QUESTION 1

Network Design for College of Engineering, Information, and Communication (CEIC) at the University of
Zimbabwe:

Location: Mt Hampden, 40km from the main campus

Total Users: 2,310 (210 staff members and 2,100 students)

Departments: Six departments

Components:

1. Data Center

2. High-Performance Computing (HPC) Cluster

3. User Devices (PCs) accessing servers within the data center

4. Demilitarized zone hosting web server, DNS server and an email server

Key Considerations:

- Capacity planning for future growth

- Bandwidth requirements for data center and HPC cluster

- Security measures to protect sensitive data

- Redundancy and failover mechanisms for uninterrupted service

Network Design:

1. Physical Infrastructure:

- Fiber optic cabling for high-speed connectivity between buildings

- Rack-mounted servers and networking equipment in the data center

- UPS units and backup generators for power supply resilience

2. Network Topology:

- Core, Distribution, and Access layer design for scalability and flexibility
- Layer 3 routing for efficient traffic flow

- VLAN segmentation for security and network optimization

3. IP Addressing Scheme:

- Subnetting for each department and user group

- DHCP server for automatic IP assignment

- Static IP addresses for critical devices such as servers and HPC cluster nodes

4. Hardware and Software Requirements:

- Cisco switches and routers for robust network infrastructure

- Firewall and intrusion detection/prevention systems for network security

- Virtualization software for the data center and HPC cluster

- Scalability to accommodate increasing number of users and devices

- Security measures to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access

- Redundancy and backup solutions to ensure continuous operations

Network Design Solution:

1. Core Network: Implement a high-speed fiber backbone to connect all departments, data center, and
HPC cluster. Use switches with high port density and high throughput capacity.

2. Data Center: Set up a robust data center with multiple servers for storage and processing of data.
Implement virtualization technology to maximize server efficiency and flexibility.

3. HPC Cluster: Deploy a high-performance computing cluster for complex simulations and data
processing tasks. Ensure high-speed interconnects between nodes for optimal performance.

4. Access Network: Provide wired and wireless connectivity for user devices (PCs) across the campus.
Implement VLANs to segment network traffic and ensure security and performance.

5. Security Measures: Utilize firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption protocols
to safeguard the network. Implement access control mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access.
6. Redundancy and Backup: Set up redundant links and power sources to prevent network downtime.
Implement regular data backups and disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.

7. Monitoring and Management: Implement network monitoring tools to track performance metrics and
detect any issues proactively. Use centralized management software for efficient network configuration
and troubleshooting.

Project Goal:

- The project goal is to design and implement a secure and reliable network infrastructure that can
accommodate the current and future needs of the organization.

- To improve network performance and efficiency through proper management and optimization of
network resources.

- To ensure maximum uptime and availability of network services to support the organization's
operations.

- To implement robust security measures to protect the network from cyber threats and unauthorized
access.

- To provide scalability and flexibility to easily adapt to changing business requirements and
technological advancements.

- To streamline network operations and management processes to enhance overall productivity and
user experience.

- To continuously monitor and analyze network performance to identify areas for improvement and
implement necessary upgrades or changes.

Project Scope:

- Designing and implementing a new network architecture that meets the organization's requirements
for performance, scalability, and security.

- Installing and configuring network equipment, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, to support the
new network design.

- Testing and optimizing the network for performance, reliability, and security.

- Providing training and documentation to IT staff on how to maintain and troubleshoot the new
network infrastructure.
- Collaborating with stakeholders and vendors to ensure a smooth transition to the new network
architecture.

- Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the network to address any issues and ensure continued
optimal performance.

QUESTION 2

a) 5 components considered in network design

1. Network Topology

2. Network Hardware

3. Network Protocols

4. Network Security

5. Bandwidth Requirements

b) The PDIOO (Plan, Design, Implement, Operate, Optimize) network lifecycle model is a methodology
used in network design and implementation.

1. Plan: In the planning phase, the network requirements are gathered and analyzed to determine the
goals and objectives of the network design. This involves identifying business needs, evaluating current
network infrastructure, and defining project scope, budget, and timeline.

2. Design: During the design phase, the network architecture is developed based on the requirements
identified in the planning phase. This includes determining the network topology, selecting appropriate
hardware and software components, and creating a detailed network design plan.

3. Implement: In the implementation phase, the designed network is built and deployed according to
the specifications outlined in the design plan. This involves configuring network devices, installing
software, and testing the network to ensure it operates as intended.

4. Operate: Once the network is up and running, the operation phase involves monitoring and managing
the network to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This includes tasks such as network
monitoring, troubleshooting, security management, and performance tuning.

5. Optimize: The optimization phase focuses on continuously improving the network to meet changing
business needs and technology advancements. This involves analyzing network performance metrics,
identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes to enhance network efficiency and
effectiveness.
6. Retire: This phase focuses on the decommissioning and retirement of outdated network equipment or
services. The goal is to remove legacy systems in a systematic and controlled manner, ensuring minimal
disruption to the network operation. This involves planning for data migration, device disposal, and
documenting the retirement process for future reference.