LAN network design and infrastructure of UTeM’s network connecting Computer Centre to the 10 subnetworks

i) Networking devices  

The network devices that we will be using will consist of 5 routers and multiple switches. 

The network will be separated into the networks.

 

1st router - Computer Centre (main network)

2nd router - FTMK (Subnet 1)

3rd router - Canselory (Subnet 2)

4th router - FKE, FKEKK, FKM, FKP (Subnet 3 - 6)

5th router - Post Grad, Registrar, Library, Sport (Subnet 7 - 10)

The suggested total number of network devices used to create the network designs are:

5 Core Layer Switches
5 Distribution Layer Switches
17 Access Layer Switches
4 Routers

This is not taking into account the network devices used for the Computer Center which will be in its own separate post.

ii) Topology

This is the main topology of the network. Every router will connect back to Computer Centre and in turn will connect to the ISP. The reason we gave FTMK its own separate router is because of the large amount of PCs used. Canselory will also have its own separate router for security reasons because it is the administrative office. The other faculties and offices will share routers to save up on costs. The topology is based on the Star topology.

1. FTMK (Subnet 1)

 

 This is an example of network logical design for the FTMK subnet using the Cisco Three Layer Hierarchical Network Model. It consists of the Core, Distribution and Access Layers. The reason we chose this network model is because it helps to design, deploy and maintain a scalable, trustworthy, cost effective hierarchical internetwork. The reason FTMK uses two switches on the Core Layer is because of bandwidth and failover capabilities. This means the network will still function whenever one of the switches fail. On the Distribution Layer, this is because of capacity reasons since FTMK has a large amount of PCs. 

This is a deeper view of how the Access Layer works. The PCs on each floor will connect to the switch on the access layer, which will in turn connect to the switch on the distribution layer and so on and so forth. The reason why we split it into two wings is because of capacity reason as stated before and also to ensure the performance of the network is optimal. Of course, we still have no estimate on the total amount of switches that will be used in the final submission.

 2. Canselory (Subnet 2)

 

This is the Logical Design for the Canselory subnet. The canselory is separated for security reasons and will not share any routers like the other subnets after this. 

 

 This is how the access layer will further be expanded. This is a design for only one floor.

3. FKE, FKEKK, FKM, FKP (Subnet 3 - 6)

 

 

 

This is the logical design for Subnets 3-6. Each switch will be taking care of one subnet.

 

 

 

This is the expanded design. To save up on costs, four of these subnets will be connected to one router. This is because these faculties does not have as many computers as FTMK which is why they are sharing routers so the performance of the network will still be in good condition.

 

4.  Post Grad, Registrar, Library, Sport (Subnet 7 - 10)

 

 

This is the Logical Design for Subnets 7-10. Once again, they are sharing one router to save up on costs.

This is the expanded design of the subnet using the same concept as subnet 3-6.

iii) Communication media

      The communication media that we used in UTeM's network is fiber optic cable. This is because fiber optic cable is a high-speed network data transmission technology. Fiber optic cable has glass fiber strands inside of an insulated sheath. They are made for telecommunications, long-distance and high-performance data networking. Fiber optic cable able to carry enormous high speed data packets at close to the speed of light which make the transmission faster across the network. So, it will be able handle the use of many students at once. Lectures also able to incorporate online class as part of their teaching plan. Moreover, compared to the other wired cables, fiber optic cable able to increase the speed of transmission data bandwidth and also can cover long distances. It is also suitable for this network because it is accurate, dependable, and flexible in connected networks. Fiber optic cables made networking between computer structures faster and easier. 

 

For a further detailed explanation:

The recommended communication media will solely be wired, specifically Ethernet copper cabling. Wired connections offer reliable and consistent performance, making them suitable for connecting devices within the network. Here's a detailed explanation of the wired communication media that would be best suited for this design:

1. Fiber Optic Cabling (Single-Mode or Multi-Mode):

   • Core Layer: The core layer switches can be connected using high-speed fiber optic cabling. Fiber optic cables provide excellent bandwidth, low latency, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, ensuring fast and reliable communication between the switches.

2. Ethernet Copper Cabling (e.g., Cat6a or Cat7):

   • Distribution Layer: The distribution layer switches can be connected to the core layer switches using Ethernet copper cabling. Cat6a or Cat7 cables are recommended to support Gigabit Ethernet and potentially higher data rates in the future.

   • Access Layer: For the access layer switches, Ethernet copper cabling is the best choice. It can provide reliable and high-speed connectivity for desktop computers and servers. Cat6a or Cat7 cables are recommended for optimal performance.

3. No Wireless Communication Media:

   • In this design, wireless communication media are not included. The network relies solely on wired connections for all devices and floors.

By utilizing fiber optic cabling for interconnecting the core and distribution layer switches and Ethernet copper cabling for connecting devices within the access layer and desktop computers, this network design ensures reliable, high-speed, and secure communication throughout the network.