Summary

Chapter 15: Advanced Networks 5Design a Network Based on the Customer’sNeedsA network is most effective if it is designed to meet the customer’s needs. Building a networkrequires analyzing the environment and understanding networking options. You shouldinterview the customer, as well as any other people involved in the project. It is important tohave a general idea about the hardware and software that will be used on the network. Youshould inquire about future growth of the company and the network.After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:■■Determine a topology.Determine protocols and network applications.Determine a TopologyYou must understand the customer’s needs and determine the general layout of the new networkto properly determine the network topology. You need to discuss these importantissues with the customer:■■■Cable and wireless typesScalabilityNumber and location of usersThe number of users and the estimated amount of future growth determine the network’sinitial physical and logical topology. You should create a checklist to record the customer’sneeds.You should do an inspection, called a site survey, early in the project. A site survey is aphysical inspection of the building that helps determine a basic logical topology, which isthe flow of data and protocols. The number of users and the estimated amount of futuregrowth determine the network’s initial physical and logical topology. You should considerthe following factors:■■■Where the users’ end-station computers will be.Where to position network equipment such as switches and routers.Where the servers will be positioned. This may be in the same room as the networkequipment, or it could be elsewhere. The decision is often based on available space,power, security, and air conditioning.A floor plan or blueprint is helpful to determine the physical layout of equipment andcables. Figure 15-1 shows a comparison of network topologies, including bus, ring, star,extended star, hierarchical, and mesh.