Network Design: Methods and Topologies

This article discusses the different methods and topologies used in designing LAN networks. It explains the pros and cons of hierarchical, flat, and mesh topology methods. The article recommends the use of flat design methodology for simple LAN networks.

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NETWORK DESIGN

Network design
A computer network is a group of systems, hardware and software devices that are connected
together through channels with the aim of exchanging data and resource sharing .Basically for a
computer network to be successful it has to ensure that all the network has been setup to the
requirement needed for communication . It must be able to support the amount of traffic that is
needed to be conveyed across the entire network. Network are basically categorized with
different characteristics. Before any network is implemented it must designed first. In network
design there are various methods that are used to determine the design of any network. This
methods depends on the resources that are available, the network topology to be used and
whether the network to be designed is LAN or WAN. In this project a LAN network is supposed
to be designed using two PCS, two routers, DHCP server and DNS server. Network design
predicts the layout of network devices and their configurations (Bartic et al,2009). There are various
methods that will be used in the designing of the network they include the following.
Hierarchal methodology- This is method that is used to design networks basing on technical
goals. Before using this method a suitable network topology has to be recommended (Chabarek et
al, 2008). This topology must be made up of interrelated components. The method requires
dividing of the network into layers .This means that it is used in designing networks that have
multiple switches and routers. It has layers like the core layer, distribution layer and access layer.
It is mostly used in designing WAN networks. This method also creates room for adding other
network components without interfering with the current network. It has the following pros and
cons.
Cons
 Each layer in this method can be given permission to access information
 It is the best since when one device fails it does not affect the functioning of the network.
 It mostly uses star topology thus network speed is high since there will be no data
collision.
Pros
 It cannot be used in designing small networks that require use of few devices.

Flat design methodology
This is the topology that is mostly used in designing small networks. There is no
hierarchy in this design (Sandberg et al,2013). Each device that is found in this method has
the same function in the network, since the network is not divide into many layers.
Designing of networks using this method is very easy. The networks that are designed
using this method are very easy to be maintained (Sandberg et al., 2013). It has the following
advantages and disadvantages.
Cons
 It is easy to be designed.
 Can be easily maintained.
 Best for LAN connection
Pros
 The network cannot be expanded.
 Troubleshooting the network is very difficult

Mesh topology method
This is methodology that is mostly recommended by most designers. Every single switch in this
method is connected to the routers that are available (Ramachandran et al, 2009). This method
provides complete redundancy to the network, this because there will be no delay in transfer of
packets within the network. Data transmission in this method of design require intermediate
links.
It has the following cons and pros.
Cons.
 It has totally reduce redundancy in network.
Pros
 Require many switches and routers to be implemented
The best method that will be used in the implementation of this network will be flat design
methodology, since it is simple and easier to be maintained. More so the network to be designed
is very simple it contains two PCs, routers and servers. This devices will require direct link
connection between each other.

References
Bartic, T. A., Mignolet, J. Y., Nollet, V., Marescaux, T., Verkest, D., Vernalde, S., & Lauwereins, R. (2009).
Topology adaptive network-on-chip design and implementation. IEE Proceedings-Computers and Digital
Techniques, 152(4), 467-472.
Chabarek, J., Sommers, J., Barford, P., Estan, C., Tsiang, D., & Wright, S. (2008, April). Power awareness in
network design and routing. In INFOCOM 2008. The 27th Conference on Computer Communications.
IEEE (pp. 457-465). IEEE.
Sandberg, R., Goldberg, D., Kleiman, S., Walsh, D., & Lyon, B. (2013, June). Design and implementation of the
Sun network filesystem. In Proceedings of the Summer USENIX conference (pp. 119-130).
Ramachandran, K., Buddhikot, M., Chandranmenon, G., Miller, S., Belding-Royer, E., & Almeroth, K. (2009,
September). On the design and implementation of infrastructure mesh networks. In Proceedings of the
IEEE Workshop on Wireless Mesh Networks (WiMesh) (pp. 4-15). IEEE Press.