MN503: Overview of Networking Network Analysis and Plan Report

This report provides an overview of network analysis and planning, focusing on the wireless network needs of Eton College. It begins with an introduction to the college and the shift towards wireless networks in educational institutions, highlighting the benefits such as increased educational delivery, collaboration, and student throughput. The project scope involves designing a wireless network with a fiber optic-based backbone, addressing challenges like RF interference and cost, and adopting a user-centric design that prioritizes self-healing, robust security, and adaptability. The design approach includes a two-tier structure: a fiber optic-based backbone using Passive Optical Network (PON) technology and the deployment of 802.11g wireless access points. The report also references key publications in the field of computer networking to support its findings. The report is a solution for a MN503 assignment for the university to analyze the overview of networking, network analysis and design.

OVERVIEW OF NETWORKING
NETWORK ANALYSIS AND PLAN
Student’s Name
University’s Name
City
Abstract: Most people depend on a wide area network to
do their jobs and to carry out their day to day activities.
The same is replicated by Eton College who are always
looking for new ways to meet the current learning
demands. Any educational institution needs to take
advantage of wireless technology as it offers flexibility,
simplicity and accommodates new computing trends.
I. OVERVIEW OF ETON COLLEGE
Eton College was founded in 1440 by King Henry five.
The college has been one of the institutions leading in
independent schools in the United Kingdom. Currently
the college houses about 1300 students between the
ages of 13 and 18. Also, to the college population, there
is a teaching staff who lives within the college.
II. INTRODUCTION
Most education institutions across the world are
replacing the existing wired network with wireless
networks. Some of the reasons as to why educational
institutions are moving to a wireless network are due to
increased eminence of delivery of education as both
teaching staff and students are able to access college
teaching material instantaneously. Second, there is an
increased collaboration between teachers, students, and
parents through IP communication tools. Third, there is
an increased students’ throughput as they can access the
institution assets such as college portal and proceed
with assignments without constrain of time and place.
Lastly, the wireless network solves the issue of
installing additional ports endlessly. This project report
seeks to address wireless needs for Eton College.
Rather than, the current wired network connectivity the

college can move to completely wireless network. The
project will make use of the current approaches [1].
III. PROJECT SCOPE
Designing a wireless network is not just a one-time
design. This design will include two phases design, first
will include the design of wireless backbone which will
be a fiber optic-based and the lay-out of wireless
network components. In addition, this project will
specifically address Eton wireless needs only. Also, this
project will enable students and training staff to use
multiple devices within the college campus, support
physical and online security measures, and deliver
reliable wireless coverage. The wireless network design
will be self-healing, self-defending, and self-optimizing
[2].
IV. CHALLENGES
Although wireless network design brings in several
advantages as compared to wired network design, there
exist few challenges which need to be addressed when
designing this wireless network. To start with wireless
network design requires careful network planning in
terms of wireless network backbone design and the
number of wireless access points and interfaces. Second
wireless networks are faced with RF interference
issues; in this case, those devices are those that emit
electromagnetic signals. Examples of such devices are
mobile phones, televisions, MRI machines, microwave
ovens, and FM/AM radios. Third, in this design there is
a requirement of fiber optic design which act as the
backbone of wireless network; this means that the
college needs to be very prepared in terms of cost.
Lastly, network issues such as self-healing, self-
defending, and self-optimizing need to be addressed
[3].
V. USER CENTRIC DESIGN
Current network design focus on the end delivery, what
the users of the network want. This project network
will follow a user-design centric design. First, the
design will be self-healing i.e. the wireless network
with continuously be available and on 24/7. Second, the
wireless network will implement the current wireless
network security mechanism. Third, the design will
adapt to the ever-changing needs, and beyond the limits
of basic standards. Lastly, this network design will
drive change with the university via insight into
network activity [4]. Other user-centric considerations
will be;
 A wireless network which will always be
ready to scale over time
 A wireless network with the latest 802.11ac
wave 2 technology
 Reduce complexity by using centralized
controlled with open APIs and allowing a very

fast lower deployment of lower risk wireless
network devices [5].
VI. APPROACH ADOPTED FOR THE DESIGN
This design will consist of two tiers, the first tier will be
a backbone wireless network design which will be a
fiber optic-based. The adopted design here will be a
Passive Optical Network (PON) based. This will consist
of router ends nodes which will form a wireless
distribution network. The routing protocol to be
implemented by the end routers will be highly robust to
interference, packet loss, and congestion. Some end
routers will be placed on rooftops of college buildings
where each of the routers will consist of a computer
with modest processing capacity along with an 802.11g
interface. The second tier design will be the installation
of 802.11g wireless access points connected to the PON
end router to provide connectivity to the end-users.
REFERENCES
[1] J. Kurose and K. Ross, James Kurose; Keith Ross, NY: Pearson Education Press, 2017.
[2] Gilfedder, "Deploying GPON technology for backhaul applications," BT technology journal, vol. 24, no. 2,
pp. 20-25, 2010.
[3] J. F. Kurose and K. W. Ross, Computer networking. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, Chicago: Wiley Press, 2013.
[4] D. L. Shinder, Computer networking essentials, Amsterdam: Springer Press, 2015.
[5] R. P. Blanc and I. W. Cotton, Computer Networking, Chicago: Springer Press, 2019.