Analysis of Network Design Methods: Software and Physical Equipment

This report analyzes various network design methods, focusing on both software and physical equipment. It begins by comparing Packet Tracer and GNS3, detailing their advantages and disadvantages for network simulation and design. Packet Tracer is highlighted for its user-friendly interface and cross-platform compatibility, while GNS3 is praised for its use of actual IOS software and flexibility in vendor selection. The report then examines physical network components, including routers, switches, and network cables. It discusses the advantages of routers, such as their ability to connect different network architectures and implement dynamic routing, while also acknowledging their cost and performance limitations. Similarly, it explores the benefits of switches in terms of bandwidth enhancement and network segmentation, as well as their potential security vulnerabilities. Finally, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of network cables, which are crucial for designing enterprise network services. This report offers a comprehensive overview of network design considerations, providing valuable insights into selecting and utilizing different tools and equipment for effective network implementation.

Running head: ANALYSIS OF NETWORK DESIGN METHODS
ANALYSIS OF NETWORK DESIGN METHODS
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1ANALYSIS OF NETWORK DESIGN METHODS
Packet tracer:
Packet tracer is a network simulation software that is considered for designing and analysing
network design before the network design is implemented. Packet tracer in networking
provides various advantages and disadvantages which are discussed in details in this context.
Advantages: hjhjlkk;pv
 It is easy to design network with this software as the interface is not simple and offers
various features for network design
 Once the design is completed it is possible to execute it anywhere, only the design file
is required
 The software is cross-platform software which means it is possible to implement on
any platform including windows, mac and linux as well
 It allows to simulate cisco routers and switches configuration through the simulated
command line interface provided in the software
Disadvantages:
 it does not offer all of the functionalities of the cisco router and switches
 the command sets that it offers is limited and therefore, it is not effective to model
production models
 it is effective for educational purpose and not for the enterprise applications
GNS3:
Advantages:
 it considers actual IOS software for simulation of different virtual devices and
therefore when new IOS software is deployed in GNS3, it allows to access new
features of the new IOS software

2ANALYSIS OF NETWORK DESIGN METHODS
 it provides context for connecting simulated devices or network to connect with the
devices that are deployed in actual network
 it offers support for network devices and IOS from different vendors, therefore offers
flexibility in network design in terms of choosing network vendors
 it offers customization for virtual devices as it allows to add different slots and cards
as considered for actual network devices
Disadvantages:
 it is complex compared to the cisco packet tracer
 it requires various components for installing the software, especially the modern
version of this software
 it requires the GNS3 Graphical User Interface and the GNS3 Virtual Machine (VM)
while accessing this software on Windows and Mac OS
Physical equipment:
The physical equipment that are considered in this context are router, switches and network
cables. The advantages and disadvantages of these physical equipment have been described
in details:
Router:
Advantages:
 it offers context for connecting different network architectures for example Ethernet
 it considers dynamic routing algorithms and provides the best path for sending data
packets across the integrated network
 it creates collision domains for reducing traffic in the network along with collision
domains it also creates broadcast domains for reducing network traffics

3ANALYSIS OF NETWORK DESIGN METHODS
 it provides comprehensive routing along with flow control and traffic isolation for
enhancing the quality and performance of the network
 it is possible to configures the routers and therefore it allows network manager to
design policy according to the routing decision
Disadvantages:
 the router provides service according to the network protocols that are routable
 the router is expensive if compared to other devices of the network
 dynamic routing communication increases network overhead and therefore the
network offers less bandwidth for the user data
 routers are slower as they need to analyse data from layer 1 to layer 3
 routers require significant amount of initial configurations
 routers depends on protocol and therefore extensive reference to routing protocol is
required
Switches:
Advantages:
 switches increases bandwidth of the network
 switches minimize the workload assigned to each of the computers
 switches enhances the performance of the network
 switches provides collision domains for each of the network connection also known as
network segmentation
Disadvantages:
 it is expensive compared to network bridges

4ANALYSIS OF NETWORK DESIGN METHODS
 if there is any connection issue in the network then it is not easy to identify that
through the switches
 it is easy to exploit the network through the security vulnerabilities of the switches if
proper security strategies are not ensured
 if there is any issue in the design and configuration of the switches, then network
performance is affected
Network cable:
Advantages:
 significant internet speed
 no interruption in internet access
 perfect for designing enterprise network services
Disadvantages:
 implementation cost is significant
 internet connection not ensured in every place
 only one device is allowed to be connected with a cable and therefore significant
amount of cable is required for implementing network design