Top-down network design methodology and enterprise requirements

Network Design

Network engineers together with the users develop the ability to deal with network design challenges that prove difficult compared to a similar level they were created. The predicament can lead to network that is complex and challenging to trouble shoot. The situation can also lead to networks that do not function well as required as the significant of scale growth arises hence not matching the requirements of the customer. A solution to such a problem is usage of an organized, top-down network design methodology that concentrates on fulfilling the requirements of a customer, limitations, and goals.

Top-down network design

Top-down network design is a method for planning networks that start at the top layer of the OSI reference model prior to moving to the bottom layers. It concentrates on applications, phases, and data transport done before choosing routers, switches together with media that function at the bottom layers. The top-down network design procedurecomprise exploring divisional as well as group structuresto get the people whom the network offers services and also to get valued information to make the project succeed (O'Kelly, & Miller 1994).Top-down network design is considered interactive and recognizes that the consistent model and the physical strategy change as more data is gathered.Understanding the business goals of a customer and constraints is a serious element of network design.

As network expectations changes network engineers come up with design principles. Many Enterprises do not depend on one vendor, technology inventions or protocol. The design tactic has improved dramatically and comprise of safety and scalability as main criteria. Security has an immense influence on network design.There is larger redundancy in many network designs since the events that took place in September in the year 2001. This has made business continuity a priority. Organizations are concentrating on increased stages of redundancy as well as disaster-recovery initiatives becoming a requirement (Nes, 2003).Redundancy is defined in many forms comprising of different power sources, several WAN carriers, substitute cable routes coupled with redundant hardware. Network connectivity and other services are perilous components of enterprise functions.

The rate of downtime is aggregating at a remarkable rate.Enterprises do not focus on usingone vendor and protocol as many technologies are now consistent. Designing a network is not an insignificant factor. Evaluating the design standards enables a person to understand the network and the functions of the network. Network designs have to adapt easily in implementation of the next generation of technological invention. Many network designers plan to have IP telephony.These network design initiatives are for new networks and helpful in enhancing the existing ones.Proper planning on networks is often based on sound architecture hence makes redesigning of the designs in the future easy.

Planning Phase

During the planning period one can test the significance of the design for future complications. Planning assists in avoiding repeating a logical faultwhen dealing with a network design that a might person uses as a template in various locations.The planning phase concentrates on technical and financial criteria and considers all the necessities and constraints discussed (Asakura & Kashiwadani 2003).During this stage, it is significant to recognize all the stakeholders to make theprocedure a success. The stakeholders are individuals or organizations who have entrusted interest in the environment, enactment, and result of the project.

Design Phase

After the planning stage, one has enough data to create a network design. If there is a network in place, the phase need to be used to evaluate andauthenticate the network design as it is presently implemented. During this stage a user chooses products and features founded on criteria discussed in defined in the planning stage. A person develops network diagrams to demonstratethe changes that will take place in the network to attain the anticipated results. The more comprehensive the network drawing and plan, the more the challenges are easily anticipated.

Implementation Phase

The implementation phase offers a detailed, modified deliverables to assist in avoid risks and fulfill expectations. A complete implementation initiative confirms smooth deployment in situation that issues arise. Communicating the enactment plan to all stakeholders offers one with a chance of evaluating the practicality of the plan.It is good to identify mistakes on the drawing board compared to implementation. Good processes comprise change control, that can efficiently handle challenges occurring during deployment. Change control offers flexibility as it is unbearable to plan for every possibility, especially in the implementation for a long duration.

Operation Phase

The operation phase termed as operational-support stage is created to protect network investment and help the staff in prevent difficulties, exploit system utility, and quicken problem resolution.

Optimization Phase

The final step in the PDIOO procedure is the optimization of the network. A thorough design still needs optimization and alterationin reaching its complete potential. The optimization of the network compriseshardening servers to protect them security threats or addition of QoS to the network to aid in latency-sensitive traffic.