Network Design Proposal Part 1

Running head: NETWORK DESIGN PROPOSAL PART 1 1
Network Design Proposal Part 1
Prince Peprah
University title

NETWORK DESIGN PROPOSAL PART 1
Network Design Proposal
Introduction
The leased building of the school (UMUC) contains classrooms, computer labs,
administrative offices and a library which forms the main components of the building. For
each component, a separate network is required which needs the development of a subnet.
Although there is much room for improvement, the minimum bandwidth required for internet
connection must be 40 Mbps.
Network Topology
A network topology is a layout of the network. That is how network devices are
connected physically and the way data between these devices flow within the network. In this
newly leased building, two network topologies are applicable. These are the bus network
topology and the star network topology. The bus topology will be mainly laid in the building
where the main network cable from which the computers and other network devices like in
the in the library will branch and it will run throughout the building. This bus network layout
will also be the central point from where admissions office and computer labs networks will
branch from and which is connected to servers in the server rooms. This central wire forming
the bus networking will terminate at the server room. From each of the main systems in the
bus topology, branches will be extended from them which will represent the star topology. As
a result, a hybrid topology will be made.
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NETWORK DESIGN PROPOSAL PART 1
Figure 1: Hybrid topology adoption
The hybrid network topology involves attaching multiple devices or hosts to a
common or central device by use of a point-to-point connection and then connecting the main
application through a straight line connection. In this topology, data will have to go through
the central point of connection and then proceed to the final intended destination. The
common point of connection that is the switch, hub or the concentrator acts as the controller
of the network functions and that can perform the functions of a repeater for the network data
flow.
The main advantage of the hybrid network topology is the reliability in processing.
This type of network can be easily analyzed and its troubleshooting can be easily done. The
fault related part which is identified can be easily changed. In addition, the scalability is
another requirement of this type of topology which can help in adding newer components to
the existing architecture. Moreover, the flexibility of operations is another benefit of this type
of topology. Lastly, the effectiveness of this topology is another benefit which helps in
maintaining the connection among the system if one network goes down.
However, there are various other disadvantages in the use of hybrid network topology.
The first is the complexity in designing the system. The school architecture must first analyze
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NETWORK DESIGN PROPOSAL PART 1
their components and make the designs effectively. Another benefit is the cost of the
infrastructure which is very high as opposed to the other types of topologies.
Network Media
The network media involves the cables and connectors used in the network. A cable
that permits electrical signal to be transmitted through is referred to as network media. One of
the medium for transmission is the fiber optic cables which are usually made by a number of
fiber bundles. They are then surrounded by a protective coating and provide a high amount of
signal bandwidth. Moreover, the transmission loss is also very low. Fiber optic cables are the
most appropriate one to be used in this new network in order to ensure the internet connection
speed is met as required of any effective network. However, there is a wide range of network
media transmission choices that can be addressed into the network which also includes the
twisted pair cables and the coaxial cables. In case of the twisted wire cables, two conductive
wires are twisted for better electromagnetic propagation. Similarly, the coaxial cables are
made up of lower sheath covering and a outer sheath covering which are used to reduce
interference and crosstalk. These cables require connectors to be used as connection terminal
points between the computer systems and the network devices.
The reason for using fiber optic is because the cable allows for expandability when it
comes to adjusting the size of the network and it is secure hence making it appropriate to use
in the admissions office and computer lab segments where security of data is paramount. The
use of fiber optical cables is mainly adopted due to its invulnerable nature to electromagnetic
interference [2]. Since UMUC is an institution with the reputation of being one of the best
schools in regard to cybersecurity, it should, therefore, set up a network that ensures the
protection of students' and employees' data.
The proposed cables for the new network are the fiber optic cables. Specifically, the
multimode graded optic fiber will be used for the network setup. This is mainly because they
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