Network Design and Implementation: A Comprehensive Guide

This document provides a comprehensive guide to network design and implementation, covering key concepts such as network tools, IP addressing, and routing. It explores the differences between network simulators and emulators, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. The document also delves into the importance of IP addressing and routing in network design, emphasizing the role of dynamic routing protocols like OSPF in enabling communication between different network segments. This guide serves as a valuable resource for students and professionals seeking to understand the fundamental principles of network design and implementation.

NETWORK DESIGN
The network tools for creating the network design in assessment 4 can be categorized into simulators
and emulators. A network simulator is software with features for creating and testing protocols and
application services on a network. It is based on computer code written to model the behaviour of
network devices and the interaction between these devices. The limitation inherent in simulators is
based on the features implemented in the software code for each device or associated features. A
network simulator is graphical tool with icons representing the different models of devices present in
the software platform, physical cabling inclusive.
A network emulator differs significantly from a network simulator in its operation and testing
capabilities. An emulator provides an opportunity to implement and verify the functionality of network
protocols, applications and services through the use of virtualized devices. The network entities
deployed in an emulation platform are the virtualized components of vendor software and operating
systems. The emulation tools abstract the physical resources of the host computer to provide the
required computing demands of network nodes which often resource intensive for complex topologies.
The validity of an emulation software strengthens the results and reliability of the testing procedures
because the results are similar to real equipment testing.
Cisco packet tracer is an example of a network simulator with a graphical interface and network
components and devices, through the use of the tool we can implement and test a varied range of
network features based on Cisco hardware. GNS3 is a graphical network emulation software that uses
software images of multiple vendor products and is not restricted to cisco products. Eve-ng is another
network emulation tool that uses a web-based graphical interface and icons to represent network
devices. It emulates the connections and protocol features of multivendor software to deliver real-life
results. The platform runs as an operating system image on the host or a virtualized appliance.
Simulation software provides an interface for imputing device configuration and simulates the command
line console connections to these devices. Emulation tools are configured through a remote terminal
emulation software installed on the host device or a remote computer. In addition graphical remote
connections through remote desktop tools can also be initiated to any platform supporting the
connection method.
For ease of implementation, I will simulate the current network using cisco packet tracer.
NETWORK TOOL PROS CONS
SIMULATOR
1. Less resource-intensive
and only requires CPU,
RAM and storage
required by the
simulation software
2. Functions in the same
manner as a software
installed on the PC and
can easily be installed.
1. Limited in the number
of features that can be
implemented and
tested.
2. Simulation results are
prone to tone errors
which limit their
validity.
3. Simulation software is
prone to bugs and
software errors
1. All network features 1. It is resource-intensive

EMULATOR
available in the virtual
model can be tested.
2. Emulation results are
valid and a true
representation of
network functionality
and performance.
3. Emulation software is
less prone to errors that
can affect the stability
of the platform
and complex topologies
can only be tested on
high-end host devices.
2. Complex installation
process requiring a
good knowledge of its
operation and features.
IP ADDRESSING AND ROUTING
Designing an IP addressing scheme begins with identifying the network segments in the topological
diagram and understanding the addressing requirements for the network. In the current design, there
are three network segment, two remote local area network connected over a wide are connection
(WAN) between two gateway routers. To address each segment a network subnet is required for each
segment and the host addresses in each block of the address will be assigned to the interface of network
devices.
IP routing is required to enable communication between different network segments on a network. In a
LAN, traffic is switched from one port of an intermediary switch to another. For traffic between remote
networks, a router routes network traffic from its connected networks to a remote network using
information in the routing table. These information can either be static or dynamic. In the current
design, a dynamic routing protocol is required between the two routers for packets to traverse to the
remote LAN. The open shortest path first (OSPF) dynamic routing protocol is an open standard protocol
that can easily be implemented to achieve the desired connectivity results. The protocol will be
configured between gateway routers to share the information regarding their directly connected links.
REFERENCES
Barker, K. and Wallace, K. (2015). CompTIA Network+ N10-006 cert guide. United States of America:
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Lammle, T. and Tedder, W. (2013). CCNA routing and switching certification kit. Canada: John Wiley &
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Mohammed a. Alani. (2014) Guide to OSI and TCP/IP Models. Springer Briefs in Computer Science:
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Odom, W. (2016). CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-105. Indianapolis: Cisco Press, pp.75-90.