Networking Technologies: A Comprehensive Guide to Network Design, Implementation, and Maintenance

NETWORKING
TECHNOLOGIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
LO1..................................................................................................................................................2
P1 Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards.....................2
P2 Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements.......7
M1 Compare common networking principles and how protocols enable the effectiveness of
networked systems.....................................................................................................................10
LO2................................................................................................................................................12
P3 Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types[M2]...................12
P4 Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware with relevant networking software
...................................................................................................................................................14
LO3................................................................................................................................................15
P5 Design a networked system to meet a given specification...................................................15
P6 Test and evaluate the design to meet the requirements and analyze user feedback.............16
M3 Install and configure network services and applications on your choice............................18
D2 Design a maintenance schedule to support the networked system......................................19
LO4................................................................................................................................................20
P7 Implement a networked system based on a prepared design................................................20
P8 Document and analyze test results against expected results................................................26
M4 Recommend potential enhancements for the networked systems.......................................28
D3 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work a....................................................................29
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................31
References......................................................................................................................................32

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Different network system..................................................................................................2
Table 2: Network types....................................................................................................................5
Table 3: Networking principles.....................................................................................................10
Table 4: Network servers in the network.......................................................................................12
Table 5: Questionnaires.................................................................................................................16
Table 6: Network maintenance schedule.......................................................................................19
Table 7: Network components.......................................................................................................20
Table 8: test result..........................................................................................................................21

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Different network types....................................................................................................5
Figure 2: Token ring structure.........................................................................................................7
Figure 3: Ethernet network..............................................................................................................8
Figure 4: Network models and protocols used................................................................................8
Figure 5: Network design..............................................................................................................15
Figure 6: user’s opinion on network design..................................................................................16
Figure 7: IP address on computers.................................................................................................21
Figure 8: Printer configuration......................................................................................................21
Figure 9: Switch configuration for VLAN....................................................................................22
Figure 10: Router configuration....................................................................................................22
Figure 11: Web server configuration.............................................................................................23
Figure 12: DNS configuration.......................................................................................................23
Figure 13: User and password on mail server...............................................................................24
Figure 14: FTP configuration........................................................................................................24
Figure 15: Ping successful between design and sales department.................................................25
Figure 16: Ping failed when connecting outside the scope............................................................26
Figure 17: PING command............................................................................................................29

Introduction
A computer network is referred to a digital telecommunication network that is used for sharing
resources and data among the network user. In this present report fundamentals of networking
will be studied along with various components such as network types, topologies, standards etc.
for knowing its benefits and constraints. For the given organization, a LAN network is designed
and implemented using the Cisco packet tracers. The present report will also study about the
various hardware and software components used in the network implementation. The report also
explains about different servers and protocols present in the network. The present network is
tested for its performance and recommendation for the potential enhancement of the network is
provided for the organization.
1

LO1
P1 Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards.
Network systems
Table 1: Different network system
Types
Network
systems
Description Constraints and
benefit
Representation
Client-
server
network
system
Here, the computers in
the network uses a
server for controlling
and allocation of
resources and data.
Communication and
sessions with clients is
complete through server
(Peiffer et al 2013.).
Benefit:
 Security is high
 Centralized
network
management
Constraints:
 Performance is
low
 Server
Dependency is
high
Peer-to-
peer
network
system
In these network,
workstation is connected
with each other for
communication and flow
of data without a server
for controlling the
operations in the
network
Benefit:
 Cost effective
 High
performance
Constraints:
 Security is less
 Complex
network
2

management
Network topologies
Types of
topology
Description Benefit and
Constraints
Representation
Star
topology
In this type of network
Workstation and devices
are linked with a
centralized device that
can be a hub and Switch.
Benefit:
 Performance is
high
 Maintenance is
easy
Constraints:
 High cable
requirement
makes it costlier
 Dependency on
the centralized
device
Ring
topology
Ring format is used for
connecting all the
computing devices in the
network.
Benefit
 cost effective
 implementation
is easy
Constraints
 Scalability is
low
 Failure in single
will fail the
entire network
3

communication
Mesh
topology
computing devices
present in the network
links with various
another computer.
benefits
 Many devices
can be
connected
 Cost effective
Constraints
 High
maintenance
cost
 Structuring is
complex
Bus
topology
All the devices in the
network establishes
communication with the
main server using a
single cable known as
node.
Benefit
 Simple
structuring
 Cable required
is low therefore
cost of
implementation
is less
Constraints
 High load on the
cable
 Network
breakdown if
cable breaks
4