Chapter 7

© 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 1Version 4.0
Prototyping the Campus
Network
Designing and Supporting Computer Networks – Chapter 7

© 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 2
Objectives
 Describe the purpose for and procedures to build a
prototype of the network design
 Create test plans to perform simulated or prototype
test of important design elements
 Perform proof-of-concept tests on LAN design
elements
 Identify risks and weaknesses in the design based on
the proof-of-concept test conclusions

Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
 Prototype network: a separate network built to replicate
only the portion of a network necessary to test
particular functions or capabilities
 Pilot network: using a portion of an existing network to
test a new functionality or capability

Design
 Create a test plan before beginning the testing process
 Create a test plan document containing descriptions of
the design and topology, test procedures, and
anticipated results

Design
Methods to verify that a design meets the identified
business criteria:
 Prototyping
 Basic connectivity tests
 Functionality testing
 Checklists

Design
Tools and methods used to validate that the design is
working as anticipated:
 Cisco IOS commands
 IP utilities and tools
 Protocol analyzers
 Network simulation tools

Design
Test the redundancy and resiliency of a specific network
design:
 Overcoming device and link failures
 Redundant links
 Load balancing

Design
 Identify what represents a risk or weakness in the
design

Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
Identify goals and requirements met by LAN design:
 Testing the new design
 Determining what needs to be tested

Create the test plan:
 List test outcomes that support business goals
 Provide a checklist of success criteria

 Develop methodologies for comparing devices and
topologies

 Develop methodologies for validating the choice of
routing protocol

 Apply and test an appropriate addressing scheme

Compare and analyze risks or weaknesses associated
with choosing LAN devices, topologies, and addressing:
 Lack of redundancy
 Single ISP for Internet connectivity
 Limited bandwidth areas
 Limited fiber connectivity

Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
 Identify the business goals and technical requirements
supporting server relocation to a data center including a
server farm.

 Create a success criteria checklist to support business
goals and technical requirements for the server farm

Develop methodologies
for comparing devices
and topologies:
 Creating a baseline
 LAN simulation with
specific protocols
(PVRST+)

Prototype the server farm, validating security and
availability:
 Availability requirements
 Multilayer security
 Firewalls
 ACL design

 Build and analyze the prototype of the LAN to ensure
business goals and technical requirements have been
met

 Compare and analyze the risks or weaknesses
associated with choosing server farm devices,
topologies, and addressing

Summary
 The decision to create a prototype or pilot network
depends on the type of testing required and the
potential disruption to the existing network.
 Before beginning any testing, a test plan should be
developed.
 Prototypes and simulations can be used to identify risks
and areas of weakness in the network design.

Chapter 7

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