Network Design Note
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derejeNetwork Design Note
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derejeLearning Guide: Network Planning and Analysis
Unit Overview This unit provides essential knowledge and skills on: - Identifying user needs and
establishing requirements - Identifying network segments based on proposed requirements - Determining
segment needs using functional analysis - Estimating network traffic and loads
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to: - Identify and document user needs and technical
requirements - Design appropriate network segments - Use functional analysis to define network segments
- Estimate traffic loads for efficient network performance
2.1 Identifying User Needs and Establishing Requirements
Establishing user needs is crucial in determining the right network topology. Considerations include
organization size, device communication patterns, scalability, fault tolerance, and cost.
Key Steps: 1. User Needs Assessment - Interview Stakeholders: Identify expectations and specific needs
per user group - User Surveys: Collect data on connectivity preferences - Review Infrastructure: Evaluate
existing setup and identify bottlenecks
1. Functional Requirements
2. Define network services (e.g., data sharing, internet)
3. Assess bandwidth and scalability
4. Performance Requirements
5. Evaluate latency, response time, reliability, throughput, and availability
6. Security Requirements
7. Implement access controls, encryption, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
8. Cost Considerations
9. Address financial limitations during design and implementation
2.2 Identifying Network Segments for Proposed Network Requirements
Segmentation divides a network into logical units for improved performance and security.
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Segmentation Process: 1. Understand Network Requirements: - Analyze users, devices, services, and
security expectations
1. Categorize Segments:
2. By users, functions, infrastructure, guest access, and security
3. Traffic Analysis:
4. Map data flows and allocate bandwidth accordingly
5. Security Considerations:
6. Isolate sensitive data and enforce tailored access controls
2.2.1 Common Types of Network Segments - User Segments: Based on roles and access levels -
Departmental Segments: For internal team management - Functional Segments: Based on user or device
functions - Server Segments: Dedicated zones for key servers - Wireless Segments: Separate from wired
systems, includes guest access - DMZ: For internet-facing services (e.g., web/email servers) - VoIP
Segments: Voice traffic prioritization with QoS - IoT Segments: Isolates smart devices from core systems -
Guest Networks: Limited, controlled external access - Security Zones: Ranging from high to low sensitivity
areas - Remote Access Segments: Secure zones for off-site access
2.3 Determining Segment Needs Using Functional Analysis
Functional analysis helps define network segments based on tasks performed by users, devices, and
applications.
• Group users/devices by roles or services
• Create dedicated segments for performance and security
• Apply access policies tailored to each function
Segment examples mirror those in 2.2.1 and include: - Server zones, guest access, wireless, VoIP, DMZ, IoT,
etc.
2.4 Estimating Network Traffic
Traffic estimation ensures proper network design, resource allocation, and scalability.
Methods: 1. Data Collection: Use network monitoring tools to gather usage history 2. User and Device
Analysis: Identify number, type, and usage patterns 3. Application Patterns: Recognize bandwidth-
intensive services 4. Predictive Modeling: Forecast future loads using historical trends 5. Peak vs. Average
Usage: Plan capacity using real traffic behavior 6. Protocol/Traffic Analysis: Deep packet inspection to
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evaluate usage by application 7. Network Topology Impact: Segmenting reduces congestion and boosts
security
