Your company expanded recently to include two new buildings for a total of three, roughly arranged in a triangle with each building about 500 meters apart. Previously, these buildings were wired with Category 3 UTP running 10BaseT Ethernet. The IT director mandates that your company be among the first to use 1000 Mbps Ethernet to the desktop. Define a comprehensive network architecture that fulfills the directors requirements and allows for future growth.
To define a comprehensive network architecture that fulfills the IT director's requirements and allows for future growth, several factors need to be considered, including network infrastructure, cable types, network switches, and potential scalability. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Assess the existing infrastructure:
- Determine the current network layout and equipment.
- Evaluate the condition of the Category 3 UTP cabling.
- Identify the network switches in use.
2. Analyze requirements and future growth:
- Confirm the desired network speed to the desktop (1000 Mbps in this case).
- Estimate the number of users and devices in each building.
- Determine the potential growth rate and expansion plans.
3. Plan the network architecture:
- Design a hierarchical network architecture to accommodate the three buildings. This can involve dividing the network into core, distribution, and access layers.
- Select appropriate switches for each layer, considering factors like port density, uplink capacity, and future scalability.
4. Choose cable types:
- Upgrade the existing Category 3 UTP cables to support 1000 Mbps Ethernet. Category 5e (or higher) or fiber optic cables are suitable options.
- Decide on the cable type for each segment, considering the distance between buildings and the potential for interference.
5. Determine connectivity between buildings:
- Assess the available options for connecting the buildings, such as wireless bridges, dedicated fiber connections, or Ethernet over Powerline.
- Choose a connectivity solution based on factors like cost, performance, and scalability.
6. Implement network switches and cabling:
- Install the new network switches based on the hierarchical architecture design.
- Upgrade the existing cabling to meet the required specifications. This may involve re-cabling or upgrading to fiber connections.
7. Configure the network:
- Configure the network switches to support the desired network speed and ensure proper VLAN configurations.
- Implement network security measures such as firewalls, access control, and intrusion prevention systems.
8. Test and optimize the network:
- Thoroughly test the network to ensure all devices can achieve the desired speeds.
- Optimize network performance by monitoring and adjusting configurations as needed.
9. Document and maintain the network:
- Document the network architecture, including diagrams, IP addressing details, and switch configurations.
- Regularly maintain and update the network infrastructure to accommodate growth and technological advancements.
Remember, this is a high-level overview, and the specific implementation details may vary depending on the company's unique requirements and available resources. It is advisable to consult with network specialists or IT professionals for a detailed network design and implementation plan.