Systems and Network Infrastructure Integration

4Design of Network Infrastructures

“Well begun is half done.”

Aristotle

– Recalling the theoretical concepts related to IT networks.

– Describing the approaches, methods and models of network design.

– Understanding the hierarchical model and its three layers, as well as the way in which they are used in network design.

– Understanding the methodologies and models of Cisco network architecture design.

4.1 Introduction

The design of IT networks constitutes a vital stage in the implementation of an IT infrastructure. Meticulous design ensures proper functioning of the network environment as well as its possible growth.

In addition, design has become an arduous task as network environments become more and more complex, with diversified equipment and media, as well as interconnections with other external networks.

Therefore, it is imperative to take all of these aspects into account in order to design a stable, high-performance and upgradeable network infrastructure.

A successful design should be:

– functional: the network infrastructure must satisfy the requirements of the enterprise defined in the specifications and must enable users to carry out their work under the best possible conditions;

– upgradeable: the network to be designed must demonstrate the capacity for expansion. Consequently, designers must provide for the growth of the network infrastructure without being forced to make major changes to the initial design;

– adaptive: the design must be capable of integrating ...