1.12 Given a set of requirements, implement a basic network - Paiet/Tech-Journal-for-Everything GitHub Wiki

1.12 Given a set of requirements, implement a basic network

  • List of requirements
    • What is required of the network you are about to build?
      • What type of internet connection?
      • How many and what kind of devices are getting attached?
      • Budget limitations
      • Bandwidth requirements
  • Device types/requirements
    • End user devices
      • Desktops, laptops, tablets
      • Peripherals like
        • Printers, scanners, fax
    • Network connectivity devices
      • Routers, switches, hubs, wireless APs
      • Network cabling
      • MODEMs for ISP connection
  • Environment limitations
    • Certain environmental factors can affect your network design and implementation
      • This is especially true with wireless
        • Interference from EMI/RFI
      • Rural SOHO might be limited in internet service choice, bandwidth, and line quality
  • Equipment limitations
    • Depending on how many devices are connected, a switch might be a better choice over a hub
      • If the number of devices is > 1, then a switch should be used over a hub ;)
    • Simple SOHO routers have no further expandability
      • Can't further segment the network
    • Simple SOHO switches might not have VLAN capabilities
      • Even if it does, you would need a router that has the ability to route between them
        • AP/Router/Switch device
        • Increased capabilities = increased cost/administration
    • Equipment placement
      • Large devices and small devices
      • Some logistic planning can be beneficial
        • Where is all the network equipment going to reside?
        • Where are the end user devices going to reside?
          • Peripherals?
        • If using wired network, will I need to drop cables behind a wall or under the floor
          • Network jacks?
  • Compatibility requirements
    • You have to make sure that all your devices are compatible
      • Network standards are supported
        • Wired cabling specifications
        • Wireless a/b/g/n/ac
  • Wired/wireless considerations
    • Both types of network implementations have their advantages and disadvantages
    • Wired Network Attributes
      • Installation of cables ranges from simple to very frustrating and time consuming
        • Running cables through walls or under flooring
        • Trip hazard and requires at least some cable cover/runner
      • Bird's nest of wires at connection point
        • Labeling cables helps organization/administration
      • Speed
        • Incredible bandwidth speeds available
          • Gig speeds easily attained
          • 100Mbps considered "slow" in the wired world
        • Less congestion/contention when deployed with switches instead of hubs
      • Reliable
        • Very reliable connection media
        • Low failure rates
          • Loose connections being the most common form of cable "failure"
    • Wireless Network Attributes
      • Simple installation
        • Wireless access point needs to be installed in a centralized location for best connection radius
        • RFI/EMI mitigation
          • Microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc.
        • Each end user device will need to have wireless network adapter that is compatible with the type of wireless network used
      • Speed
        • Typically slower than wired connections
          • Usually running around 54Mbps
          • Newer specifications can run higher, but are not bottlenecked by older standards
        • Distance impedes speed
          • The farther away from the AP, the slower your transfer speeds will be
        • Shared bandwidth
          • More devices sharing the AP will slow down bandwidth
      • Reliability
        • Decent reliability
        • Does have problems with outside interference
          • RFI/EMI
          • Reduce interference with proper planning
  • Security considerations
    • Protection against common types of attack, unauthorized access, and disruption
      • Firewalls
        • Hardware
        • Software
      • IDS/IPS
      • Wireless encryption
        • WPA2
      • MAC filtering