iTech Network Design Proposal

This assignment presents a detailed analysis of iTech's existing network design and proposes an improved structure. The analysis highlights the challenges posed by the current design and suggests solutions for better management and scalability. A new network layout is proposed, differentiating functions to avoid current issues. The report concludes with recommendations for iTech to implement the proposed design.

Topic: IT Infrastructure
Student Name:
Subject:
Task:
Due Date:

Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
IT Infrastructure Components......................................................................................................................4
Three-Layer Hierarchical Model.................................................................................................................6
Geographical scope of the network.............................................................................................................8
Dedicated server design proposal..............................................................................................................11
Logical Design for dedicated server design...............................................................................................11
Cloud Based Design..................................................................................................................................14
a) Navisite..........................................................................................................................................14
b) VMware Cloud Foundation...........................................................................................................14
Network simulation...................................................................................................................................16
Recommendations and Conclusions..........................................................................................................23
Reference...................................................................................................................................................24

Introduction
Computer network is the interconnection of computing devices such as data, printers, servers for
communication and of sharing resources (Mitchell, 2017) in an organization. There are many
designs or topology related to organizational computer networking like iTech Company. This
document therefore, gives a network design for iTech Company that ought to be implemented
either using dedicated server or cloud hosting approach for better services for the organization.
Project Objective
The proposed network design project is focused on achieving certain objectives that are very
important for tiTech organisation in dispensing its functions more efficiently and effectively
contrary to the current situation (Coleman, 2012). The main objectives for this project are:
Scalability
This involve enhancement of accommodation of additional network devices without affecting the
structure of the set up network design.
Effective services
The new project is aimed at ensuring that iTech company is able to conduct is functions
effectively without encountering network failures or delays as a result of network inefficiency.
iTech Network Security
The proposed network design should provide a secure environment for all the operations and
functions of iTech Company. The network also should be secure in order to avoid external or
internal attacks towards the company IT infrastructure
Easy troubleshooting and management
The proposed design should be easy to manage and also troubleshoot in case of any problem.
The network design should provide clear monitoring techniques across all the networks of iTech
Company.
This report covers a number of tissues related to the proposed design. These are; analysis of the
IT infrastructure components need, three-layered hierarchical network model design, dedicated
server design, cloud-based network design and DCB network simulation using cisco packet
tracer. Recommendations and conclusions are also provided in this report.
About of iTech Company
This is a software development related company being located between three adjacent five-story
buildings in an office park. The company currently has 900-computers in its network with each
building approximately having about 300 computers. The three adjacent buildings of ITech
Company have similar Local Area Network with Data Center Buildng (DCB) located on the
second floor of one of the buildings. The data center provides services such as web services and
emailing as well as dynamic IP addresses, DNS and file sharing services to iTech employees.

iTech domain name is www.iTech.org.au. And the company is currently experiencing challenges
as a result of its poorly designed network.
IT Infrastructure Components
These are various hardware, software as well as facilities required for development, testing,
monitoring and control of computer network in an organisation (Rush, 2017). In the case of
iTech Company, the following are components of IT infrastructure that will be needed for
designing the new network.
Computer Hardware Components
These are more important IT infrastructure of network designs. They consist of various hardware
components such as:
a) Switches
This hardware device provides connectivity of devices on a Local Area Network (LAN).
(Mitchell, 2017). In the case of iTech Company modular switches will be more appropriate as
they enhance scalability since the number of ports can be increased in the case of additional
device to the network.
b) Firewall
This is a security device that will be placed in the network and it filters what comes in and what
goes out of iTech Network thus protecting the company from attacks or unautorised persons.
c) Fiber cable
This serves as a transmission media that connects various networking devices to the network.
Fiber cable will be used to connect network backbones from the core layer to distribution layer
and finally to the access layer of the iTech network design.
d) Wireless Access Point (WAP)
This is a networking device that creates wireless LAN referred to WLAN. This device broadcast
Wi-Fi signal within the buildings thus allowing more end user devices to be connected to the
network.
e) Data center
This is where all the iTech Company servers will be located for access and storage of
information by iTech employees or clients.
f) Router
The routers are devices that will connect the network to the internet. The router will provide
embedded device encryption acceleration, slots for digital signal processing (DSP) slots, firewall,
prevent intrusion, processing call, application services and voice calls.

g) Server/Storage Components
These are components that manage access to shared resources and services in a network. This
include the mail server, DNS server, DHCP server, Web server, file server, Database server and
print server.
Software Components
These are server operating systems, Network Operating System (NOS) and some directory
software which are essential in managing resources shared across the iTech Network (Mbaocha,
2012).

Three-Layer Hierarchical Model
This model breaks down organization network into three layers. With each layer performing
specific functions in simplifying the network design thus making it scalable and manageable
(CISCO, 2014). These layers are;
Access layer which provides direct end user connection to the rest of the network.
Distribution layer which connects devices at access layer enabling connectivity of access layer to
network services
Core layers. This connects distribution layers’ devices to large Network in the organization.
This model is diagrammatically represented below.
Therefore, if the proposed network design for iTech Company is implemented using this
approach it will make it easy for iTech Company to manage the whole network as well as
enhance extensibility of their network in future. The company will be able to manage the big
number of workstations in its buildings as well as improve service delivery speed.
Current iTech Infrastructure
The current network design is not well organized. The network can be said to have a Flat
network model in place which treats iTech networks to be on the same level. This makes it
harder to manage iTech network and also perform its operations effectively. The current poorly
designed network at iTech Company cannot be extended effectively without affecting the whole
network operations. The network is difficult to trouble shoot considering there is no clear
structure of the design and this make it more vulnerable to problems. The network can be said to
be of this model.

Future iTech Infrastructure
The intended future design is based on three-layer hierarchical design model. This network will
highlight each component represented in each layer of the iTech Network. With the proposed
design iTech network will be more simplified, flexible, scalable, and made easy to troubleshoot
and manage (Cisco, 2013). The block structure of the future network will take the following
structure.

Geographical scope of the network
Considering the location of iTech Company buildings and structure, the geographical scope
requirement for this network design project would be many-to-many. This means that in many-
to-many geographical scope, Devices in the network and iTech LANs will be interconnected
with respect to hierarchical model discussed. This is discussed in details below.
Access Layer
This layer provides an interface with end user devices such as the computers, IP phones, printers,
to enable access to the whole of the iTech Network. The main purpose of this layer is to ensure
that it connects networking devices to the network and control the mode of communication
located to each network (CISCO, 2014). Here many access layer devices may be connected to a
number of switches on each of the iTech buildings considering the number of offices available
on each building. The access layer in each building with about 300 computers interconnects and
converges to the distribution layer of the network design. The access layer for each floor of the a
given iTech Company Building will resemble the diagram below
Distribution Layer
The layer provides an interface between both the access layer components and the core
components in the network.it is in this layer that network access functionalities, intelligent
routing and switching services occurs. Differentiation of services is done where various services
are grouped into classes at the edge of the whole network design. This, enhance high availability
of the core services to the access layer end user devices.
Core Layer
This layer consists of hardware devices such as routers which enables network functions such as
routing in order for these devices to be able to access both the external and internal network. The
data Center is also part of the core layer as it provides services to access layer devices. This layer

joins distribution layer switches which interfaces access devices to the rest of iTech Network.
The layer enables scalability, services access, availability and high speed operations.
The geographical scope of the iTech Company network design can be represented in the diagram
below as per the three-layer hierarchical model discussed.

iTech Network Scalability
the proposed network design is grouped into modules which will enable iTech Company to
replicate various network components and functionalities as the network expands. This will
make the iTech Network able to conduct future network expansion more easily. This can be
done by introduction of more distribution layer switches to accommodate more access layer end
users or addition of more core layer devices to accommodate additional workstations operations
in the network (Guide, 2011) .

Dedicated server design proposal
A dedicated server is a centralized computer device that stores information and allows sharing
and accessibility of that information by various workstations in a network (Hope, 2017). There is
various numbers of servers that iTech Company will need in their network. These servers will
perform various functions within the network and across the entire organization at large. Some of
these servers include;
a) Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server
This server automatically assigns IP addresses and default gateways to other devices connected
to the network (Rouse, File Server, 2009). .
b) Mail Server
This application manages transfer of emails between workstations within www.iTech.org.au
domain.
c) Web Server
Provides http services to the user’s requests resulting from calling of a web page file hosted in
this server. iTech domain name www.iTech.org.au will be hosted here and accessed by its
employees or clients.
d) DNS Server
This server matches the domain names with their associated IP addresses within the iTech
network. It processes requests from the users and locate the response using the IP address of the
respective users.
Logical Design for dedicated server design
The logical design for the dedicated server design for iTech network can be represented in the
diagram below.

Servers are hosted on the iTech Data Center. All the requests from the workstations in each
building are being processed at the data center where all the servers are located.
IP addresses and Network Mask
Class B of IP address scheme would be appropriate for the proposed network design at iTech
Company. This IP Addrssing Scheme should cataer for about 1500 network devices in this
network with each iTech building approximately 500 users. The range of the IP address should
cater for additional device into the network. The table below shows the proposed IP addressing
Scheme to be used by iTech Company.
Table a: IP addressing details
IP
Address
Block
IP Class Network
Address
Subnet Mask Subnet
Bits
Host
Bits
Number
of
Subnets
Host per
subnet
192.30.0.0 B 192.30.0.0 255.255.255.
0
21 11 32 2046
Table b: IP Addressing for iTech Buildings
Data Center/Server
Room
Network Users (Access
Layer)

Building Subnet Subnet Mask Subnet Size Host Range Broadcast
A 192.30.0.0 255.255.255.0 2046 192.30.8.1 to
192.30.7.254
192.30.15.25
B 192.30.8.0 255.255.255.0 2046 192.30.8.1 to
192.30.15.25
4
192.30.15.255
C 192.30.16.0 255.255.248.0 2046 192.30.23.25
4
192.30.23.255
The IP addressing shown above will accommodate any new person or device connected to the
iTech Network thus facilitating scalability.

Cloud Based Design
There is various cloud based organization that offers networking services to business
organizations such as iTech Company. Instead of designing its own dedicated server network,
iTech Company could seek services from cloud computing organizations such as;
a) Navisite
This provides cloud services to enterprises, management of applications and hosting services for
organizations in order to simplify IT resources management and reduce management costs. It
uses the latest technologies for designing, building, deploying and management of information
systems and applications for various organizations such as iTech Company. Organizations host
their servers at Navisite cloud such as databases, web servers, file servers among others. It also
provides infrastructure-as-a-service (Iaas) which enhances speed and flexibility in performing of
business operations. With Navisite, itech would be able to manage its work force effectively via
cloud desktop services which also allows scalability via accommodation of new devices into the
cloud environment of an organization such as iTech (Navisite, 2017).
b) VMware Cloud Foundation
This is a cloud service provider which provides services such as storage, advanced networking
integration of enterprise environment and data recovery services. VMware has advanced security
measures for its services which include secure private network and compliance certificates. It
also provides enterprise IT platforms for modernization of data centers which enables
organizations to address their needs without having to change the processes (Rouse, VMware
Cloud Foundation , 2017). This cloud service provider end to end support for application and
network services deployment.
The two organizations are more appropriate for iTech Organization should it go for cloud base
design approach. The two organizations are scalable, accessible and secured and this means
iTech operations cannot be interfered with since services provided are more reliable (cloud-
services, 2017).
The cloud design would depict this network design for communication across iTech network
with data center in cloud.

iTech Data
Center

Network simulation
iTech Network design can be simulated using cisco packet tracer software as below. This
screenshot represents PCs and switches as devices of access layer with DHCP, DNS and Web
servers. The IP address for this simulation is 192.30.1.0/24 which is a class B IP Address.
The DHCP server is configured to assign IP addresses to all the devices in the network
automatically (Meena, 2017). From this simulation the PCs in the network are able to view the
web files hosted on the web server in this access network. The DNS server matches the iTech
web files hosted on the web server while the web server hosts iTech Company website and web
applications.
DHCP Configuration
a) Click on DHCP Server to open it as shown below.

b) Then, select the desktop option and choose IP configuration window.

c) Assign the DHCP server an IP Address 192.30.1.1 and fill in the DNS server IP Address
on the DNS Server field statically.
d) Select DHCP service. Then, fill the Pool Name, Default Gateway, DNS Server, Starting
IP Address, Subnet Mask and Maximum number of users fields.
e) Select ON option and the DHCP Server is successfully configured.
DNS and Web Servers Configuration
a) First, open DNS Server. then select desktop option, IP Configuration and the chose the
DHCP option for automatic assignment of the IP Address.

From the above diagram the IP Address assigned to the DNS Server in the simulation is
192.30.1.4.
b) Once Web server and the do the same as in the first step.

The Web server is assigned 192.30.1.5 IP Address by the DHCP Server.
c) Click HTTP service and create a web page for www.itech,org,au as seen below.
d) Then, click on the DNS server again and select DNS on the service panel.

e) Provides the Web Server name and IP address and click Add Button. The Web server will
be added to the list of web servers available in the network.
f) Finally, select ON option to finish DNS Server configuration process.
Dynamic Network Configuration
Any client connected is dynamically assigned IP Address by the DHCP Server. To simulate this
on clicking the client PC, open the desktop window and choose IP Configuration Tab. Then on
opening the IP configuration Window select DHCP for automatic assignment of the IP Address.
This can be demonstrated using PC1 interface below as demonstrated in cisco packet tracer.

.
The PC1 connected to iTech network is assigned IP Address 192.30.1.2 dynamically as shown
above.
Web Server Access
Click on one of the the client’s PC in this case we are using PC1 as shown in the logical diagram
above. Open the Desktop and select Web Browser.
Then on the url section type www.iTech.org.au and click go to access the web page on the web
server as seen below..

The url (www.itech.org.au) will connect PC1 to the web server where the referred web page is
located.
Recommendations and Conclusions
Therefore, I suggest that iTech should implement their new network design based on the
proposed structure explained in this report since it is clear that the proposed iTech network
design would be easier to manage and more scalable than the current structure. The
differentiation of functions in the network will also ensure that the company is able to avoid the
current challenges it is facing as a result of its current poorly designed network.

Reference
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(ISBN 1-58713-202-8).
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https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/d/dediserv.htm
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