Networking

NETWORK DESIGN

In network design, there are several basic considerations such as scalability and reliability. Reliability is about stable and seamless communication between hosts. Scalability is about how a network growth is anticipated properly with minimal change.

To have scalable and reliable network design, all Layer 1 to Layer 3 good side aspects should be met. Following are certain factors that affect network scalability and reliability, from Layer 1 to Layer 3.

Layer 1

1. Cables(Cable Management)

Don't

*Don't run cables on floor

*Don't wrap network cables and power cords into one bundle

*Don't use too-long or too-short cables

Do

* Cables should run over (the ceiling), under (the tile), or inside (the wall)

* Have cable slacks between devices for easy and proper cable work space

2. Racks

when you have multiple network devices that need to be in the same room, it is then suggested to have dedicated racks for them. In addition, the rack itself should also be mountable to the floor and/or to the wall for steady standing position.

The assumption is that the network devices should also be rack mountable. If the network devices are not rack mountable, the devices then should be wall or desk mountable.

3. Power (Between AC and DC Power)

Most common network devices are probably AC-powered. By nature, AC-powered

Devices consume more energy and produce more heat than DC-powered devices. One big no-no on any network devices are having too-high temperature environment, which will shut down (or even melt down) the devices

Layer 2

Broadcast Storm

To support a lot of users, some people like to span a large Layer-2 network. The network is usually looking like at least one of the following:

* Employ three or more switches in daisy-chain connection

* Employ more Layer-2 switches rather than Layer-3 switches or routers

* One VLAN is spread throughout at least almost the entire organization

* One VLAN covers...