MN621 – ADVANCED NETWORK DESIGN ASSIGNMENT-2

The term LAN refers to a local area network that is limited to a single location or region. A LAN is a network that is contained inside a small geographic region, usually within the same building, and is made up of two or more connected computers.
Example: - LANs include things like home Wi-Fi networks and small commercial networks.

The term WAN refers to a wide area network that spans a large area. A wide area network (WAN) is a huge computer network that connects multiple computers or communication devices across long distances. It is not bound to a specific geographic place, unlike a LAN. Businesses typically employ WANs to connect their office networks across several geographical locations. Each office usually has its own LAN, which is connected to the rest of the world via a WAN.

The term WLAN refers to a wireless local area network. A WLAN, as the name implies, connects devices using wireless communication rather than traditional Ethernet connections to establish a LAN. This implies that far less cabling is needed, and your mobile devices will no longer be connected, allowing them to be really mobile. A WLAN can be used as a replacement to or as an expansion of a wired network.

The term SAN refers to a storage area network. It’s a customized, high-speed network that provides storage access at the block level. Storage area networks are commonly used to access storage devices, giving the impression that the storage is attached locally.

The term MAN refers to a metropolitan area network that connects large cities. It is a big computer network used in large corporations and university campuses that typically spans a significant geographical area.

Students are required to use an industry case study of your PBL exercise to complete the assignment. It is to note that this assignment consists of two parts:

• Assignment 1A
• Assignment 1B

You have to discuss your chosen case study with a tutor in week 1 and 2. Make sure to design your own case study if possible to avoid Academic Misconduct.

The project scope and requirement should have a detailed explanation of the planning and designing of a network. It is recommended that bullet points are included whenever necessary.

Attach your chosen real world business case study with reference as an appendix A.
Include points that you have gathered from your chosen case study on their existing network. Discuss in a tabular form how the information obtained will be useful in designing the network. Discuss the approach you will be taking (include bullet points whenever necessary) to redesign the network.

Response to assignment 1A

Draw a network design that you think will be useful in the future for the industry that you have visited. Network should include the following requirements:

• 3 routers
• 4 switches
• 10 PCs
• 4 VLANs

Suitable IP addressing scheme in tabular form (assume as many hosts as necessary for each department). Use your MIT student ID to come up with your own IP addressing scheme (to avoid Academic Misconduct). Justify the choice of IP address.

Indicate where do you use static routing, dynamic routing protocols (name the protocols, RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, etc.), Access Control List (ACL) as per the network preferences. Justify your choices.

Configure your network using Packet Tracer. Write a report on, Packet Tracer Network diagram- Copy diagram from your simulator.

• Switch configuration
• Router configuration
• Host configuration
• Access point and server configuration guidelines.

This section should include the followings:

• Hardware requirements with the specification with costs.
• Router configuration
• Human resources and logistics.
• Tentative timeline specifications.

This subject will help the students pursuing Masters of Networking to plan, design, configure, test and troubleshoot to both local area networks and wide area networks. They will obtain knowledge of switching and routing concepts, as well as practical knowledge of how to utilise and configure network elements such as routers and switches.

Subject also include following topics-

  • LAN design concepts and configuration, the spanning tree protocol and virtual LANs
  • WAN design concepts and configurations: Routing protocols
  • LAN and WAN networks testing and troubleshooting
  • Enterprise Networks: Software Defined Networking (SDN), Internet of Things (IOT)

 a. Analyse the need for advanced networks, standards, and network solutions;
 b. Investigate suitable network designs to match requirements;
 c. Apply concepts and theories of human factors as related to network design and implementation;
 d. Evaluate performance metrics and dimensions according to specifications.

Write a group report including the following sections:

1. Summary of the case study reports in 2-3 paragraphs. Rewrite case studies to one group case study including features of 5 case studies presented by individual students. Make sure to write your MIT ID digits as IP addresses and justify them in the report.

2. Design your own network in packet tracer or any simulator in consideration of the following factors:
 a. Gain visibility and control by end users (human factor considerations)
 b. Realise strategic solutions of your designed network (use of network protocols such as BGP, OSPF)
 c. Future trends in networking: Consider future trends in networking such as SDN, 5G, 4D
Network, Open Network Switches, cloud, IPv6, Multi-Band Routers, AI applications, etc.

3. Innovative ideas
Write innovative ideas on how you can improve network performance as one solution by combining the advantages of all network solutions.

4. Demonstration
 • Packet tracer or any simulator demonstration in a group during week 10 or 11 according to the tutor's allocations.