Networking Infrastructure Report: BTEC Level 5 HND Computing

This report is a comprehensive solution for a BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing, Unit 2: Networking Infrastructure assignment. It covers key learning outcomes, including examining networking principles and protocols (LO1), explaining networking devices and operations (LO2), designing efficient networked systems (LO3), and implementing and diagnosing networked systems (LO4). The report discusses different network types (LAN, WAN, MAN), protocols (DNS, DHCP, FTP, HTTP), and standards. It explores network topologies (mesh, star, bus, ring, tree, and hybrid) and their impact on communication and bandwidth. The report also addresses the operating principles of networking devices, server types (proxy, mail, web, application, etc.), and workstation hardware. It provides a logical/physical design of a networked system, evaluates the design, and includes a proposed maintenance schedule. The assignment showcases an implemented network, test results, and recommendations for enhancements, demonstrating a thorough understanding of networking concepts.

ASSIGNMENT
Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing
Unit number and title Unit 2: Networking Infrastructure
Submission date Date Received 1st submission
Re-submission Date Date Received 2nd submission
Student Name LE XUAN PHU Student ID BSBF190029
Class Assessor name ĐỖ PHI HƯNG
Student declaration
I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the consequences of plagiarism. I understand that
making a false declaration is a form of malpractice.
Student’s signature
Grading gri
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Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing
Unit number Unit 2: Networking
Assignment title Networking Infrastructure
Academic Year
Unit Tutor
Issue date Submission date
IV name and date Khoa Canh Nguyen, Nhung, Michael Omar 9th/01/2020
Submission format
Part 1
The submission is in the form of an individual written report. This should be written in a concise, formal business
style using single spacing and font size 12. You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as
appropriate, and all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system.
Please also provide a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system. The recommended word limit is 2,000–
2,500 words, although you will not be penalized for exceeding the total word limit.
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Part 2
The submission is in the form of an individual evidence portfolio.
 A LAN design plan and blueprint and justification document.
 A fully completed test plan including an evaluation of results and recommendations for improvements to
LAN.
 A proposed and justified maintenance schedule.
Part 3
 Evidence of an implemented network.
You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs, subsections and illustrations as appropriate, and all work
must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system.
Unit Learning Outcomes
LO1: Examine networking principles and their protocols.
LO 2: Explain networking devices and operations.
LO3: Design efficient networked systems.
LO4: Implement and diagnose networked systems.
ASSESMENT CRITERIA
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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Pass Merit Distinction
LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols
LO1 & 2
D1 Considering a given scenario,
identify the topology protocol
selected for the efficient
utilization of a networking
system.
P1 Discuss the benefits and
constraints of different network
types and standards.
P2 Explain the impact of network
topology, communication and
bandwidth requirements.
M1 Compare common
networking principles and
how protocols enable the
effectiveness of networked
systems.
LO2 Explain networking devices and operations
P3 Discuss the operating
principles of networking devices
and server types.
P4 Discuss the inter-dependence
of workstation hardware with
relevant networking software.
M2 Explore a range of
server types and justify the
selection of a server,
considering a given
scenario regarding cost
and performance
optimisation.
LO3 Design efficient networked systems
P5 Provide a logical/physical
design of the networked system
with clear explanation and
addressing table.
M3 Install and configure
network services and
applications on your
choice.
D2 Design a
maintenance schedule to
support the networked
system.
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P6 Evaluate the design to meet
the requirements.
LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems
P7 Implement a networked system
based on a prepared design.
P8 Document and analyse test
results against expected results.
M4 Recommend potential
enhancements for the
networked systems.
D3 Use critical reflection
to evaluate own work and
justify valid conclusions.
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Contents
Examples of a bus topology:.............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Example of tree topology:.................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Examples of hybrid topology:............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
SERVER TYPES........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
PROXY SERVER................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
MAIL SERVER...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
SERVER PLATFORMS.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
WEB SERVER...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
At its core, a Web server serves static content to a Web browser by loading a file from a disk and serving it across the network to a user’s
Web browser. This entire exchange is mediated by the browser and server talking to each other using HTTP................................................30
APPLICATION SERVER......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION SERVER..............................................................................................................................................................30
FTP SERVER........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
COLLABORATION SERVER.................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
LIST SERVER........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
TELNET SERVER.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
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OPEN SOURCE SERVER....................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
VIRTUAL SERVER................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
1.Interdependent....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
 Dr. Roy Winkelman, Director ;Chapter2: What is a Protocol? < https://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap2/chap2.htm>.......................................36
INTRODUCTION
This Assignment of mine consisted of 4 main parts: LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols, LO2 Explain networking
devices and operations, LO3 Design efficient networked systems, LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems.
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In the section p1: Examine networking principles and their protocols, I presented the network, Network type and Protocol,
Standards. Part p2 includes Network topology definition and Communication, Bandwidth.
P1 Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards.
1.Define network.
A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files,
or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves,
satellites, or infrared light beams.
2. Two very common types of networks include:
 Local Area Network (LAN)
 Wide Area Network (WAN)
 You may also see references to a Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN), or a Wireless WAN
(WWAN).
 Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively small area. It is generally limited to a
geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or building.
On a single LAN, computers and servers may be connected by cables or wirelessly. Wireless access to a wired network
is made possible by wireless access points (WAPs). These WAP devices provide a bridge between computers and
networks. A typical WAP might have the theoretical capacity to connect hundreds or even thousands of wireless users
to a network, although practical capacity might be far less.
 Wide Area Network (WAN)
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Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect networks in larger geographic areas, such as Florida, the United States, or the
world. Dedicated transoceanic cabling or satellite uplinks may be used to connect this type of global network.
Using a WAN, schools in Florida can communicate with places like Tokyo in a matter of seconds, without paying
enormous phone bills. Two users a half-world apart with workstations equipped with microphones and a webcams
might teleconference in real time. A WAN is complicated. It uses multiplexers, bridges, and routers to connect local
and metropolitan networks to global communications networks like the Internet. To users, however, a WAN will not
appear to be much different than a LAN.
 Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that connects computers within a metropolitan area,
which could be a single large city, multiple cities and towns, or any given large area with multiple buildings. A MAN is
larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN). MANs do not have to be in urban
areas; the term "metropolitan" implies the size of the network, not the demographics of the area that it serves.
o Benefit of the network
There are various benefits that are achieved in a networked environment they include:
1. Resource sharing: hardware and date can effectively be shared and utilized in a network environment.
2. Improved communication: via emailing, instant messaging, skype, void(voice over internet protocol).
3. Improved work practice through teleworking, telecommuting (is a situation where employee does have to travel to
their central place of work but remotely work from home)
4. Online collaboration facilitated by mostly video conferencing facilities to enable organization collaborates regardless
to their geographical location
5. Commercial opportunities business can be conducted through e- commerce.
6. Internet access network facilitates the internet.
7. Entertainment through online game and YouTube video channels.
o Drawbacks
1. Costly to set up and maintain.
2. Data security concerns through cyber-attacks, hacking
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3. Undesirable (unwanted) sharing
4. Illegal and undesirable behaviors
5. Data security concerns
Protocol and Standards
Network protocol definition
A protocol is a set of rules that governs the communications between computers on a network. In order for two
computers to talk to each other, they must be speaking the same language. Many different types of network
protocols and standards are required to ensure that your computer (no matter which operating system, network card,
or application you are using) can communicate with another computer located on the next desk or half-way around
the world. The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Reference Model defines seven layers of networking protocols.
The complexity of these layers is beyond the scope of this tutorial; however, they can be simplified into four layers to
help identify some of the protocols with which you should be familiar.
 List some protocols : Several protocols overlap the session, presentation, and application layers of networks. There protocols
listed below are a few of the more well-known:
o DNS - Domain Name System - translates network address (such as IP addresses) into terms understood by humans
(such as Domain Names) and vice-versa
o DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - can automatically assign Internet addresses to computers and users
o FTP - File Transfer Protocol - a protocol that is used to transfer and manipulate files on the Internet
o HTTP – Hyper Text Transfer Protocol - An Internet-based protocol for sending and receiving webpages
o IMAP - Internet Message Access Protocol - A protocol for e-mail messages on the Internet
o IRC - Internet Relay Chat - a protocol used for Internet chat and other communications
o POP3 - Post Office protocol Version 3 - a protocol used by e-mail clients to retrieve messages from remote servers
o SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - A protocol for e-mail messages on the Internet
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List some standard organizations and standards names
Open standards encourage:
 interoperability
 competition
 innovation
Standards organizations are:
 vendor-neutral
 non-profit organizations
 established to develop and promote the concept of open standards.
Internet Standards
 Internet Society (ISOC) - Promotes the open development and evolution of internet
 Internet Architecture Board (IAB) - Responsible for management and development of internet standards
 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) - Develops, updates, and maintains internet and TCP/IP technologies
Internet Research Task Force (IRTF) - Focused on long-term research related to internet and TCP/IP protocols
Standards organizations involved with the development and support of TCP/IP
 Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) - Coordinates IP address allocation, the management of
domain names, and assignment of other information
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) - Oversees and manages IP address allocation, domain name management, and
protocol identifiers for ICANN
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Electronic and Communications Standards
 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE, pronounced “I-triple-E”) - dedicated to creating standards in power and
energy, healthcare, telecommunications, and networking
 Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) - develops standards relating to electrical wiring, connectors, and the 19-inch racks used to
mount networking equipment
 Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) - develops communication standards in radio equipment, cellular towers,
Voice over IP (VoIP) devices, satellite communications, and more
International Telecommunications Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) - defines standards for video
compression, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and broadband communications, such as a digital subscriber line (DSL)
P2. Network topology & communication and Bandwidth requirements
1.Topologies:
The topology of a network is the arrangement and relationship of the network devices and the interconnections between them.
Physical and Logical Topologies
Physical and Logical Topologies
Physical and Logical Topologies
Physical and Logical Topologies
Physical and Logical Topologies
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2.Physical and Logical Topologies:
There are two types of topologies used when describing networks:
 Physical topology – shows physical connections and how devices are interconnected.
 Logical topology – identifies the virtual connections between devices using device interfaces and IP addressing schemes.
 Topologies: Btec FPT< Tutor : Đỗ Phi Hưng ; release date: 26 March 2021>:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FtzxwzihM7Rs42GQYuuxRvByTkoq2nVC/edit#slide=id.p10
3.Examples of topology with diagrams (Mesh, Star, Bus, Ring, Tree, Hybrid):
Here are some of mesh topology examples:
 Zigbee
 Google Home
 Z-wave
 Google Wi-Fi
 Google OnHub
 Data-centric fabric
 Networks in military devices
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<IT release’s photo>
Example of star topology:
 Ethernet network is made by a star topology <IT release’s photo>
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Examples of a bus topology:
 An example of bus topology is connecting two floors through a single line.
 Ethernet networks also use a bus topology
 In a bus topology, one computer in the network works as a server and other computers behave as clients. The purpose of the
server is to exchange data between client computers.
 Printers, scanners and other input/output devices can be added in the office/home by using bus topology network
<IT release’s photo>
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Example of ring topology:-
 Ring topology is used in WAN (Wide area network)
 Used in MAN (Metropolitan area network)
 Sometimes used in homes
<IT release’s photo>
Example of tree topology:
 Different floors can be connected to each other through combining star topology network and central bus backbone
 B-trees looks same as tree topology and it is used in different programming languages like MySQL, Redis, PostgreSQL and in
filesystems including ext4, NTFS
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<IT release’s photo>
Examples of hybrid topology:
<IT release’s photo>
A hybrid topology is used in various places including:
 School
 Business
 Office
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 In university campuses
 Research organizations
 Multi-national offices
 Banks
 Automated industry
 Define commutations in terms of networking and rules.
o Half-duplex communication
Only allows one device to send or receive at a time on a shared medium.
Used on WLANs and legacy bus topologies with Ethernet hubs.
o Full-duplex communication
Allows both devices to simultaneously transmit and receive on a shared medium.
Ethernet switches operate in full-duplex mode.
 Bandwidth
Network bandwidth is the capacity of a wired or wireless network communications link to transmit the maximum
amount of data from one point to another over a computer network or internet connection in a given amount of time --
usually, one second. Synonymous with capacity, bandwidth describes the data transfer rate.
o Bandwidth requirements for the networks
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Bandwidth on demand is available through many service providers because the network links they provide to customers have
additional bandwidth available through them, but customers pay only for the capacity they need.
P3 Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types.
1. Discuss 1 or 2 operating principles of a selected network device.
 The name of network device : Network Router.
 Define: A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the
traffic directing functions on the Internet. Data sent through the internet, such as a web page or email, is in the form of
data packets. A packet is typically forwarded from one router to another router through the networks that constitute
an internetwork (e.g. the Internet) until it reaches its destination node.
 Operation:
When multiple routers are used in interconnected networks, the routers can exchange information about destination
addresses using a routing protocol. Each router builds up a routing table, a list of routes, between two computer
systems on the interconnected networks.
The software that runs the router is composed of two functional processing units that operate simultaneously,
called planes:
 Control plane: A router maintains a routing table that lists which route should be used to forward a data packet,
and through which physical interface connection. It does this using internal pre-configured directives,
called static routes, or by learning routes dynamically using a routing protocol. Static and dynamic routes are
stored in the routing table. The control-plane logic then strips non-essential directives from the table and builds
a forwarding information base (FIB) to be used by the forwarding plane.
 Forwarding plane: This unit forwards the data packets between incoming and outgoing interface connections.
It reads the header of each packet as it comes in, matches the destination to entries in the FIB supplied by the
control plane, and directs the packet to the outgoing network specified in the FIB.
2. network devices
Network devices include (Hub, Repeater, Bridge, Switch, Router, Gateways and Brouter)
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 Repeater – A repeater operates at the physical layer. Its job is to regenerate the signal over the same network
before the signal becomes too weak or corrupted so as to extend the length to which the signal can be transmitted
over the same network. An important point to be noted about repeaters is that they do not amplify the signal. When
the signal becomes weak, they copy the signal bit by bit and regenerate it at the original strength. It is a 2 port
device.
 Hub – A hub is basically a multiport repeater. A hub connects multiple wires coming from different branches, for
example, the connector in star topology which connects different stations.
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 Bridge – A bridge operates at data link layer. A bridge is a repeater, with add on the functionality of filtering content
by reading the MAC addresses of source and destination. It is also used for interconnecting two LANs working on the
same protocol. It has a single input and single output port, thus making it a 2 port device.
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 Switch – A switch is a multiport bridge with a buffer and a design that can boost its efficiency(a large number of
ports imply less traffic) and performance. A switch is a data link layer device. The switch can perform error checking
before forwarding data, that makes it very efficient as it does not forward packets that have errors and forward good
packets selectively to correct port only.
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 Routers – A router is a device like a switch that routes data packets based on their IP addresses. Router is mainly a
Network Layer device. Routers normally connect LANs and WANs together and have a dynamically updating routing
table based on which they make decisions on routing the data packets. Router divide broadcast domains of hosts
connected through it.
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 Gateway – A gateway, as the name suggests, is a passage to connect two networks together that may work upon
different networking models. They basically work as the messenger agents that take data from one system, interpret
it, and transfer it to another system.
 Brouter – It is also known as bridging router is a device which combines features of both bridge and router. It can
work either at data link layer or at network layer. Working as router, it is capable of routing packets across networks
and working as bridge, it is capable of filtering local area network traffic.
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3. server types
Servers are often dedicated, meaning that they perform no other tasks besides their server tasks. Different servers
do different jobs, from serving email and video to protecting internal networks and hosting Web sites.
SERVER TYPES
This list categorizes the many different types of servers used in the marketplace today.
PROXY SERVER
A proxy server sits between a client program (typically a Web browser) and an external server (typically another server on the
Web) to filter requests, improve performance, and share connections.
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MAIL SERVER
Almost as ubiquitous and crucial as Web servers, mail servers move and store mail over corporate networks
(via LANs and WANs) and across the Internet.
SERVER PLATFORMS
A term often used synonymously with operating system, a platform is the underlying hardware or software for a system and is
thus the engine that drives the server.
WEB SERVER
At its core, a Web server serves static content to a Web browser by loading a file from a disk and serving it across the network
to a user’s Web browser. This entire exchange is mediated by the browser and server talking to each other using HTTP.
APPLICATION SERVER
Sometimes referred to as a type of middleware, application servers occupy a large chunk of computing territory
between database servers and the end user, and they often connect the two.
REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION SERVER
Real-time communication servers, formerly known as chat servers or IRC Servers, and still sometimes referred to as instant
messaging (IM) servers, enable large numbers users to exchange information near instantaneously.
FTP SERVER
One of the oldest of the Internet services, File Transfer Protocol makes it possible to move one or more files securely between
computers while providing file security and organization as well as transfer control.
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COLLABORATION SERVER
In many ways, collaboration software, once called ‘groupware,’ demonstrates the original power of the Web. Collaboration
software designed to enable users to collaborate, regardless of location, via the Internet or a corporate intranet and to work
together in a virtual atmosphere.
LIST SERVER
List servers offer a way to better manage mailing lists, whether they be interactive discussions open to the public or one-way
lists that deliver announcements, newsletters or advertising.
TELNET SERVER
A Telnet server enables users to log on to a host computer and perform tasks as if they’re working on the remote computer
itself.
OPEN SOURCE SERVER
From your underlying open source server operating system to the server software that help you get your job done, open
source software is a critical part of many IT infrastructures.
VIRTUAL SERVER
In 2009, the number of virtual servers deployed exceeded the number of physical servers. Today, server virtualization has
become near ubiquitous in the data center.
P4 Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware with relevant networking software.
1.Interdependent
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The study of interdependent networks is a subfield of network science dealing with phenomena caused by the interactions
between complex networks. Though there may be a wide variety of interactions between networks, dependency focuses on the
scenario in which the nodes in one network require support from nodes in another network. For an example of infrastructure
dependency
2. examples of interdependency.
Such as authorization and server functionality :
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3.Workstation Hardware
A workstation is a special computer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by one
person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating systems. The
term workstation has also been used loosely to refer to everything from a mainframe computer terminal to a PC connected to
a network, but the most common form refers to the class of hardware offered by several current and defunct companies such
as Sun Microsystems, Silicon Graphics, Apollo Computer, DEC, HP, NeXT and IBM which opened the door for the 3D graphics
animation revolution of the late 1990s.
Workstations offer higher performance than mainstream personal computers, especially with respect to CPU and graphics,
memory capacity, and multitasking capability. Workstations are optimized for the visualization and manipulation of different
types of complex data such as 3D mechanical design, engineering simulation (e.g., computational fluid dynamics), animation
and rendering of images, and mathematical plots. Typically, the form factor is that of a desktop computer, consist of a high
resolution display, a keyboard and a mouse at a minimum, but also offer multiple displays, graphics tablets, 3D mice (devices
for manipulating 3D objects and navigating scenes), etc. Workstations were the first segment of the computer market to
present advanced accessories and collaboration tools.
4. Define networking software
• Define: Any software that interacts, increases and facilitates the functions of a computer network is called network
software. There are two basic types of networking, the first type allows two computers to share, send and receive data
files via network while the second type of networking allows shared access liberty to all the users and systems that are
part of the network.
• Lineaments of network software: There are several types of network software available, each differ in their
functionality and purpose. Some network software are specialized in solving accounting task and mathematical
calculations, others just serve as a path of communication between two or more computers. While there are network
software that work on their own, however, some software are known to store large chunks of data and allows authorized
access to the users, programs or systems.
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• Advantages offered by network software: Network software are known to increase productivity of the system. Offers
intuitive and creative ways to share information and effectively communicate. Networking software has become an
essential part of today’s computing world where shared information, effective communication and reliable productivity is
needed and valued in modern age.
• Types of network software:
o Network operating system: NOS is a system that offers a shared platform for all the connected computers that
can run a shared application. Net and Novell Netware are popular examples of network software.
o Shared network: a networking software whose applications are centrally saved and each individual computer
can access the applications on their own. Oracle is an example of such network software.
o Client server network programs: one component of such applications are stored on client’s system and the
other one is stored on server. Both systems then communicate with each other and utilizes their part of the
component accordingly. For example Microsoft exchange.
5.Compare of Networking Software and Workstation Hardware
Assimilate Server ( Networking Software ) Workstation
Define It is a device or computer on a
network that stores data and
manages network resources.
It is a computer that delivers
extremely fast and accurate graphics,
higher performance, more scalability
with ISV certification.
Work The server executes internet-related
applications such as communicating
with customers, responding to their
requests and providing the necessary
content to customers.
Workstations are used in a wide range
of business applications such as digital
content creation, mechanical
computer-aided design, architectural
design, and detailed analysis.
The components FTP Web, Application, Proxy,… The workstation is assigned a specific
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task. For example, there may be
video, audio, CAD / CAM workstations
specifically designed for that
particular task.
Where is it working? Server works on Linux, Windows,
Solaris operating systems while
Workstation works on Unix, Linux,
Windows NT operating systems.
Workstation also uses special
software developed by ISV
(Independent Software Vendor)
developed specifically for
Workstation.
User Interface ( U.I ) In the server, a GUI is optional. The Workstation is required to be
enabled with a Graphical User
Interface (GUI).
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