Networking Technologies: Benefits, Constraints, and Implementation

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................................................27
M4 Recommend potential enhancements for the networked systems.......................................30
D3 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work a....................................................................31
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................33
References......................................................................................................................................34

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..........................................................................................................................27

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: Configuring DSL for connection with external WAN service.......................................21
Figure 8: RIP configuration on router in Cisco packet tracer........................................................21
Figure 9: Ethernet address on router..............................................................................................22
Figure 10: VLAN database in main switch of the network...........................................................22
Figure 11: IP address of the printer shared in finance department................................................23
Figure 12: Static IP address on the computers...............................................................................23
Figure 13: IP addressing on server machine..................................................................................24
Figure 14: Managing HTTPS connections and files......................................................................24
Figure 15: Enabling and mapping DNS address for servers..........................................................25
Figure 16: Configuring email services..........................................................................................25
Figure 17: Managing FTP users and permissions..........................................................................26
Figure 18: Managing IP address permission through firewall.......................................................26
Figure 19: Ping successful for other computers in same department............................................28
Figure 20: Connection from finance department is successful to web server...............................29
Figure 21: PING command............................................................................................................31

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
(Peifferet 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
management
2

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
communication
Mesh computing devices present benefits
3

topology in the network links with
various another computer.
 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 serverusing 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
breakdownif
cable breaks
Network types
4