Summary (1.3)
Class Activity 1.3.1.1: Layered Network Design Simulation
Refer to Scaling Networks v6 Labs & Study Guide and the online course to complete this activity.
As the network administrator for a very small network, you want to prepare a simulated-network presentation for your branch manager to explain how the network currently operates.
The small network includes the following equipment:
One 2911 Series router
One 3560 switch
One 2960 switch
Four user workstations (PCs or laptops)
One printer
Activity 1.3.1.2: Basic Switch Configurations
Refer to the online course to complete this activity.
Packet Tracer 1.3.1.3: Skills Integration Challenge
Background/Scenario
You are a recently hired LAN technician, and your network manager has asked you to demonstrate your ability to configure a small LAN. Your tasks include configuring initial settings on two switches using the Cisco IOS and configuring IP address parameters on host devices to provide end-to-end connectivity. You are to use two switches and two hosts/PCs on a cabled and powered network.
The hierarchical network design model divides network functionality into the access layer, the distribution layer, and the core layer. A campus wired LAN enables communications between devices in a building or group of buildings, as well as interconnection to the WAN and Internet edge at the network core.
A well-designed network controls traffic and limits the size of failure domains. Routers and switches can be deployed in pairs so that the failure of a single device does not cause service disruptions.
A network design should include an IP addressing strategy, scalable and fast-converging routing protocols, appropriate Layer 2 protocols, and modular or clustered devices that can be easily upgraded to increase capacity.
A mission-critical server should have connections to two different access layer switches. It should have redundant modules when possible, as well as a power backup source. It may be appropriate to provide multiple connections to one or more ISPs.
Security monitoring systems and IP telephony systems must have high availability and often require special design considerations.
It is important to deploy the appropriate type of routers and switches for a given set of requirements, features and specifications, and expected traffic flow.