source: Author, 2019)
The above diagram can further be converted to a logical design using packet tracer.

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Figure 4: Logical Design
As mentioned above, every layer has its own characteristics and functions. They are
described below.
The core layer is sometimes called the network backbone and is responsible for
transmitting a huge amount of traffic quickly. It also offers a connection between the devices
on the distribution layer and it is normally made up of high-speed network devices like high-
end routers and switches with redundant links such as Cisco 6000 series for LAN networks
(Cisco, 2013). We will also have the four servers on the core layer.
The distribution layer acts as the communication point between the core layer and the
access layer. Typical functions of the distribution layer include WAN access, routing, packet
filtering, and defines how the core is access by the packets. It also dictates how fast the
services are accessible, for instance, how a user request is sent to the server. The devices
available on this layer include multilayer switches and routers.
The access layer is used to control workgroup and user access to network resources. It
is made up of access points and layer 2 switches that offer a connection between servers and
workstations. An access control policy is implemented on this layer. Also, port security is
implemented and separate collision domains are created.
IP Addressing
Having mention earlier that there are 8 floors with every floor having 30 rooms each
having 5 network points, this means that a total of 8*30*5=1200 hosts. Therefore, it is
important to have a reliable IP addressing scheme that will be able to accommodate all the
devices on the network (Meena, 2017). As a result, class B IP address scheme is
recommended for the ABC organization. This is because, it has the ability to meet the current
and future requirements of the organization. The network will be made up of 8 subnets to
represent each floor in the building.
IP Address
Block
IP
class
Network
Address Subnet Mask Subnet
Bits
Host
Bits
Number of
Subnets Hosts/subnet
164.30.0.0 B 164.30.0.0 255.255.248.0 21 11 32 2046
Table 1: IP Address

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Floor Subnet Subnet Mask
Subnet
Size Host Range Broadcast
1st
Floor 164.30.0.0 255.255.248.0 2046
164.30.0.1 to
164.30.7.254 164.30.7.255
2nd
Floor 164.30.8.0 255.255.248.0 2046
164.30.8.1 to
164.30.15.254 164.30.15.255
3rd
Floor 164.30.16.0 255.255.248.0 2046
164.30.16.1 to
164.30.23.254 164.30.23.255
4th
Floor 164.30.24.0 255.255.248.0 2046
164.30.24.1 to
164.30.31.254 164.30.31.255
5th
Floor 164.30.32.0 255.255.248.0 2046
164.30.32.1 to
164.30.39.256 164.30.39.255
6th
Floor 164.30.40.0 255.255.248.0 2046
164.30.40.1 to
164.30.47.256 164.30.47.255
7th
Floor 164.30.48.0 255.255.248.0 2046
164.30.48.1 to
164.30.55.257 164.30.55.255
8th
Floor 164.30.56.0 255.255.248.0 2046
164.30.56.1 to
164.30.63.258 164.30.63.255
Table 2: Subnet IP Address
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Cloud Service Providers
The choice of the cloud service provider will dictate organization performance. As
such, before choosing a particular service provider, it is important to analyze your
requirements and match them with the service provided by the different providers and select
the one that offers cloud services that are in line with your business requirements (Zhang,
Peng and Young, 2016). The ABC organization requires a cloud service provider that will
offer cloud services for hosting email and web servers. The two proposed cloud service
providers are Google and Amazon Web Service (AWS). These are the two popular cloud
service providers, however, there are several other service providers including IBM Cloud
and Microsoft Azure. We will discuss the different services offered by Google Cloud and
AWS and recommend one that will best address the needs of ABC.

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Google Cloud Versus Amazon Web Services
As mentioned earlier, it is important to analyze your business requirements against the
services provided by a particular cloud service provider. Comparing AWS and Google Cloud,
AWS is more popular and has been used by many businesses and organizations. However, we
are not choosing a provider based on popularity but based on business requirements and
reliability (Pradeep, 2016). For instance, AWS may be popular but Google offers more
benefits than AWS. Since ABC only requires hosting of email and web servers, we will
analyze the cloud providers on price, features and services, Global reach, and recommend one
that should be adopted by ABC.
It is natural for a business to continuously look for chances to cut on costs and the
adoption of cloud computing can be one area that organizations can save a lot of money and
manpower (Heisterberg and Verma, 2014). Based on price, Google Cloud takes pride in
offering its cloud services at a cheaper price compared to AWS. However, it is important to
mention that the pricing of cloud services is dynamic and what we compare today may
change tomorrow. Google Cloud Platform offers amazing discounts to its customers offering
better prices to achieve long-term commitments from customers.
There is no need to choose a service provider because of offering superior pricing on
its services without looking at another aspect such as performance level, reliability, and
flexibility to meet the requirements of the organization. AWS provides more than two
hundred services including hosting of email and web servers. Google Cloud, on the other
hand, offers approximately 50 services including hosting of email and web servers. Basically,
the two providers meet the requirement of ABC but AWS has superior services that the
organization may need in the future. Nevertheless, Google Cloud offers more flexibility for
customization over AWS which provides fewer customization opportunities. Despite the
difference, both providers present predefined requests to address the requirements of many
organizations such as creating customized VMs to allow the organization to pay what they
only use. Google Cloud provided 3.75 TB of RAM and 160CPUs while AWS offers a
maximum of 4TB RAM and 128CPUs (Rensin, 2012). These specifications will best meet
the need for hosting of email and web servers for ABC.
In terms of global reach, AWS beats Google Cloud because it offers more data centers
across the world allowing the organization to choose where they would want their servers to

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be located for more security and privacy. AWS would be a better choice if the company
would like to expand its presence to other countries.
Based on the above comparisons, AWS is perhaps the recommended choice for ABC
because it meets the requirements of the organization and further offers superior services than
Google Cloud. Moreover, AWS offers superior customer support and greater excellent
availability and redundancy.
Techniques of Using Service Virtualization in Implementing Cloud Platforms
Virtualization refers to the creation of virtual IT infrastructures, computing resources,
servers, and devices. Typically, virtualization alters the normal software-hardware integration
and is among the elements that led to the adoption of cloud computing and helps in optimum
utilization of cloud computing capabilities. Cloud providers mostly include virtualization as
one of their service packages. The virtual machine manager is responsible for the
encapsulation of virtualization basics in cloud technology. There are various techniques for
using virtualization service in the implementation of cloud computing (FitzGerald and
Dennis, 2009). They are described below.
Network Virtualization: this is a technique of merging the available network resources
by dividing the bandwidth available into various channels, each being distinct and separate.
They can be unassigned or assigned to a specific device or server in real time. Network
virtualization reduces network complexity by splitting the network into smaller manageable
parts.
Server Virtualization: this technique entails the masking of server resources.
Typically, it mimics the properties of a physical server by modifying their operating systems,
numbers, identity, and processors. This reduces the burden for the organization for having to
manage complex servers and their resources. Additionally, this technique renders several
resources available for utilization and sharing, while keeping the ability to scale up or down
when needed.
Storage Virtualization: this technique is important especially for the servers because it
gives the organization the capacity to acquire more hardware storage from many storage
devices that are interconnected into one storage space that can be managed from one
command point. It is often deployed in the storage area network and Is mostly used for data

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recovery, archiving, and backup by concealing the physical and real complex storage
structure.
Data virtualization: this technique involves removing the technical details that are
normally used on management of data like format, performance, or location to adopt more
resilient and broader access that is related directly to the organizational requirements.
Dynamic Cloud Scaling
Cloud computing is well known for its superior functionality of scalability and
scalability. One of the main reasons as to why businesses are moving their IT services is the
ability to scale easily and meet the increasing needs of the organization. Basically, scalability
entails the capacity to increase the size of the workload without impacting the performance.
ABC may grow in the future, not necessarily in terms of physical organizational size but in
terms of storage needs, performance, and other different aspects.
Cloud computing provides a great platform for organizations that require additional
services and capacity regularly. Furthermore, scalability involves the capacity to increase
without hard limits and can either be horizontal or vertical scaling. As such, ABC will greatly
benefit from cloud computing, for instance, if the number of emails being received and sent
on a daily basis, they will ask the provider to increase the storage capacity of the email server
and this can be done in a matter of minutes. The organization will not need to delete emails or
buy another storage media. Additionally, if the company wants to scale down, they can
always do that within a short time without going through a lot of processes.
Therefore, by adopting cloud computing, ABC will enjoy numerous advantages
including scalability, elasticity, superior backup and recovery strategies, reduction in
maintenance cost, high performance, and unlimited storage capacity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the network infrastructure is one of the core components of any
business or organization. Moreover, because of the increased telecommuting, networking has
also become necessary in our homes so as to meet the increased demands for network
services. The geographical scope of ABC will facilitate the implementation of a local area
network (LAN). LAN is very beneficial for such kind of setup because ABC can have many
devices connected together and facilitates the easy addition of network components

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depending on the capabilities of components and characteristics of the network infrastructure.
Another advantage is that there will be one internet backbone that will be distributed to other
hosts using the network expansion devices such as switches and hubs or wireless access
points. The type of network topology that will be adopted in setting up the ABC network is
hybrid network topology. It will combine bus and star topologies.
In terms of cloud computing, the choice of the cloud service provider will dictate
organization performance. As such, before choosing a particular service provider, it is
important to analyze your requirements and match them with the service provided by the
different providers and select the one that offers cloud services that are in line with your
business requirements. It is natural for a business to continuously look for chances to cut on
costs and the adoption of cloud computing can be one area that organizations can save a lot of
money and manpower. Some of the critical features to look for in a cloud service provider
include scalability, flexibility, backup and data recovery, reliability, security, and support.

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List of references
Cisco. (2013). Small Enterprise Design Profile Reference Guide. Singapore cisco.
CISCO. (2014). Campus Design Summary. Singapore: Cisco.
Coleman, N. (2012). Happy Haven Day care network design proposal. Michigan: Network
Solution Inc.
FitzGerald, J., & Dennis, A. (2009). Business data communications and networking.
Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.
Guide, C. E. (2011). LAN Switching and Wireless,. CNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide
(ISBN 1-58713-202-8).
Heisterberg, R. J., & Verma, A. (2014). Creating business agility: How convergence of
cloud, social, mobile, video, and big data enables competitive advantage. Hoboken, NJ: John
Wiley
Laan, S. (2011). It infrastructure architecture: Infrastructure building blocks and concepts.
Lulu Press.
Mbaocha, C. C. (2012). DESIGN OF CAMPUS LAN WITH FUTO AS A CASE STUDY.
Federal University of Technology. Academic Research International.
Meena, R. (2017). How to configure DHCP , DNS, HTTP Server in Cisco packet tracer along
with switches. Technoheper24, 1-9.
Pop, P. C. (2012). Generalized Network Design Problems: Modeling and Optimization.
Berlin: De Gruyter.
Pradeep, S. (2016). Information technology. Place of publication not identified: Phi Learning.
Rensin, D. K. (2012). Building a Windows IT infrastructure in the cloud: [distributed hosted
environments with AWS]. Beijing: O'Reilly.
Zhang, Y., In Peng, L., & In Youn, C.-H. (2016). Cloud computing: 6th International
Conference, CloudComp 2015, Daejeon, South Korea, October 28-29, 2015, Proceedings.