Prototyping the Campus

Network

Designing and Supporting Computer Networks Chapter 7

ITE I Chapter 6 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 1
 Objectives
Describe the purpose for and procedures to build a
prototype of the network design
Create test plans to perform simulated or prototype
test of important design elements
Perform proof-of-concept tests on LAN design
elements
Identify risks and weaknesses in the design based on
the proof-of-concept test conclusions

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Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
Prototype network: a separate network built to replicate
only the portion of a network necessary to test
particular functions or capabilities
Pilot network: using a portion of an existing network to
test a new functionality or capability

ITE 1 Chapter 6 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 3
Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
Create a test plan before beginning the testing process
Create a test plan document containing descriptions of
the design and topology, test procedures, and
anticipated results

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Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
Methods to verify that a design meets the identified
business criteria:
Prototyping
Basic connectivity tests
Functionality testing
Checklists

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Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
Tools and methods used to validate that the design is
working as anticipated:
Cisco IOS commands
IP utilities and tools
Protocol analyzers
Network simulation tools

ITE 1 Chapter 6 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 6
Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
Test the redundancy and resiliency of a specific network
design:
Overcoming device and link failures
Redundant links
Load balancing

ITE 1 Chapter 6 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 7
Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
Identify what represents a risk or weakness in the
design

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
Identify goals and requirements met by LAN design:
Testing the new design
Determining what needs to be tested

ITE 1 Chapter 6 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 9
Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
Create the test plan:
List test outcomes that support business goals
Provide a checklist of success criteria

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
Develop methodologies for comparing devices and
topologies

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
Develop methodologies for validating the choice of
routing protocol

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
Apply and test an appropriate addressing scheme

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
Compare and analyze risks or weaknesses associated
with choosing LAN devices, topologies, and addressing:
Lack of redundancy
Single ISP for Internet connectivity
Limited bandwidth areas
Limited fiber connectivity

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
Identify the business goals and technical requirements
supporting server relocation to a data center including a
server farm.

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
Create a success criteria checklist to support business
goals and technical requirements for the server farm

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability

Develop methodologies
for comparing devices
and topologies:
Creating a baseline
LAN simulation with
specific protocols
(PVRST+)

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
Prototype the server farm, validating security and
availability:
Availability requirements
Multilayer security
Firewalls
ACL design

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
Build and analyze the prototype of the LAN to ensure
business goals and technical requirements have been
met

ITE 1 Chapter 6 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 19
Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
Compare and analyze the risks or weaknesses
associated with choosing server farm devices,
topologies, and addressing

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 Summary
The decision to create a prototype or pilot network
depends on the type of testing required and the
potential disruption to the existing network.
Before beginning any testing, a test plan should be
developed.
Prototypes and simulations can be used to identify risks
and areas of weakness in the network design.

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ITE 1 Chapter 6 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 22