Unit 24: Networking Technologies

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Networking Technologies
Student's Name:
Instructor's Name:
Date:

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Task 3
A primitive LAN layout for Beta Communications network requirement would be as follows:
With the help of this network architecture, Beta Communication will not have any problems
expanding to remote locations too. The Building backbone can be broken into smaller
segments. According to current business functionalities, Beta Communications has broken
down tasks to three different buildings. It would be ideal to carry all important resources in a
single building and channel to the other buildings. Ideally, the building (C) with the network
infrastructure manager and technical teams should act as the central block. Servers, hardware
resources and software solutions must be deployed at this building (C). Employees located in
the other buildings can accept data from building (C). Such an architecture will make sure
Beta Communication performs all its operations in a secure and resilient manner.
Building (C) that acts as the core should be further broken into several segments. With proper
branching, individual modules can be accessed and maintained without compromising on the

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overall quality of the network. The network at building C should have multiple distribution
switches.
Connection between building A, B and C can be established using access layer switches.
These switches can be spread across different buildings, irrespective of their location. The
switches are connected using Ethernet cables. The Ethernet cables are responsible for
transferring data from one location to another. Ethernet cabling will be useful when Beta
Communication wants to expand. The cables are known for its high performance and reliable
nature. They can handle huge performance goals without any problems. That means, Beta
Communication can attach many more nodes and not worry about speed, response rate,
turnaround time or safety. Ethernet cabling promises high bandwidth for Beta
Communication. There are special, fine-tuned protocols at Ethernet cabling level to ensure
data communication happens without any compromises. For instance, Beta Communication
can use 10-Gigabit uplink connectivity. This technique makes sure performance and
flexibility is achieved. Ethernet cabling and protocols form a part of Layer 2.
Benefits of using this multiple distribution layer architecture:
1) Nodes will be connected in a structured fashion.
2) It will be easier to find and remove faulty nodes.
3) It will be easier to maintain the overall network, without compromising on
performance.
4) It will be easier to add new nodes to the overall system.
Designing the Distribution Layer

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The distribution layer is responsible for aggregating all the access layer switches. It is
necessary to design the overall architecture of the distribution layer, before developing the
access layer. The distribution layer works across the three buildings. It is a medium to
connect the access layer switches. According to the proposed problem statement, Beta
Communication functions across three different buildings. The distribution layer is
responsible for connecting all access layer switches that are present in a particular building.
Later, the distribution layers can be connected together. The distribution layer plays an
integral role in this design. It acts as a boundary between layer 2 and 3 protocols.
Layer 2 is responsible for handling the spanning tree protocols. These protocols are necessary
to identify the route each packet in the network would take. The spanning tree protocols make
sure packets take the shortest and best possible route. There are several different types of
spanning tree protocols. Beta Communication has a network that is restricted to three
buildings that are closely located. A simple spanning tree protocol will be sufficient to ensure
quick and reliable communication. Moving on, the spanning tree protocolhandles all faults in
layer 2.
Layer 3 is responsible for holding information about the IP routing tables. The proposed
network design needs very few IP routing tables. These tables make sure packets are sent to
the right network gateway. With fewer number of routing tables, the process of
troubleshooting errors and recovering from faults becomes easier. The IP tables carry
information about sources and potential destinations. Packets transferred from one building to
another should go through the routing tables in Layer 3.
Designing the Access Layer

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Once the multiple distribution layer is established, the individual access layers for each
building should be designed. The access layer can be deployed independently in each
building. The access layer can be independent from one another. Independent access layer
switches help in maintaining consistency and a stable network. Anyone who has access to
these switches will be able to transfer and receive data. Conversely, the access layer switches
can be protected using power firewalls. These firewalls can be configured from a single
interface that is maintained in Building C – the core! Access layer switches are responsible
for connecting network hardware devices. It acts as an interface that allows various devices
like standalone computers, IP phones and wireless access points to be connected. However,
access layer switches are destined to function in a specific building. Access layer switches in
each building can be connected together. This forms a complete LAN network for Beta
Communications.
Design Stages
To implement this LAN network, Beta communication should follow these stages:
1) The platform over which the network would be established has to be configured.
2) The LAN switches (both distribution layer and access layer switches) should be
configured. These switches should be configured with universal settings.
3) Wires that flow between the buildings should be configured. These wires should be
configured in line with the universal settings. The wires are important, since they
transfer and receive data! All firewall settings are dependent on the way these wires
are configured.
4) The unicast routing protocols should be configured.
5) The multicast routing protocols should be configured.

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6) The distribution layer should be configured.
7) The access layer switches in each building should be configured.
8) The access layer switches in each building should be connected together.
9) The connected access layer switches should be linked to the distribution layer.
10) The WAN router for this network should be configured and shared across the LAN
core.
11) Firewall configuration has to be done to ensure safe and secure communication
between buildings.
12) Users should be registered and appropriate username & passwords should be
generated.
Routing in the Beta Communication Network
In Beta Communication, a switch is used to connect two or more devices. It is necessary for
exchange of information or data within the connected systems. The switches are then linked
to the router. The router is responsible for positioning and direction of web traffic. The router
configuration of Beta Communication will be as follows:
1) Navigate to Network Configuration, and click on “LAN setup”
2) Enter the IP address of the router
3) Enter the Domain name of the router
4) The starting and ending IP addresses are mentioned. For example, subnet 1 has a host
range between 200.168.0.1 – 200.168.0.14. Routers that handle traffic in this subnet
will be assigned the previous range. Likewise, Routers in subnet 2 will manage a host
range of 200.168.0.17 to 200.168.0.30. According to current design, here is a table to
show how the class range will be for each router.

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Router – subnet id Host Range
Router in subnet 1 200.168.0.1 – 200.168.0.14
Router in subnet 2 200.168.0.17 – 200.168.0.30
Router in subnet 3 200.168.0.33 – 200.168.0.46
Router in subnet 4 200.168.0.49 – 200.168.0.50
Router in subnet 5 200.168.0.53 – 200.168.0.54
Router in subnet 6 200.168.0.57 – 200.168.0.58
5) A Lease time is generated for clients
6) A DNS Proxy is enabled for the clients
7) Once the above steps are completed, the LAN router settings are saved.
Data Center Core Router Devices
Currently, Beta Communication is focusing on three separate buildings. Network managers at
Beta communication build data center networks with separate core router pairs. These routers
are connected to external networks and user access networks through firewalls. By choosing a
separate router, operational and capital expenses will be high, but the final network will be
extremely efficient.
The routers are a part of Layer 3 component. Routing between subnets ensures high data
security.

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Task 4
4.1 – Implement a network systems based on the proposed design. You are required to
use means of simulation software, establish a network according to the design in task 3
# To be able to use nam, we should Create a nam trace datafile. set namfile [open
results/versuch1.nam w]
$ns namtrace-all $namfile
# After that, we should create the nodes
{ set node($i) [$ns node]}
$ns run
# After that, we should connect the nodes with each other
$ns duplex-link $node(0) $node(1) 1.0Mb 20.0ms DropTail
$ns duplex-link $node(0) $node(2) 1.0Mb 20.0ms DropTail
$ns duplex-link $node(1) $node(2) 1.0Mb 20.0ms DropTail
$ns run

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# After that, we have to create the
Connection for one of the Core nodes in the building
$agents set agent(0) [new Agent/UDP]
$ns attach-agent $node(1) $agent(0)
$agent(0) set fid_ 6
$ns color 6 "red„
set sink(0) [new Agent/Null]
$ns attach-agent $node(1) $sink(0)
$ns connect $agent(0) $sink(0)
# After that, we have to create traffic source and add it to the
agent set traffic_source(0) [new Application/Traffic/CBR]
$traffic_source(0) set interval_ 0.001950
$traffic_source(0) set paketSize_ 230
$traffic_source(0) attach-agent $agent(0)
# Now, we have to schedule starting and stopping the traffic source
$ns at 3.0 "$traffic_source(0) start„
$ns at 100.0 "$traffic_source(0) stop„

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# Now, we have to start the finish
procedure proc finish {} {
global ns namfile $ns flush-trace close $namfile
exec nam results/versuch1.nam & exit 0
}
# After that, we have to schedule the stop
procedure $ns at 110.000000 "finish"
To Handle Mobility Between Nodes
# Create simulator instance
set ns_ [new Simulator]
# Create nam and trace files
set tracefd [open out.tr w]
set namtrace [open out.nam w]

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$ns_ trace-all $tracefd
$ns_ namtrace-all-wireless $namtrace $opt(x) $opt(y)
# Create a file to record the lost packets for UDP
set LostPackets [open UDPlost.tr w]
Set up the hierarchical routing
$ns_ node-config -addressType hierarchical
AddrParams set domain_num_ 7 lappend
cluster_num 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 AddrParams
set cluster_num_ $cluster_numlappendeilastlevel 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 AddrParams
set nodes_num_ $eilastlevel
4.2. Test network systems to meet user requirements. Your testing includes functionality
of the network to ensure that your developed network will operate seamlessly in a
physical environment so that it can satisfy user requirements.

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The LAN solution for Beta Communication has to be tested. Network testing revolves around
parameters like performance, security, reliability, scalability and flexibility. Here are few
ways the proposed solution can be tested:
1) The proposed LAN solution should ensure high performance. Regardless of the
number of employees connected or the number of devices accessing information, it
should be up and running. The network should not compromise on network speed or
availability. By definition, network availability is the power to access data from a
network at all times!
2) Security plays an important role in any network. Here, data access should be governed
by user privileges. Only authorized users should be allowed to access or modify data.
Also, firewalls should define the flow of information from one building to another.
3) The proposed Beta Communication network should be reliable at all levels. It should
ensure authorized data access and availability.
4) Scalability is a long term test parameter. The company shouldn’t have any issues
expanding the network at any time! It should be able to add new devices and
workstations without compromising on performance.
Test Scenarios:
1) Ping Building A from Building B and Building C. The ping should be successful. The
time to receive a response should remain consistent. The bandwidth should be high
and reliable at all times.
2) Transfer files from Building A to Building B. The file should be transferred at steady
speed.
3) To ensure availability, an access layer switch should be unplugged. The network
infrastructure manager should ping a device attached to the unplugged access layer
switch. Incoming traffic should be noted.

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4) Filters and rules should be applied at different access layer switches. When data
packets flow, traffic across these access layer switches should be noted.
5) Beta communication focuses on subnet wise access. Users at each subnet can have
different rules and regulations. Devices in each subnet should be accessed
individually. Normal and abnormal rules should be applied during the access.
6) There are special software programs to control and generate traffic at each
workstation. The traffic generator helps in understanding the reliability and
availability of each workstation at different traffic levels.
7) Firewalls can be tested using authorized and unauthorized device access.
4.3. Document and analyse test result against expected results. While carrying out task
4.2, the testing of the network has produced a number of results. List the results you
have found in task 4.2 by contrasting them with your expected results.
A potential test result for the tested LAN is as follows:

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The three different colors represent building A, building B and building C. Data access at
different bandwidths and extreme network conditions are analyzed. Throughout the test, the
LAN network showed consisted results.
4.4. Recommend potential enhancement for the networked systems. Your discussions
should include how your developed network will cope with future changing needs and
should address possible enhancements of your network to satisfy needs of changing
future environment.
Scalability is an important feature in this network design. Beta Communication has the
freedom to expand its network without much issues. That is because the proposed design
follows a modular structure. Any required changes can be introduced into the system easily.
Here are few scenarios where the network design has to be improved or scaled:
1) The current network design revolves around LAN infrastructure. The company can
upgrade to wireless LAN. This will remove the need for expensive wiring. Also, users
can access the machines from remote locations using authorized credentials. The
wireless LAN environment represents a sophisticated network design.
2) The present servers are meant to handle the current population of Beta
Communication. In the long run, the company can upgrade its server configuration. It
can install power servers to ensure higher and better performance. Also, it doesn’t
have to worry about the speed at which functionalities are carried out.
3) Network infrastructure manager can propose the use of virtual servers. These servers
are cheaper than actual devices. Virtualization can improve the rate at which the
company scales. It can test different environments and identify configurations that
best suit its needs.

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4) If Beta Communication has plans of creating new branches in different destinations, it
should adopt to WAN. Luckily, the proposed network has already taken WAN into
consideration. That means, it will not have any problem migrating to WAN.
5) If required, the company can invest on cloud infrastructure too. Cloud will help the
company reduce most of its hardware and software costs.
4.5. Design a maintenance schedule to support the network system. Your maintenance
schedule should address various factors likepersonnel allocation, backup and recovery
policy, maintaining security & integrity; and general administration to support the
users.
Big or small, any network requires prompt maintenance. Maintenance will make sure the
network lasts longer and doesn’t compromise on performance. Network maintenance will
also reduce the risks of downtime. However, Beta Communication should plan its
maintenance routines. It should not affect normal functionalities of the company.
Here are few important maintenance routines Beta Communication should follow:
1) Every employee should take time and maintain their individual workstations. They
should take periodic backups of data. Meanwhile, the network infrastructure manager
should review disk usage. They should make sure disk usage is limited and not
overloaded at any workstation. If required, additional disk space should be provided.
Service packs must be installed in each workstation when required. Workstations
should be protected using antivirus programs too.
2) Network maintenance is one of the primitive tasks of the network infrastructure
manager. To begin with, the manager should maintain a document will all network
devices (switches, routers and gateways). The NIM should update device
configuration when required. Additionally, firewalls should be updated whenever

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required! Network maintenance should happen periodically and it should be a planned
activity.
3) Server maintenance doesn’t have to happen periodically. However, it should not be
neglected. All logs should be stored for future reference. If required service pack
updates should be done with hotfix installations!
References
1. Thomas, T. 2010. OSPF Network Design Solutions (2nd Edition). TX, U.S.A.:
Cisco Press.
2. Luo, W., Pignataro, C., Chan, A. & Bokotey, D. 2004. Layer 2 VPN Architectures
1st Edition, Kindle Edition. U.S.A.: Cisco Press.
3. Szigeti, T., & Hattingh, C. 2004. End-to-End QoS Network Design: Quality of
Service in LANs, WANs, and VPNs (Networking Technology) 1st Edition, Kindle
Edition. U.S.A.: Cisco Press.
4. White, R. & Donohue, D. 2014. The Art of Network Architecture: Business-Driven
Design (Networking Technology) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition. U.S.A.: Cisco Press.