Local Area Network and Network Fundamentals: Current LAN Network Problems - Assignment Example

Report on Local Area Network/Network Fundamentals XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX Current LAN Network problems Ageing Cabinets/ traffic issues Despite the current network being wired with the CAT 5 cabling, the current cabinets that hold the patch panels need replacement. This is because with their ageing nature they can’t be in a position to support the expected network upgrade. Secondly, traffic requirement is a major requirement. The current traffic isn’t categorized in any manner whether as local, distributed, client/server, peer-to-peer, server /server. In addition, the current switch location points need to be changed. For effective network design, the needs to be switch located on each floor. The current router which is an ADSL modem being in use needs to be replaced. This is because the proposed merger will mean huge traffic from the various departments with regard to the Internet. Each departmental bandwidth requirement is not established as well as the QOS requirements for the different applications. An ADSL modem speeds go up to a maximum of 10mbps and which cannot support the new merger. The speeds also vary quite considerably. They also have faster downloads as compared to uploads. Outdated Windows Server 2000 The current windows server 2000 server needs to be upgraded to a more advanced server. There is no organized way of handling the data as well as the documents. They are stored in unorganized way which can be a great issue when it comes to file management issues. Incompatible Systems Several departments in both companies are using different systems that are incompatible. A good example is the accounts department which is using different payroll systems and stock control systems which are incompatible. After the merger this means that the firm needs to purchase compatible payroll and stock control system. The sales teams have to rely on the manufacturers’ catalogue to find product information instead of there being a centralized database server to store the information. The current database application can no longer support the increasing stock levels as it has become defunct. The same case applies to the warehouse staffs that are currently using a database application Proposed New Lan Layered Architecture Design The Proposed Lan will consist of three main layers: the access layer, the aggregation layer, the core layer. At the access layer is where the various wired and wireless LAN connectivity for the various ip devices i.e telephones, PDAs, surveillance cameras etc. A Number of considerations factored in while implelementing the above network include: Quality of service The various devices at the access layer should be able to identify, classify and queue traffic across the LAN to ensure there is optimal perfomance. After careful assignment and management of the various applications, there is delivery of satisfactory perfomance across the entire LAN. Since each type of data flow will have different QOS requirements i.e the stock control and sales product system Security Measures: Strict security measures should be implemented to increase the security exposures which may have serious service impacts. By implementing the firewall at the router will prevent malicious attacks from outside the network. Similarily at the access layer integrated security features will be incorporated to guard against intruders as well as other external threats i.e the DDoS attacks. An extra layer of security will be put at the access layer to ensure that the users are first authenticated and a virus check is performed on all the Pcs. This will ensure that there is end-to-end security policies which will determine who will get access what network resources as well as the QoS policies.To accommodate growth as well as new technologies, its advisable to use the modular chassis technology at the access layer. This technology will offers high density, high-speed ports with optional, cost-effective PoE capabilities. By employing the EX4200 Ethernet Switches.this ensures the economics of networkig by delivering the high port density of a modular chassis which is in a compact, cost-effective, pay-as-you grow platform. Each of the EX4200 Ethernet switch will support an optional front panel uplink model that will support either four Gigabit Ethernet or two 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports to facilitate the high-speed connections. Adopting Virtual Chassis Technology By employing the Virtual Chassis technology will enable the addition of as many EX4200 switches as possible to meet the increasing needs. With the pay-as-you pay model being employed, it will allow the companies start with the current EX4200 switch and incrementally add more as the firm needs grow with time. The switches at the distribution layer will be interconnected via a 128 Gbps virtual backplane. The virtual chassis technology lowers capital expenses as well as reducing operating expenses. Switch Location: By placing the switches on the second floor, it will ensure that minimal cable length will be used to connect the Pcs to the switch. By adopting the virtual chassis technology, the interconnected switches will be easily managed, monnitored, upgraded hence reducing the overall management and maintenace costs. Distribution Layer At the aggregation layer/distribution layer where there is aggregation of the traffic flows from the multiple access layer switches hence providing the high density connectivity to the LAN core. By adopting the above connection method as illustrated in the diagram, the distribution layer switches are able to provide the scalability, high density, wire-rate ports, and high availability hardware and software features that will deliver a carrier-class reliable and robust network. By using multiple Gigabit Ethernet downlinks from access layer closet allows for redundancy. In addition, they allow for route summarization, fast convergence,load sharing and redundant paths. By using a LAN network design that includes an aggregation layer, its possible to increase scalability as well as high availability. High Availability: By employing the Virtual chassis technology, there is provision of high availability. Each of the switch will support redundant, load sharing, hot swappable AC and DC power supplies to ensure that the fall of one sitch doesn’t affedt the operations . Core Layer Availability: This is the layer that provides a fabric for the high speed packet switching for the multiple aggregation devices ar the access layers. This is the gateway where all communication to the other company will take place. At the core layer will be a10-Gigabit Ethernet interface to ensure the high throughput as well as high wire-rate perfomance. With regard to high availability, the EX8200 to be deployed at the core layer ensures redundant links are provided in the event there is a link failure. The redundant routing edges and switch fabrics and redundant power supplies and fans are provided. Scalability:With respect to scalability at the core layer, the EX8200 modular switch will deliver a powerful, high density, high perfomance solution capable of upto 3.2 Tbps throughput. High Availability in the Firms Nework. To achieve device –level high availability, the firm need to use high-quality,carrier class network devices i.e the EX series Switches and routers which support dual power supplies, abd redundant fans or blowers that minimize equipment failure. Additional device –level HA will be provided to ensure that there is a back up device in the event of a failed device. To ensure Link-level High availability, the various business processes shall maintain vital dataflow through the internal as well as the external resources provided through the link-level HA. References Hopper, A. et al. 1986, Local area network design International computer science series, Redwood, Addison-Wesley. Karris, S 2009, Networks: Design and Management, New York, Orchard Publications. Mikalsen, A and Borgesen, P 2002, Local area network management, design and security: A Practical approach, New York, Wiley. Oppenheimer, P 2004, Top-down network design Networking Technology Series Cisco Press networking technology series, Palo Alto, Cisco Press. Read More