Analyzing Tools for Hierarchical Network Design Implementation

This report explores the implementation of network design using a three-layered hierarchical approach, emphasizing the importance of meeting network requirements such as scalability, availability, security, and manageability. It compares and contrasts two primary tools used in network design: Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. Cisco Packet Tracer is noted for its ease of use and simulation capabilities, while GNS3 is favored for its ability to simulate real IOS software and connect simulated networks to real-world devices. The report concludes that GNS3 is the preferred tool for implementing the hierarchical network design due to its advanced features and capabilities, particularly its ability to simulate real-world scenarios and integrate with other virtual devices. Desklib provides access to this and other solved assignments for students.

Table of Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................2
Requirements of the Network...................................................................................................................2
Three-Layered Hierarchical Network Design.........................................................................................2
Tools Applied for Implementation...........................................................................................................3
Cisco Packet tracer................................................................................................................................3
Pros and Cons of packet Tracer..........................................................................................................4
GNS3........................................................................................................................................................5
Pros and Cons of GNS3........................................................................................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................................6
References..................................................................................................................................................7
Content Of table & figures
Figure 1 Three layered Hierarchical network design...................................................................................3
Figure 2 Example of Cisco packet tracer Diagram of the network design...................................................4
Figure 3 GNS diagram.................................................................................................................................5

Introduction
In this era, the use of computers has greatly influenced many operations in the business.
Networking is the process of sharing resources such as the printer, information or data in a
specific network or over the internet. The network is for connecting people together as if they are
in one platform, where they support all the services, the applications, and thus offering
provisions such as accessing the resources needed in keeping the business running for long.
Requirements of the Network.
In any area, when installing the internet that is economy-based, all the demands rotates around
meeting the customer services (Leon, 2015). In many cases the main objective is meeting the
requirements and at the same time offering protection against all insecurity incidences. If the
above considerations are met, then it will be easy to adjust to traffic changes in maintaining the
consistence loads and thus the response time becoming consistent (Network11, 2015). In
completion of any single network, there are major requirements that must be met in making sure
the needs of the user are met in all ways (Cisco, 2011).
1. Network Scalability.
2. Network Availability
3. Network Security.
4. Network manageability
Three-Layered Hierarchical Network Design
This is a type of networking that groups devices in multiple network. In Hierarchical design, the
networks are organized in layers and in this case, it will have three layers thus the name Three
Layered approach. The first layer is called Core Layer as it connects all the devices in the
distributed layer. The second layer is the distribution layer that is used for interconnections of the
networks, which are small. Last and third layer is the access layer that offers provisions in
connecting the network hosts and the end devices. The diagram below has been used to explain
the lookout of hierarchical network design.

Figure 1 Three layered Hierarchical network design
Tools Applied for Implementation
In development of the network design, some tools are used for designing the topology or the
layout of the anticipated network can be clear when doing the implementation. Some of the
major tools are such as the use of Cisco packet Tracer and GNS3 among others.
Cisco Packet tracer
This is a tool that is very helpful and that is used when one is networking, switching, routing and
sometimes maybe over the internet. It is known for offering provisions of visualizations which
are very clear especially when is still on the sessions of networking.

Figure 2 Example of Cisco packet tracer Diagram of the network design
Pros and Cons of packet Tracer
Advantages of using Packet Tracer.
1. Cisco packet tracer tool for simulation can be used anywhere and thus one do not need to
have carry it. The moment one install it I your machine, then it can be carried even in the
USP.
2. The level of the noise is minimum and thus it consume less electricity
3. It has the advantage of the sim mode feature.
4. It can allow the users to simulate their configurations that are with relations to cisco
routers.
5. It is convenient for hierarchical network designs as one can simulate hierarchical
diagrams
Disadvantages of Cisco Packet Tracer
1. It may cause many loops thus affecting the STP

2. It sometimes does not support the Ether channel regardless of the access layer switch
3. The frame relay is low in command.
GNS3
This is a tool for simulating the different devices, which are virtual, and the real devices such as
the routers, PC and Switches. It is known for using the dynamips, which is a software for
emulation simulating the virtual devices.
Figure 3 GNS diagram
With comparison to Packet Tracer GNS3 has more benefits and many features that are not
present in Packet Tracer.
Pros and Cons of GNS3
1. It used the real IOS software for doing simulation to many different virtual devices as
compared to PT which uses the software base simulator that has limited commands which
are always programmed
2. In GNS3 one can capture the packet with the wireshark between the different devices
while in PT is no possible
3. One can connect the simulated devices or the network to the real devices in the world.
4. It lies in the hardware emulation as one can connect the Devices in the GNS3 in to the
real work and thus allowing one to ping anywhere as far as one has some internet.

5. GNS supports other devices such as those with IOS features from other vendors like
Juniper, Cisco, Linux host as compared to PT which does not support
6. One can connect and simulate the virtual box to GNS3 and thus creating some
complexity in the network labs
7. One can also create network diagrams and represents the architecture of the network very
easily (commonerrors, 2017).
Conclusion
Network design implementation is one of the phase that is very vital and if not considered it
might ruin the whole project. The two major tools discussed above are be used in simulation of
the network design anticipated in assessment 4. In this case, the best tool to apply is the GNS3 as
seen from above discussions concerning the features and benefits associated. The other reason
for choosing GNS3 is because one can supply the images and the router can run the 15 code ios.
Simulated technology in the PT is difficult to connect to the world while in GNS3 it can thus
making the assessment 4 implementation easy when using GNS3. In conclusion, the best tool to
apply for the hierarchical implementation is GNS3.

References
Cisco. (2011). Some of the Benefits of a Hierarchical Layered Network. Los Angeles: Cisco.
commonerrors. (2017, August 25). Benefits of Using GNS3 workbench:. Retrieved from GNS3 Labs |
CCNP | CCNA Labs: http://commonerrors.blogspot.com/2015/08/advantages-of-gns3-network-
simulator.html
Leon, A. (2015). 5 Fundamental Requirements For High-Performing Networks. A new sets of network-
essentials that is necessary in meeting the challenges of today's computer networks , 24-37.
Network11, r. (2015). the requirements for a network in a small office. Stockholm: network
requirements.
TechnetSim. (2016). The Requirements of Networking. the plan for Proper network planning to help in
saving time and expense, and ensuring timely deployment, 12-17.
Wepman. (2016, September 12). techwalla.com. Retrieved from What Are the some of the benefits of
using Hierarchical Network Design over Flat Network Design?:
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/what-are-the-benefits-of-hierarchical-network-design