Network Design and Implementation: A Discussion of Methods

This discussion post analyzes different network design methods, including hierarchical and flat designs, evaluating their pros and cons for implementing a network infrastructure. The hierarchical design offers scalability and manageability but can be complex, while the flat design is cost-effective for small networks but lacks security and redundancy. The post also discusses campus area networks, recommending a flat design for its cost-effectiveness and ease of administration. The document concludes by referencing case studies from Cisco Systems to support the analysis of network designs and their implementation.

Running head: Network Design and Implementation
1
Network Design and Implementation
Student Name
University of Affiliation

Network Design and Implementation 2
Proposed Network Design and Implementation
In this forum various design methods are going to be analysed together with their
effectiveness in implementing the network infrastructure in Assignment 4. First, it is important to
understand the backbone behind a successful networked system. For a user to be able to access
the availability of a secure network there has to be a well-structured and designed network
system, a concept referred to as hierarchical networking approach. The hierarchical network
design takes into account the fundamental concepts of the core, distribution and access.
Besides the hierarchical network design there are other recognized designs such as the
flat design. Each of these designs has advantages and disadvantages over the other.
Pros and Cons of Hierarchical Network Design
Pros
Allows for scalability- it is possible for the growth and flexibility of a networked
architectural design. For each module of the distribution layer you may opt to add as many
access switches depending on the switch limit set.
Enables grouping of devices in a networked system; many computing devices can be
expanded in a hierarchical network approach.
Helps in facilitating manageability of local traffic as local networked devices remains
local; for instance, if the network administrator decides to change a functionality of a switch in
the access layer it becomes easier to change all the switches in that layer as the functionality is
the same. All that is required is a repeat of the same in other switches in that layer (Cisco
Systems, 2009).

Network Design and Implementation 3
The response time remains usable as traffic is well controlled. It is possible for
redundancy by connecting an access switch to two distribution switches. So if one distribution
switch fails it is possible to access the next distribution switch. Hence the network remains
available.
Cons
 Hard to administer due to the complexity of the tree-structure network
Pros and Cons of Flat design
Pros
 There is reduced cost of maintenance, administration and architecture. Aims at reducing
the number of switches and routers in a given network design.
 Serve as well networks in small businesses and homes.
 Are easier to maintain and administer, reason is being they use less hubs and switches.
Cons
It gives hackers a loophole to access certain parts of the network. As the traffic uses a
single switch it becomes difficult to limit certain parts of the network, thus degrading the security
of the network.
There is a chance that the whole network will fail if the switch fails. Since the network is
connected with one switch, providing no room for redundancy, if the switch fails then the
network becomes in-accessible.

Network Design and Implementation 4
Connecting the Local Area Network with one switch will require use of hubs. Using hubs
may cause data collision thus reducing speed and reducing the level of scalability.
Campus Area Network
A campus area network allows connection of multiple LANs and a wireless backbone.
Characteristics of a Campus Area Network
Incorporates a Local Area Network (LAN) that connects the network cables, switches
and hubs in a networked building, It uses a flat network design.
A backbone fiber optic or a high bandwidth wireless device such as a router is connected
in each building to the main campus network. Network switches in each building may also be
used to connect to other buildings (Cisco Systems, 2007).
A gateway connects the campus area network to the outside wider network. The network
supplying the campus may be a Wide Area Network or internet from a public domain.
According to the Task in Assignment 4, the Flat design is the recommended methodology
taking into account the importance and advantages of setting up a Campus Area Network. The
Campus Area Network is highly recommended as it is less costly and it requires minimal
maintenance and still it is easy to administer.

Network Design and Implementation 5
References
Cisco Systems (2007). Infrastructure Drives Efficiency for Automatic Transmission
Manufacturer. Cisco Case Studies. [online] California: Cisco Systems, pp.1-2. Available at:
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/case-studies-customer-success-stories.html?section=item83
[Accessed 2 Jun. 2017].
Cisco Systems (2009). Connected Factory: it’s full speed ahead for Marcegaglia’s factory of the
future. Case Studies. [online] Italy: Cisco Systems, pp.1-5. Available at:
http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/success-stories/docs/case-marcegaglia-eng.pdf
[Accessed 2 Jun. 2017].