Notes

Outline

What Makes This Thing Tick? Principles for Improving Your Network’s Life and Usefulness

Creating Better Networks Understand Network Components Consider Design Issues Realize Design Goals

Network Components OSI Model (theory behind the components) Wiring (or Wireless) Network Interface Cards (and attached computers) Hubs (Concentrators, MAUs) Repeaters & Media Converters Switches Routers Firewalls

Design Considerations Infrastructure Wiring needs to last 15 years Infrastructure is costly; make it worth it! Include patch panels Purpose of the network Consider activities on the network now Be visionary for the future

Design Considerations Security Keep the network devices (wiring closet) physically secure What about confidential information stored on the network and/or passing through the network? Do teachers and administration need separate network access to keep things secure?

Design Considerations Cost Infrastructure (wiring) is the biggest cost Pulling cable is more expensive than the cable itself Multiple building considerations Other costs: Network Devices (routers, switches, hubs) NICs (networking the computers) Management

Design Goals Functionality Does it work? Does it work well? Will it keep working? Scalability How will the network be expanded? Can it be done without expanding the infrastructure?

Design Goals Adaptability What procedures are needed to make changes? How major can the changes be? Manageability Can you handle it? Can others figure it out? How does it compare with the OSI model?

Your Network Needs: Considerations Infrastructure Purpose Security Cost Goals Functional Scalable Adaptable Manageable

Activity:  Switch Management Assign IP address Master User Interface Determine What to Watch Learn What to Expect