Network design is a critical process that involves planning and implementing a structured and scalable network infrastructure to meet an organization’s requirements.

 It encompasses various elements such as hardware, software, connectivity, security, and management. 

 


Here is a cluster of actions and methodologies for network design:

 1. Define Requirements:

  • Business Requirements:

         -Understand the organization’s goals, functions, and how the network supports business processes.

  • Technical Requirements:

         – Identify the technical specifications, such as bandwidth, latency, and reliability, needed to meet business objectives.

 2. Identify Stakeholders:

  • Determine who the key stakeholders are, including IT staff, end*users, and management. Consider their needs and expectations in the design process.

 3. Scope Definition:

  • Clearly define the scope of the network design project. This includes the geographical coverage, number of users, types of devices, and expected services.

 4. Network Topology:

  • Choose a network topology that aligns with the organization’s requirements. Common topologies include star, ring, bus, mesh, and hybrid.
  • Consider Redundancy:

           – Implement redundancy to ensure high availability and fault tolerance. This may involve using  redundant links, devices, or data centers.

 5. IP Addressing and Subnetting:

  • Plan the IP addressing scheme, considering the number of devices, future scalability, and efficient use of address space.
  • Subnet Design:

           -Divide the network into subnets to control broadcast domains and enhance security. Allocate subnets based on departments, functions, or physical locations.

 6. Hardware Selection:

  • Choose networking hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls, and access points based on performance, scalability, and budget constraints.
  • Consider Future Growth:

          -Select hardware that can accommodate future expansion without requiring a complete redesign.

 7. Network Security:

  • Implement security measures to protect the network from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
  • Firewalls and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS):

        -Place firewalls strategically to control traffic between network segments. Deploy IPS to monitor and prevent malicious activities.

  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):

        – If applicable, design and implement VPNs for secure remote access.

 8. Wireless Network Design:

  • If incorporating wireless networks, plan for coverage, capacity, and security.
  • Access Point Placement:

          – Strategically place access points to ensure adequate coverage and minimize interference.

  • Security Protocols:

          – Implement WPA3 or the latest security protocols to secure wireless communications.

 9. Quality of Service (QoS):

  • Prioritize network traffic to ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency.
  • Traffic Classification:

         – Classify different types of traffic (voice, video, data) and apply QoS policies accordingly.

 10. Network Management:

  • Implement tools and protocols for network monitoring, troubleshooting, and management.
  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol):

        – Use SNMP to monitor network devices and gather performance data.

  • Logging and Alerts:

         – Set up logging and alert systems to quickly identify and respond to network issues.

 11. Documentation:

  • Create comprehensive documentation that includes network diagrams, IP address assignments, device configurations, and security policies.
  • Change Management:

        – Establish a change management process to document and track any changes made to the network.

 12. Training and Documentation:

  • Provide training for IT staff responsible for managing and maintaining the network.
  • User Documentation:

            -Create user*friendly documentation for end*users, especially for any changes or new technologies.

 13. Testing:

  • Conduct thorough testing before deploying the network to identify and address any issues.
  • Performance Testing:

        – Test the network under various conditions to ensure it meets performance expectations. 

 14. Implementation Plan:

  • Develop a detailed plan for implementing the network design. This may involve phased deployments to minimize disruptions.

 15. Monitoring and Optimization:

  • Continuously monitor the network’s performance and make adjustments as needed.
  • Capacity Planning:

        – Regularly assess the network’s capacity and plan for future growth.

 16. Compliance:

  • Ensure that the network design complies with relevant industry regulations and standards.

 17. Vendor and Technology Selection:

  • Select vendors and technologies based on reliability, support, and alignment with organizational needs.

 18. Backup and Disaster Recovery:

  • Implement backup and disaster recovery plans to safeguard data and ensure business continuity.

 19. Review and Update:

  • Periodically review and update the network design to incorporate new technologies, address security threats, and adapt to changing business requirements.

During the design process, the Synerca company’s goal is to create a network that best fits the client’s business, ensuring seamless communication and data transfer between the departments and systems of a company. The Company will evaluate, understand, and scope the network to be implemented, which will serve as the blueprint for implementing the network. The network design will typically include cabling structure, quantity, type and location of network devices, IP addressing structure, and network security architecture.