Network Design Report: Hierarchical vs. Flat Network Design Analysis

This report provides a detailed comparison of hierarchical and flat network designs, focusing on their implementation, advantages, and disadvantages. The report begins by introducing the hierarchical network design, which is characterized by multiple layers, and explores its pros, such as enhanced security and traffic multiplexing, and cons, like higher implementation costs and complex administration. Following this, the report delves into the flat-based network design, which prioritizes cost reduction and simplicity, discussing its suitability for small networks and its limitations in terms of security and scalability. The core of the report contrasts these two approaches, emphasizing the flat versus hierarchical model for different network environments. Finally, the report concludes with a summary of the key findings and a recommendation of the appropriate network design method based on the context of the assignment, supported by references to relevant literature.

Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................1
Hierarchical Network design..............................................................................................................1
Flat based network design.................................................................................................................2
The flat versus hierarchical model.....................................................................................................2
Conclusion.........................................................................................................................................3
References.........................................................................................................................................3

Introduction
Network design is comprehensive planning to implement network infrastructure within the
organization or an institution or onset area. The designing methods are used to put in place
the different network topologies. These methods have their pros and cons during their
implementation process which are stated in this document. The various design methods that
are used to design and implement network infrastructures are as follows:
Hierarchical Network design.
The hierarchical network design is an approach that is used to develop multiple networks by
grouping several devices together. This design method has three layers; the core layer is the
first layer connects all the devices in the distribution layer providing the maximum
throughput in the network between different sides and enables the network growth. The
distribution layer is the second layer connects together network in the local area and provides
the policy-based connection between the core layer and the access layer (Cisco, 2014).The
access layer is the third layer which acts as the connection link between the host's network
and the devices of the end-user.
The pros and cons of the hierarchical network design method are:
Pros
 It is easier to design
 It provides a high level of security
 It allows for traffic multiplexing.
 There are backups available therefore network failure is minimal
 There is an easy expansion of the network thereby allowing many users to connect to
it without causing problems.
Cons
 The materials that are used to develop the network design are more making it
expensive to implement.
 It is not easy for administration and maintenance when network is large.

Flat based network design
The flat-based network design is design that aims to reduce the number of components used
in network development. Its main objective is to reduce cost incurred and network
maintenance. This means that few network devices like routers and switches are used in the
process. in this model all the devices have one broadcast point since they are connected to
one switch and without routers. This design model is normally used in small businesses and
at homes.
The pros and cons of the flat-based network are:
Pros
 It is easy to administer and maintain.
 It is suitable for small networks like home and small businesses.
 The cost of network implementation is lower.
 The network reliability is high.
Cons
 There is high insecurity
 There is no network redundancy hence can fail easily
 The network performance speed is lower since all devices are connected to one switch
and create more traffic.
 There is no room future expansion of network and scalability.
The flat versus hierarchical model
This network design is normally used for minor networks. The designing, installing and
maintenance of this network model is easier since there are no layers available.
The pros and cons of this design method are:
Pros
 It can easily be maintained
 It is more appropriate to small networks
Cons

 There high insecurity due to lack of network backups
 Network troubleshooting is hard.
Conclusion
The appropriate network design method to be used in this assignment is flat versus
hierarchical model. This is in hand with the few hardware network devices that are required
and is easy to design and develop.

References
Cisco. (2014). Introducing Network Design Concepts. 1–48. Retrieved from
www.scte.org/.../CCNA Sample.pdf