Network Management Assignment - Course Name - Semester 1

This assignment solution delves into the core concepts of network management, covering essential topics such as router configuration, including the setup of FastEthernet interfaces and the use of NO SHUT commands. It also explores methods for determining the type of serial port (DCE or DTE) on a router. The solution further analyzes the implications of the BPDU's forward delay on network operations and compares the functionalities of Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 routers, recommending the use of the latter for a campus network core. Finally, the assignment touches upon the relevance of the OSI model in the context of network hardware choices, such as fiber or microwave, emphasizing the independence of upper layers from physical layer implementations. The provided references support the analysis and conclusions presented in the assignment.

Running head: NETWORK MANAGEMENT
Network Management
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

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NETWORK MANAGEMENT
Answer 1
The steps to configure the FastEthernet are as follows:
1. Enter interface fa0/1 into the configuration mode of the [ Router(config)# ].
2. Enter the assigned IP address with subnet mask (10.10.20.250 255.255.0.0) for the
FastEthernet 0/1.
3. Enable the router interface with the NO SHUT command (Singh, Gupta & Singh,
2013).
Answer 2
To check whether the serial port of a router is DCE or DTE, any of these steps can be
followed:
1. Check the label on the cable.
2. Use the “Show Controller Serial” command; this will produce the clock rate at the
DCE side only.
3. Enter the “Clock Rate” command, this will produce an error if the DTE side is
connected to the serial (He, 2013).
Answer 3
The forward delay of 15 seconds depicts that the BPDU takes 15 seconds in the
learning and listening state.
Answer 4
The speed of Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 routers are incomparable. However, it
would be better to have a routed network core in the campus. The advantages of routed
network cores include:

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NETWORK MANAGEMENT
 High availability
 Scalability and flexibility
 Simplified management and troubleshooting
The layer 2 switch is not capable of making routing decisions but can make quick
network connection decisions based on the connected network hardware. The only advantage
in using a layer 2 switch is the cheaper cost. Therefore, it would be recommended to use a
layer 3 switching or routing technique in the core of the campus network.
Answer 5
This relates to the OSI layered network model. The fiber or microwave will have its
own physical requirements. However, the upper layers will be unaware of the choice made in
the level 1. Therefore, the choice made here will not affect the network much; nevertheless,
the following points should be kept in mind:
 Desired Data Speed and capacity
 Distance for connections
 Budget

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NETWORK MANAGEMENT
References
He, N. (2013). Study on Sink Node Design for Wireless Network. In Advanced Materials
Research (Vol. 671, pp. 3212-3215). Trans Tech Publications.
Singh, K. P., Gupta, P. K., & Singh, G. (2013). Performance Evaluation of Enhanced Interior
Gateway Routing Protocol in IPv6 Network. arXiv preprint arXiv:1305.4311.