University of Leon Network Upgrade

This report details a network upgrade project undertaken by the University of Leon, focusing on the implementation of Cisco Prime™ Infrastructure technology. The project aimed to modernize the university's network infrastructure across classrooms, libraries, offices, and online platforms to accommodate over 12,500 students and 1,500 staff. The report outlines key challenges encountered during the implementation, including maintaining network security, ensuring consistent network performance, and managing complex network configurations. Specific hardware requirements are listed, including Cisco Catalyst switches (2960-S and 6500 series), Cisco wireless controllers (8500 series), and Cisco Aironet access points (1700 and 2700 series). The network design adopted a hierarchical model with access, distribution, and core layers to enhance security and flexibility. The report concludes by highlighting the benefits of the upgrade, such as improved network management, faster internet access, and enhanced capabilities for online learning, while also acknowledging limitations such as data vulnerability and reliance on Cisco for support.

University of Leon
Project scope
The University of Leon will upgrade its classed, library, offices and online class platforms to the
latest Cisco Prime™ Infrastructure technology. The wireless network technology has already
been tested and implementation will begin from the classes and progress to other areas. The
network implementation will help to accommodate more than 12,500 student and1500 staff. The
Cisco Prime Infrastructure will optimize innovation and learning capabilities by creating a highly
connected, easy-to-manage IT platform.
Project challenges
a. Maintaining network security – guaranteeing network security is paramount in any
institution. The main challenge comes in drawing a line between what the user should access
and what the user should not access. Also, institutions have many devices accessing the
network and thus each devices must be tracked to ensure it does not access restricted data.
Institutions consist of students and staff of different capabilities, therefore, it is hard to
determine which kind of security threat each student poses to the available data (Shimonski,
2017).
b. Network performance – ensuring that there is consistent network performance in terms of
speed is a major challenge. In a learning institution, there are many users and sometimes they
can increase more than expected. Also, the usage of network is different in some areas where
classes experiences high usage which can lead to network overload. Thus coming with a
strategy of balancing network performance is difficult. In the same line, wired network is

stronger than wireless network and thus choosing the appropriate device to use to enhance
performance is also a challenge.
c. Network configuration – network configuration is another challenge that is encountered
when configuring network in an institutions. Learning institutions require several network
layers and network segmentations due to the different user levels and school departments.
As a result, configuring the network and secure each section without compromising the
network is a major challenge.
Project hardware requirements
Device name Series Model Features ports
Cisco
Catalyst
switch
2960-S 48FPS-L Power over
Ethernet
plus(PoE+) of
upto 15.7W for
eery port, USB
stirage, 740W
or 340W power
options,20Gbps
throughput ,
variety software
features,lifetim
e warranty.
48 Ethernet
10/100/1000
PoE+ ports

Cisco catalyst
Switch
6500
Cicso
wireless
controller
8500 Supports 6000
access points,
support 64000
clients, cisco
Flexconnect,
with
centeralised
switching, RF
management,
high
performance
video, fault
tolerance,
secure nd
mobile for IPv6
and clients for
dual-stack.
Cisco Aironet
Access
Points and
1700 Series

Cisco Aironet 2700 series 2700i Internal
antennas, dual
band ,contrlller-
based 802.11
s/g/ac 10 10
quantity access
points ,
supports
Network design

Network design justification
The campus network model adopted the hierarchical design model so as to accommodate
network segmentation for several campuses, departments and buildings (Raj, 2009). The network
design has implemented three levels to enhance security and flexibility. These levels included:
a. Access layer – this is the lowest layer and its where the user controlled devices and other end
point devices are connected to the network. These devices are connected t the network
through an access switch. The access layer has the mechanism to guarantee network security
and at the same time provide access to the network. This layer supports many logical

networks which help in accommodating many types of data like voice and video and many
devices that include IPhone, tablets and laptops among others (Network Computing, 2016).
b. Distribution layer – this layer combines all access layers and combines them to facilitate
network connectivity. This layer facilitates the traversing of LAN networks r WAN
networks. The layer provides an easy way to troubleshoot the network as each access layer is
treated separately. The layer further helps to reduce complexity and increase resilience.
Resilience is increased in the sense that faults from ne access layer cannot affect other access
layers.
c. Core layer – the core is implemented because the campus network is large and thus it can
connect the several distribution layer switches implemented. Core layers eliminate the need
to use fibre cables to connect buildings.
Benefits
The implementation of the new project gave the network management team a greater control of
the school network and also facilitated online classes where students could access notes, video
tutorials and other reading materials. On top of this, internet access became faster which in turn
facilitated the daily activities that relied on the internet. Finally, the university is able to add
more innovations and applications that facilitate the learning process.
Limitations
One major limitation is data vulnerability. Guaranteeing 100% security of the network is difficult
and thus it will still be difficult to eliminate all the intruders. Another limitation includes over
reliance on Cisco company for updates and extreme technical support.

Conclusion
The Cisco Prime™ Infrastructure is a game changer in the networking industry and
proper implementation of the network leads to improved network management and flexibility.
Despite the challenges encountered during implementation, organizations should adopt this
technology.
Bibliography
Shimonski, R. (2017). Top 5 Networking Issues with Windows Clients. [online]
WindowsNetworking.com. Available at: http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles-
tutorials/common/Top-5-Networking-Issues-Windows-Clients.html [Accessed 3 Jan.
2017].
Raj, P. (2009). Wireless LAN Security – Challenges and Solutions. International Journal of
Computer and Electrical Engineering, pp.258-265.
Network Computing. (2016). Campus Network Design Models. [online] Available at:
http://www.networkcomputing.com/data-centers/campus-network-design-models/
1685370612 [Accessed 3 Jan. 2017].