APA SAMPLE PAPER Network Design Proposal

Running head: NETWORK DESIGN 1

Network Design Proposal

Student Name

University Affiliation

NETWORK DESIGN 2

A. Network Topology

Technical Requirements

The network contractor feels that the wellness and morale of students impacts the

institution’s academic learning and experience. The institution’s technical network requirements

are well understood and the contractor intends to propose the best computer network design that

would meet their requirements. The institution added a building that would add value to the

students by facilitating learning and research activities. Learning activities would occur across

various campuses on a daily basis and there is need to connect the buildings in order to

communicate effectively.

A computer network in the buildings allow students access and print notes from any

location within the buildings. The report identified that all computers in the buildings must be

able to communicate. Kizza (2015) argued that highly sensitive information within the network

like the human resource department and administration would be on a separate security level

within the network. Wireless connectivity becomes essential in connection of the buildings thus,

a Wide Area Network is required to address the networking scenario. The sections that follow

address the networking technical requirements for the institution that meets the needs of the staff

and the students.

Proposed Topology

A hybrid topology becomes the most applicable topology for the networking the entire

building. The rooms could implement star or bus topology, then a bus could be used to connect

the various rooms. At least two topologies become important, as it inherits the advantages and

the features of the independent topologies.

NETWORK DESIGN 3

Justification

A hybrid network topology becomes an effective means of implementing a network for

the rooms in the building. Peterson, and Davie, (2011) argued that a hybrid topology becomes

flexible because each room would implement the most suitable topology that suits their demands.

The hybrid topology offers a high level of scalability that is required when the networking

elements change each time. A hybrid network topology allows easy error checking and

correction for the entire network with ease.

NETWORK DESIGN 4

B. Cables and Connectors

Technical requirements

Various networking services like internet access, file sharing, email, network printing,

and ERP systems for in the University require a well-planned network infrastructure. The choice

of cables meant for connections depends on the cable specifications, technology and speeds used

in the connections.

Proposed cables and Connectors

Cables and connectors are needed to facilitate communication between the network

components. The network requires cables that allow information move from one network

element to the other. Tanenbaum and Wetherall, (2016) argued that the Wide Area Network

involves Local Area Networks located in the independent rooms, mainly the classrooms,

laboratories and administration block. Category 5, 5E, 6 and & of UTP, wireless and fiber optics

are the main media elements that could help the university with their connections. Apart from the

benefits and limitations of each media, there are given assumptions that would let the University

select the cables.

Justification

The first assumption involves the cable length needed to ensure connection from one

room to the other and the entire building. The costs involved in the implementing the cables

determines the choice of cables for the institution. The installation ease and the bandwidth for

each cable must get into consideration. Because the university requires a Wide Area

Connectivity, it is important to assess the noise susceptibility of the cables before choosing.

NETWORK DESIGN 5

C. Networking and Internetworking Hardware

Technical Requirements

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

It is obvious that the University requires UTP, which is the most common networking

cable that contains 4 pairs of two wires encased into one. The wire pairs get wound around the

other so that the electromagnetic interference gets canceled. The report proposes the use of RJ45

connectors because they are also the standard connectors in computer networking. Despite the

existence of other twisted pair cables like Foil Twisted Pair and Shielded Twisted Pair but their

usage does not get preferred in the report. Apart from the RJ45 connectors, the report proposes

Cat 5 bandwidth cables of 100Mbps that span each room and Cat 5 e/ that could go 1000Mbps

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic cables might be applied to connect between buildings because they facilitate

data transfer between buildings with no electromagnetic interference. The fiber optic cables span

almost any distance without signal loss.

Justification

The choice of RJ45 connectors as the most suitable connector in the network is because it

works well with other twisted pair cables. Tanenbaum and Wetherall, (2016) argued that the

modern networks also rely on RJ45 connectors, and also the one that applies on Cisco console

cables. The length of the UTP cables depends on the distance between the 25 computers per

room and the general connection that is intended.

NETWORK DESIGN 6

D. Wide Area Network (WAN) Design

Technical Requirements

The WAN might span a distance between two or more buildings, might lead to the choice

for Virtual Area Networks. The VPN gives a protected communication between the buildings

and safe transfer of data between computers. Relying on public network does not offer the

intended privacy for the network and the intended performance level. And probably the reason

the report chose fiber optic to facilitate communication within the WAN.

Justification

WAN connectivity requires more elements, other than the Local Area Network and the

high security level, otherwise the system suffers the worst blow. Kizza, (2015) explained that the

choice of VPN is good because it offers efficiency and security that is intended for the network.

The VPN requires high cost but the long term benefits to the university are worth the costs.

E. Computer Systems Hardware

Technical Requirements

Once the topology choice gets attained in the initial stages of the network, it is important

for the system to implement a wired and wireless network connectivity that depends on the area

it is needed. The wireless network becomes important for the students because it would let them

connect their devices within the classrooms wirelessly.

Proposed Computer Systems Hardware

A router would be needed to supply internet connection within the classroom or

laboratory for instance. The router acquires the internet from the cable suppliers and splits the

connectivity to other devices that require it within the network.

NETWORK DESIGN 7

A switch is also needed within the network to ensure devices and printers share and

transfer information between themselves. At least each room requires a switch that ensures all

the computers connected in the network get connected. A 1000 t-Base is the most suitable switch

because of its speed. A printer server is necessary so that a student might print their reports and

papers remotely. A computer hardware requirements would become of two types, the server and

the client computers. The server computers require at least 4 GB RAM, 500 GB hard-disk, while

the client computers require a minimum of 1 GB computers that allow the installation of any

windows or Linux application. The clock speeds of the computers could start from 2.3 GHZ and

above.

Justification

The choice of network elements depends on the number of equipment needed and the

computers that require to send and receive information. The choice of cables and connectors

needed for the connectivity depends on given assumptions that must be considered to come up

with a network that is scalable, and cost effective. The noise cancellation must be considered

when implementing the connectivity.

NETWORK DESIGN 8

References:

Kizza, J. M. (2015). Computer Network Security.

Peterson, L. L., & Davie, B. S. (2011). Computer networks: A systems approach. Burlington:

Elsevier Science.

Shneidewind, N. (2012). Computer, network, software, and hardware engineering with

applications. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley.

Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. (2016). Computer networks. Boston: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Place new order. It's free, fast and safe

Paper type

Deadline

Page count

550 words

Total price: $ 15.00

Our customers say

Jeff Curtis

USA, Student

"I'm fully satisfied with the essay I've just received. When I read it, I felt like it was exactly what I wanted to say, but couldn’t find the necessary words. Thank you!"

Ian McGregor

UK, Student

"I don’t know what I would do without your assistance! With your help, I met my deadline just in time and the work was very professional. I will be back in several days with another assignment!"

Shannon Williams

Canada, Student

"It was the perfect experience! I enjoyed working with my writer, he delivered my work on time and followed all the guidelines about the referencing and contents."