Network Design Methods

This report discusses the various methods of network design, with a focus on Intelligent Information Network and Service-Oriented Network Architecture. It also recommends the use of SONA method for network design.

Running head: NETWORK DESIGN METHODS 1
Network Design Methods
Student Name
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NETWORK DESIGN METHODS 2
NETWORK DESIGN METHODS
Introduction
Any network design should be able to address all the requirements set out by any
organization. Network designers should understand the network needs of the organization well
because its these needs that determines the method of network design to be employed. Currently,
companies are looking for network infrastructure that can accommodate emerging technologies
like virtualization, unified communication, wireless, video conferencing, and heavy applications
that relies on network, increasing amount of data shared on the network, and the security policies
(Wilson, 2018). Currently, there is need for more scalable, dynamic, and flexible network
designs methods. This report will discuss the various methods of network design and more focus
will be on two methods, that is, intelligent Information Network and service oriented network
architecture. The two are the main designs that are relied on by Cisco networking.
Intelligent Information Network (IIN)
This network design method can be used to add intelligence to the network. Intelligent
information network has three essential characteristics; they include adaptability, flexibility, and
integration. These properties make it easy for the network to be expanded, increases reliability,
enable multi-layered security, and virtualization services. According to Tetz (2017), IIN has the
following capabilities: the design allows integration of middleware, applications, and services,
ability for active delivery, and policy enforcement. The design has three advantages: it is
relatively cheap, users can access the network at any time, easy to add new applications and
services, optimize business agility, and fast service implementation. However, this design can be
complex during implementation, require high level of expertise both to implement and maintain,
and takes quite a longer time to implement as commented by Azam (2013).

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Service-Oriented Network Architecture (SONA)
SONA is an evolvement of the traditional network design. Group (2018) argues that the
design operates on the assumption all the data will be transmitted on one network architecture
and that the network will be unified. This design is made up of three layers:
Integrated service layer: services are virtualized to enable them to be access over a
centralized or decentralized network environment.
Network infrastructure layer: the network enterprise architecture is contained in this layer
for example routers, switches, communication links, and many more devices. This layer contains
the security protocol to enforce business policies as required.
Application layer: this layer has been designed to allow users to access the various
application over the network. Some of the applications that can be provided at this layer include
enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, Instant messaging, supply
chain management, and unified messaging.
SONA network design is easy to design and implement, it is relatively cheap, requires
less sophisticated technology. Additionally, this design is flexible and can be scaled easily.
However, it is relatively time consuming because of the several services that have to be added to
the network.
Recommendation
I recommend the use of SONA method for the process of network design. This is because
SONA allows an organization to modularize its network and operate in terms of services. The
main objective of SONA is to ensure that services that drives the operations of a business or
organization are implemented. For IIN, it is just a complementary network design method of

NETWORK DESIGN METHODS 4
adding intelligence actions to an existing network. This means that there should be a network in
lace to be able to implement this network method. As such, SONA is a better design to design a
network.

NETWORK DESIGN METHODS 5
References
Azam, W. (2013). Cisco IIN Intelligent Information Network – Networking & Virtualization.
Retrieved from http://w7cloud.com/cisco-iin-intelligent-information-network/
Group, O. (2018). Service-Oriented Architecture – SOA Features and Benefits. Retrieved from
http://www.opengroup.org/soa/source-book/soa/p4.htm
Tetz, E. (2017). Cisco Networking: Intelligent Information Network (IIN) Design Methodology -
dummies. Retrieved from https://www.dummies.com/programming/networking/cisco/cisco-
networking-intelligent-information-network-iin-design-methodology/
Wilson, C. (2018). Cisco DESGN 2.1: Network Design Methodology Overview | National
Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies. Retrieved from
https://niccs.us-cert.gov/training/search/skillsoft/cisco-desgn-21-network-design-
methodology-overview