The exponential growth of the World Wide Web has put unprec edented demands on private and public networking infrastructures. The traffic generated by private and commerc ial networks has become dominated by Voice-over-IP and video on demand. These developments require existing infrastructures to be adapted and that the design of new networks mitigate best-effort delivery issues, avoid low bandwidths and high latency problems and be based on traffic priority. In order for enterprise networks and internet infrastructures to meet expected demands, their design will have to take into consideration principles such as availability, scalability, resiliency, reliability and quality of service (QoS). As a result, network engineers designing and supporting enterprise or Internet Service Provider networks will need the knowledge and skills to support diverse business needs, such as converged network traffics, centralised control and mission-c ritical applications.
This unit introduces students to the enterprise network design principles, design models, scalable networks and their effectiveness in supporting business requirements. After evaluating the features of scalable networks, such as availability, reliability and hierarchy, the students are expected to apply network design principles in the design and implementation of redundant networks to provide Layer 2 and Layer 3 redundant solutions. The students are also expected to evaluate Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies and make choices based on specific enterprise requirements, and to implement a range of WAN connections and protocols such as Point-to-Point, Frame Relay and VPN with IPSec using network simulators or network lab equipment. In addition, they will also solve network-related issues using network monitoring and troubleshooting methods and techniques.
Among the topics included in this unit are: network design principles, network design modules, features of enterprise IT networks, such as scalability, reliability, availability and hierarchy, LAN redundancy and related issues, spanning tree protocols, router redundancy protocols, link aggregation, in-band and out-of-band network device management, features and characteristics of WAN networks, WAN technologies and protocols, such as PPP, Frame Relay and VPN with IPSec, network monitoring tools, Network Security, network documentation, network troubleshooting methods and LAN and WAN connectivity issues.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to evaluate LAN design principles and their application in the network design process, implement a network using LAN design princ iples based on a predefined set of requirements, produc e an appropriate WAN solution to a set of organisational requirements and solve a range of network-related problems using appropriate troubleshooting techniques and methods.
As a result they will develop skills such as communic ation literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competenc e.
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
LO1 Explore LAN design principles and their application in the network design process.
LO2 Impleme nt a network using LAN design princ iples based on a predefined set of requireme nts.
LO3 Produce an appropriate WAN solution to a set of organisational requirements.
LO4 Solve a range of network related problems using appropriate troubleshooting techniques and methods.
