Netw410 Week3 Lab Report

Lab 3: Designing the Infrastructure for the Network

Lab Report

1. Draw a diagram the new network. (10 points)

2. Will the current horizontal cabling suffice for the new network? If it will not, what type of cable should be used for the horizontal cabling? Provide detailed specifications for this cable. (10 points)

The current horizontal cable will suffice for the new network, however the only issue with the current cabling is there should be no cables lying on the floor. All cables should be secure and not in any walking paths, which is a hazard. Horizontal cables need to be run above a false ceiling and also need to be plenum rated, which they currently are.

3. Should fiber optic horizontal cabling be installed but not terminated as future proofing for a future higher-speed network? What is the cost difference between copper UTP cable and fiber optic cable? Use this model to compute the relative cost - http://www.fols.org/cost_model/ (10 points)

No, whenever using any type of fiber optic cable, they need to be terminated. The termination provides connection from the cable to a patch panel. Fiber is almost double the cost of UTP cabling.

4. Does this network require an access layer? What devices would operate at the access layer? Draw a diagram of these devices at the access layer. Label all of the devices. (10 points)

This network does require an access layer for the users to connect to the network. Devices in this layer include the lower end switches and wireless access points. The access points and low end switches within the access layer are highlighted in red in the network diagram below.

5. Does this network require a distribution layer? What devices would operate at the distribution layer? What would these devices be responsible for? Could the access and distribution layer be combined into a single layer? Draw a diagram of these devices at the distribution layer. Label all of the devices. (10 points)

This network does require a...