Internetworking with TCP/IP: Evaluating Network Design Methodologies

This report provides a comparative analysis of three network design methods: Microsoft Visio, Solarwinds Network Topology Mapper, and Cisco Packet Tracer. It begins with an introduction outlining the report's aim to discuss data flow, evaluate protocols, and assess the evolution of the internet. The discussion section delves into each method, detailing their features, advantages, and disadvantages. Microsoft Visio is presented as a popular diagramming tool with extensive pre-built shapes and templates, but it's limited to Windows and lacks real-time collaboration. Solarwinds Network Topology Mapper is highlighted for its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities, though it lacks automatic topological map creation during the discovery process. Cisco Packet Tracer, designed by Cisco, is emphasized for its simulation capabilities, versatility, and two operational modes (real-time and simulation), making it suitable for network design and experimentation. The report concludes by recommending Cisco Packet Tracer for the network designing assignment due to its simulation mode and versatility. References to supporting literature are also included.

Running head: INTERNETWORKING WITH TCP/IP
INTERNETWORKING WITH TCP/IP
Name of the university
Name of the student
Author Note

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................1
Aim of the report....................................................................................................................1
Discussion..................................................................................................................................2
Methods that can be used for Network Designing.................................................................2
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................6
References..................................................................................................................................7

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Introduction
In this report, a range of methods and options have been discussed that can be used to
design networks. The network designing will be conducted in the next assessment. This
report discusses the options that can be used to complete the network designing.
Aim of the report
The aim of the report is written as follows:-
 To discuss how data flows through the internet
 To evaluate certain protocols and applications that are used to transfer data over the
internet
 To discuss and assess the change and evolution of the internet
Discussion
Methods that can be used for Network Designing
Microsoft Visio
Figure 1: Visio

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(Source: Visio - Microsoft Store", 2018)
Among IT professionals and businesses, one of the most popular network layout and
mapping software is Microsoft Visio. The pro version of the software is priced well and its
Ribbon and menu user interface is used in several software packages. The latest version
allows the users to comment on diagrams using Sharepoint in a browser or through the
software itself. It can also accept messages from Lync or Microsoft Skype ("Visio - Microsoft
Store", 2018). It contains over thousands of shapes and 80 templates which are pre-built.
From an IT perspective, it contains network routes, appliances, detailed components and
Active Directory.
For data centres, home networks, enterprises, HVAC layout and help desk, it has pre-
built shapes and components and offers several other options (Vaishnavi & Kuechler, 2015).
It is a serious tool for people who want diagramming capabilities.
Disadvantages
Microsoft Visio operates in Windows operating system only. It does not exist for
Linux, Mac or Android. It has no real time collaboration. It does not run on mobile devices
either. The latest pro version of the software is very expensive. It is not justifiable to use it in
enterprises while comparing to other similar software such as Lucidchart.
Solarwinds Network Topology Mapper

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Figure 2: Network Topology Mapper
(Source: "Network Topology Mapper - Topology Mapping Software | SolarWinds", 2018)
Solarwinds Network Topology Mapper is used for measuring and monitoring the
performance of large and medium sized infrastructures. The software has an intuitive user
interface and is very simple to handle. For example, the dashboards that are present in the
software are very highly appreciated (Eberhart, 2014). Due to this, it is very easy for someone
to tell the personnel about making it autonomous, not requiring the intervention of an
administrator.
It has extreme modularity and has a good integration with other companies ("Network
Topology Mapper - Topology Mapping Software | SolarWinds", 2018). This is possible due
to its Relational Data base that is distributed through SolarWinds module. Solarwinds
Network Topology Mapper is also capable of adding polling engines to the managed devices
and offers full scalability at all levels of infrastructure. It also has an extra advantage due to
its online community called THWACK where users can ask any questions to get direct
clarification from the product managers.

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Disadvantages
Solarwinds Network Topology Mapper does not have automatic creation of
topological maps during the process of discovery which does not provide a proper
visualization of the OSI connection levels between the equipment. It needs an extra
component called Network Atlas to address this issue. During complex problems, the
simplicity of the user interface can be quite troublesome for the operator. Another
disadvantage of this software is due to the extra modularity, it takes a lot of time to go
through historical data. The increasing information from the data collection system could
have a negative impact on the performance of the application.
Cisco packet tracer
Figure 3: Cisco Packet Tracer
(Source: Cisco Packet Tracer 7.1, 2018)

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Designed by Cisco, Cisco packet tracer allows the user to experiment with certain
network behaviour such as collaboration capabilities, assessment, authoring, visualization and
simulation. It is a network simulator software which helps to design and configure networks.
It provides a comprehensive demonstration of configurations ad technologies visually. It
provides the user with visual simulations that can get immediate feedback from clients. It has
a feature called workspaces where users can make a network by combining, clustering and
placing virtual network devices (Cisco Packet Tracer 7.1, 2018). The physical workspace
provides a graphical interpretation of the placement of the network devices around the
infrastructure. Moreover, it has two modes namely, simulation mode and real time mode. In
the real time mode, users can get a real life experience from the devices. In the simulation
mode, the time intervals and other data transfer controls of the network can be changed and
simulated. The software is very versatile. It can be carried anywhere, even in a USB module.
The software consumes very less amount of energy and has one of the lowest noise levels
among other similar products.
Disadvantages
There is a lack of commands to describe routers that are present in a non-broadcast
network. Manual summarisation is not supported. The reference bandwidth cannot be
changed from default. The load balancing options cannot be changed from default as well
(Simmons, 2014). The debugging hellos and OSPF packets are not supported. Further,
Etherchannels which are present in the access layer switches are not supported.

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Conclusion
To conclude the report, it can be stated that for the following assignment of Network
designing, Cisco Packet tracer would be a proper choice due to its two modes of operation.
The simulation mode negates the need for the user to buy expensive infrastructure for
network implementation. Moreover, the software is versatile and can be carried at the place
of network designing for intricate information. Therefore, unlike the other two options,
choosing Cisco Packet tracer would be a viable option for conducting network designing.

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References
Cisco Packet Tracer 7.1 : Download free labs and tutorials for CCNA certification exam
preparation. (2018). Packet Tracer Network. Retrieved 7 April 2018, from
http://www.packettracernetwork.com/
Eberhart, R. C. (Ed.). (2014). Neural network PC tools: a practical guide. Academic Press.
Network Topology Mapper - Topology Mapping Software | SolarWinds.
(2018). Solarwinds.com. Retrieved 6 April 2018, from
https://www.solarwinds.com/network-topology-mapper
Simmons, J. M. (2014). Optical network design and planning. Springer.
Vaishnavi, V. K., & Kuechler, W. (2015). Design science research methods and patterns:
innovating information and communication technology. Crc Press.
Visio - Microsoft Store. (2018). Microsoft Store. Retrieved 6 April 2018, from
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/collections/visio/pc