1.

Key Requirements for the LAN Design

a. Current Workforce and Devices

• Number of Employees: The company currently employs 150 individuals, with plans to expand to
300 employees in the future.

• Device Types:

o Desktops and laptops for developers, testers, and general staff.

o Servers to host applications, databases, and backups.

o Video conferencing equipment in conference rooms.

o IoT devices for smart office features such as security cameras and access control systems.

o Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets for management and remote workers.

o IT equipment such as printers, scanners, and shared storage devices.

b. Department-Specific Needs

• Software Development and Testing:

o High-speed internet to support coding, file sharing, and version control systems (e.g., Git).

o Local servers for build environments and software testing.

• Management and Key Personnel:

o Secure access to sensitive company data.

o Priority for video conferencing and remote collaboration tools.

• Conference Rooms:

o Reliable, high-quality video and audio streaming for client meetings.

o Dedicated wireless access points to ensure seamless connectivity.

• IT Support:

o Centralized monitoring tools for network management.

o Access to the server room for maintenance and backups.

2. Scalability and Growth Plans

a. Scalability Requirements

• The workforce is expected to grow from 150 to 300 employees, effectively doubling the number
of connected devices.
• Use modular network switches and VLAN configurations to support additional devices without a
major redesign.

• Reserve additional IP address space within the private IP range to accommodate future devices.

• Expand server capacity using virtualization and clustering to handle increased workloads.

b. Expected Network Traffic Growth

• User Traffic: Traffic will double due to the increase in employees.

• Data Transfers: Internal data transfers, particularly large file sharing for software development,
will significantly increase.

• Remote Workers: More remote employees will rely on VPN connections for secure access to the
company’s network.

3. High-Bandwidth Applications and Services

a. Identified High-Bandwidth Applications

• Video Conferencing Tools: Applications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for
internal and client meetings.

• Software Development Tools: High-speed access to Git repositories, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-
based development environments.

• File Sharing Services: Large-scale file transfers for project collaboration.

• Testing and Simulation Software: Resource-intensive applications for software testing and quality
assurance (QA).

• Remote Access Services: Increased VPN usage for remote employees.

b. Impact on Network Design

1. Increased Bandwidth Demand:

o Fiber-optic connections between floors and for internet access to support high-speed data
transfers.

o Deployment of gigabit switches with 10 Gbps uplinks to avoid bottlenecks.

2. Low Latency Requirements:

o Optimized routing within the LAN to ensure minimal delays for critical applications such as CI/CD
pipelines and video conferencing.

3. Traffic Segmentation:

o Use VLANs to segment traffic for different departments (e.g., development, management, and
guest networks) to improve performance and security.

4. Wireless Access:
o Install Wi-Fi 6 access points to handle high device density and ensure reliable, high-speed
wireless connectivity.

5. Redundancy:

o Implement redundant network links and failover systems to ensure continuous service in case of
hardware failures or connectivity issues.

The Local Area Network (LAN) for TechSavvy Inc. must be designed to meet high-speed, reliable
connectivity needs while supporting scalability for future growth. Priority must be given to low-latency
applications for software development, secure access for management data, and robust infrastructure
for high-bandwidth services like video conferencing. The design must incorporate scalability, security,
and redundancy to align with TechSavvy’s current requirements and growth plans.

Task 2 - Network Topology Design

a) Floor Plan Layout

Placement of Devices:

Open-plan Workspaces:

Desktop Computers:

Each workspace is equipped with desktop computers for developers and engineers, arranged in clusters
of 6-10 desks. This layout encourages collaboration while optimizing cable management.

Desktops are connected to nearby access switches for efficient data flow.

Network Printers:

Centrally located within the workspace for shared access by employees, minimizing walking distance and
improving productivity.

Private Offices:

Laptops and Docking Stations:

Management staff are provided with laptops for mobility and docking stations for easy connection to
monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals.

Each office has a dedicated Ethernet port connected to the nearest access switch for high-speed wired
connectivity.

Conference Rooms:
Video Conferencing Equipment:

Conference rooms are equipped with high-definition cameras, microphones, large displays, and
dedicated wireless access points (APs) to ensure smooth video calls and presentations.

Wired Ethernet ports are also available for connecting devices during meetings.

Server Room:

Servers and Storage Devices:

Centralized servers handle applications, databases, and file storage. These include rack-mounted servers
with RAID-enabled storage systems for redundancy.

Core Networking Equipment:

High-performance core switches, routers, firewalls, and backup power supply units (UPS) are housed
here.

Climate Control:

The server room is equipped with air conditioning to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Common Areas:

Wi-Fi Access Points (APs):

Strategically placed in break rooms, lounges, and cafeterias to provide seamless wireless connectivity for
mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Locations of Switches, Routers, and Access Points:

Switches:

Access Switches:

Located in wiring closets on each floor to connect desktops, printers, and wireless access points. These
switches are Layer 2 devices designed for local traffic handling.

Distribution Switches:

Positioned in the server room or wiring closets on each floor. These Layer 3 switches aggregate traffic
from access switches and perform inter-VLAN routing.

Routers:

A centralized router is located in the server room to manage external connections (e.g., internet) and
route traffic between internal networks.

Access Points (APs):

Wireless APs are evenly distributed throughout the building:

Open-plan workspaces have multiple APs to support high-density device connections.

Conference rooms have dedicated APs to ensure uninterrupted wireless connectivity during meetings.

Common areas are covered by strategically placed APs to provide seamless Wi-Fi access.

b) Network Topology

Logical Network Topology:

The network follows a hierarchical three-tier architecture to ensure scalability, reliability, and efficient
data flow:

Core Layer:

The core layer serves as the backbone of the network:

High-speed core switches connect all distribution switches across floors.

Redundant links between core switches ensure uninterrupted connectivity in case of hardware failure.

Distribution Layer:

The distribution layer aggregates traffic from access layer devices:

Layer 3 switches on each floor handle inter-VLAN routing and connect directly to core switches via fiber-
optic cables.

VLAN segmentation is implemented to isolate traffic between departments (e.g., HR, IT, Finance).

Access Layer:

The access layer connects end-user devices to the network:

Access switches connect desktops, printers, and other wired devices.

Wireless APs provide Wi-Fi coverage for mobile devices.

Layer Devices Purpose

Core Layer Cisco Nexus 9500 Series High-speed backbone
connectivity; redundant links for
reliability.
Distribution Layer Juniper EX4300 Series Aggregates traffic; performs
inter-VLAN routing; connects
floors.
Access Layer Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series & Connects end-user devices;
UniFi APs provides wired/wireless access.

Example Devices Used in Each Layer:

Core Layer:

Cisco Nexus 9500 Series Core Switches

Redundant fiber-optic links between core switches

Distribution Layer:

Juniper EX4300 Series Layer 3 Switches

Fiber-optic uplinks connecting distribution switches to core switches

Access Layer:

Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Access Switches

Ubiquiti UniFi Wi-Fi 6 APs for wireless connectivity

Wired Ethernet ports for desktops and docking stations