Final Report - Essam Khalid

Prince Sultan University
COOP Report Manual
A final Report submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the
Co-op. Program
Student Name: Essam Seyed Ali Ahmed Khalid
Student ID#: 210110173
Company Name: Horizon Information Technology
Trainer Name: Mr. Mir Faiz Ali
Advisor Name: Dr. Ali Matouq
Date: 6/8/2015

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Acknowledgement
First, I would like to thank Allah for all the blessings and graces in my life. Then,
I would like to thank my father who inspired me to study in PSU and motivated
me with his continuous consultancy and confidence in me. I ask Almighty Allah
to shower him with peace and mercy and reward him the highest degrees in
paradise. In addition, I would like to thank my mother for the love, care and
kindliness she shows me every day, and I ask Allah to bless her with health,
wellness and happiness, and to gather us all in the highest degrees in paradise.
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Khalid Al-Mustafa, the chairman of the
communication and networks department, for the continuous support and
guidance for four years. I also would like to thank Dr. Ali Matouq, my Coop
advisor, for his help in my six-months training period.
I also would like to thank Horizon IT for giving me the opportunity to be trained
and have the experience in my field for half a year.
I would like to give a shout out for:
 Eng. Raed Al-Suhaibani - CEO
 Mr. Mir Faiz Ali – Project Planner and trainer
 Eng. Mohammad Hassan – Network Engineer
 Eng. Abdullah Al Enazi – Current Project manager
 Eng. Sari Al-Omaim – former project manager
 Mohammad Nasir – Co-op colleague
Essam Khalid

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Summary
I spent six months in Horizon Information Technology, specifically in the project
department. During that time, I was assigned to a variety of tasks in the field of
network engineering, in addition to minor tasks. This opportunity allowed me to
go through an excellent experience in one of the leading IT companies in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition, I have gained a number of professional and
personal skills that will hopefully help me be an effective force to the job market.
This report provides a summary of everything I have done in Horizon IT. First, I
will provide detailed information about the work I have done with Horizon IT,
which is concentrated in Prince Fahad Bin Salman Charitable Association for
Renal Failure Patients Care “Kelana” Data, IP Telephony and CCTV network
project.
In addition, I will add a practical model of the project. I will start with an
introduction in networking fundamentals. Then, I will describe the actual work I
did. After that, I will state the pros and cons of the program during the six-month
period, and I will provide some suggestions that will hopefully build a strong a
well, meaningful long-term relationship between Horizon IT and Prince Sultan
University.

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Table of Contents
Page Number
1.0 Introduction 7
1.1 Company Profile (Horizon IT) 8
1.2 Objectives 9
1.3 Tasks carried out 9
2.0 The CO-OP Plan 11
2.1 Summary of schedule of activities 11
3.0 CO-OP Work description and achievements 12
3.1 “Kelana” Data, IP Telephony and CCTV network project.
3.1a Problem definition in detail 12
3.1b Methodology adopted for solving the problem 12
3.1c Theoretical knowledge/courses used in problem solving 13
3.1d Practical Model 14
4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 39
5.0 Other Issues 40

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List of Tables
Table Title Page
Table 1: Specifications of Twisted-Pair Categories 21
Table 2: Required Items (Kelana) for Basement of Building 1 24

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Figures
Figure Name Page
Figure 1 Personal Area Network 15
Figure 2 Local Area Network 15
Figure 3 Metropolitan Area Network 16
Figure 4 Wide Area Network 16
Figure 5 Network Topologies 16
Figure 6 Router 17
Figure 7 Switch 17
Figure 8 IP Telephony System 18
Figure 9 CCTV System 19
Figure 10 Ethernet Network Adaptor Card 20
Figure 11 UTP cable 20
Figure 12 Optical Fiber 21
Figure 13 Optical Fiber connector types 21
Figure 14 HLD in Site 1 25
Figure 15 CAT7 FTP cable 26
Figure 16 CCTV System “As built” blueprint 27
Figure 17 Cable management 28
Figure 18 CPI Cabinet Rack (600MM x 800MM x 27U) 28
Figure 19 UTP 24-port Patch Panel 28
Figure 20 Termination 29
Figure 21 Fluke Networks LRAT-2000-KIT LinkRunner AT 29
Figure 22 Cisco Catalyst 2960-24PC-S POE Access Switch 31
Figure 23 Cisco WS-C4506-E Cat4500 Distribution Switch 31
Figure 24 Cisco WS-C4503-E Cat4500 Core Switch 32
Figure 25 HP ProLiant DL380 G8 BUNDLE MODEL E5-2609 1P 32
Figure 26 Dell OptiPlex NVR 32
Figure 27 APC SURT192RMXLBP2 UPS 32

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Figure Name Page
Figure 28 Wall mounted IP-fixed camera 33
Figure 29 surface ceiling mounted, dome type IP-fixed camera 33
Figure 30 Packet Tracer Network Diagram 34
Figure 31 Console Cable 35
Figure 32 PUTTY 35
Figure 33 LLD in the Site 37
Figure 34: An Example of a LinkWare Fluke Report 38
Chapter 1

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Introduction
Today, it is almost impossible to find an organization, hospital, college, airport,
hotel, mall, or even small office without a computer network. It is essential to
have a network that serves all people within the facility whether they are
management, employees, clients or guests. In addition, doing daily research
projects and experiments, specialized companies in the networking field around
the world are competing with the best technologies that provide all what the user
needs.
In my field, communication engineering, I have studied three courses in
networking. The first course is CISCO Networking Fundamentals (CME 321).
It is an excellent introduction to networking including types of networks, OSI and
TCP/IP models, different layer in the two models and their corresponding
protocols, IP addressing and subnetting, and network devices (hubs, bridges,
switches, routers and transmission media).
The second course is Network Analysis and Design (CME 322). In this
course, a deeper look from engineering perspective is taken to the network
fundamental such as routing protocols (Link State and Distance Vector), network
topologies, checksum processes and physical layer application.
The third course is TCP/IP Internetworking, which I took in Blekinge
Institute of Technology, Sweden. This course basically focuses on the Transport
layer in TCP/IP model. It studies both TCP and UDP protocols in terms of
segmentation, syncing and acknowledgments, error checksums and traveling of
fragments through the network. Moreover, the course has an intensive laboratory
program in socket programming in C and NS-3 network simulation in C++.
As a part of its academic plan, Prince Sultan University requires all students to
work in a company as trainees for six months and apply what they have learned
during their studies. As a 4th
year communication engineering student, I was
trained in Horizon Information Technology, specifically in the projects
department. I mainly worked in a large network project that gave me a clear
understanding of the design, installation and configuration.
1.1 Company Profile (Horizon Information Technology)

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Horizon IT is a part from Horizon Group for contracting and Information
Technology, a leading national company that provides construction and IT
products and services. Horizon IT was founded in 1983. It has an excellent record
in doing projects with clients in governmental and private sectors. It provides a
number of services including:
- Website development and hosting
- Network design, implementation and maintenance.
- IT Projects Management
- Technical Consultation
Horizon IT has a good number of professional engineers and technicians that do
their best to provide their services in the highest possible quality, starting with the
idea and ending with the implementation. Horizon IT team also provides excellent
programming solutions using the best software application and programming
languages.
Horizon IT provides services to more than 120 clients in governmental sector, and
more than 25 in the private sector. Some of the clients are: Gulf Cooperation
Council, Qassim University, Qubh municipality, Onaiza municipality,
Khamis Moshayt municipality, Tathleeth municipality, AL Namas
municipality, National Anti-corruption Commission, ELM Co, Madar
Alshifa Medical Group
Horizon IT competes in the Saudi market with a team of professional engineers
and technicians. Their policy is to satisfy the customer in terms of cost,
performance and warranty, as well as establish an environment that allows the
customer to express their ideas and desires freely. In addition, they make sure to
optimize their work using the newest technology available in the market.
1.2 Objectives

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- To be familiar with the practical network engineering fundamentals,
where I was able to relate the actual work to the theories that were creating
some kind of fear of how they relate to real life.
- To be involved in the decision making process, where I viewed different
alternative solutions to a certain problem and come up with the best option
based on criteria such as performance, cost and time.
- To participate effectively in an IT team, where I worked with technicians
to get to know the technical work and the tactics that would help work
efficiently.
- To professionally communicate with the administration, where I was
exchanging information such as notifications, requests or complaints with
the management via written reports that explain my statement.
1.3. Tasks to be accomplished
Kelana Data, IP Telephony and CCTV Network:
The task is to work in building a network in PRINCE FAHAD BIN
SALMAN CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION FOR RENAL FAILURE
PATIENTS CARE (Kelana) in Riyadh. The work I was involved in goes
through 7 stages:
1) High-Level Design HLD: Where a network diagram is designed
showing the physical layering of the network in the site.
2) Pulling (Cabling): Where cables are pulled from the Cabinet-
Room to each end device point.
3) Installation of Passive Solution: Where cabinet, patch panels and
their accessories are installed.
4) Termination, Testing and Labeling: Where the pulled cables are
terminated from both ends and attached to connectors.
5) Installation of Active Devices: Where the servers, switches and
end devices are installed.

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6) Low-Level Design LLD and Final Test: Where a detailed version
of the network diagram is designed, including subnets, VLANs and
their IP Addresses, and a connection is tested over the cables.
7) Routing and Switching: Where the network is configured using
Command-Line Interface.
This is a very good practical work on the networking fundamentals starting
from the Design to the hardware and software installation.

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Chapter 2
The Co-Op Plan
2.1 Summary of schedule of activities
The project department in Horizon IT provide a training program where
trainees work on all available activities in the field of network engineering.
These activities involve:
- Design and planning network inside a building.
- Reading and reviewing blueprints (as built).
- Pulling and extending cables.
- Installing network components (Cabinet, server, switch, hosts and other
accessories).
- Connectivity testing.
- Software installing in network components (Operating system, Firewall and
antivirus, MS-Office … etc.).
- Network configuration (server and host names, IP address assignment,
password setup … etc.

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Chapter 3
Co-Op Work description and Achievements
During the six-month period of the Co-Op program, Horizon IT provided
several activities to its trainees. Those activities were applied in one major
project: Prince Fahad Bin Salman Charitable Association for Renal Failure
Patients Care “Kelana” Data, IP Telephony and CCTV network.
3.1 Prince Fahad Bin Salman Charitable Association for Renal
Failure Patients Care “Kelana” Data, IP Telephony and
CCTV network
3.1a Problem definition in detail
The Kelana Project is a project that runs by both construction department
and IT department at the same time. In other words, we are working in
site that is under construction. The plan is to install all network
components and accessories and operate them. Coordination with the
sub-contractor that provides the labor is required to meet the goal in
terms of performance, time and results.
3.1b Methodology adopted for solving the problem
 Specification-check: It is preferred to read the specification
determined by the client, which is designed by a consultant from a
third party. This specification describes the whole project including the
objective, the requirements and other demands and conditions.
Moreover, it shows the required items with specific characteristics. For
example, a server is required with certain CPU capacity, RAM size,
HDD size and a number of ports is required. Horizon IT must look for
the device that meets these characteristics with the best price deals.

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 Knowing the right items: After reading the specification, a technical
proposal must be built based on the given conditions. This Technical
proposal should contain the details of the requirements in terms of cost,
trend and performance. When approved, the purchasing takes place.
 As-built-check: the site must be studied from the blueprints “as built”
approved and signed by the consultant. The “as built” shows all points
and paths in the site for the installment. Since it signed by the
consultant, it is not Horizon’s responsibility when errors, misprints or
physical adjustments occur. The responsibility could be the
consultant’s if there is a mistake in the design, or the electrical
engineer’s if the mistake is in the actual construction.
 Installment and testing: The installment process starts from the
Pulling (cabling) process, i.e. pulling the cables of each end device
(Data, IP telephony and CCTV). Starting from the Datacenter, the
cables are pulled to every single point in the site. In Kelana project, all
the Data, IP telephony and CCTV points have the same cable type,
which will be shown later in the practical section.
 Reporting back to the management: while installing the network, the
site engineer is required to supervise the technicians, check the work,
and provide a daily report to the project manager. This report include
complete and incomplete points, mismatch between the “as built” and
the site and mandatory changes.
3.1c Theoretical background/courses used in the problem solving
Networking theories and fundamentals such as OSI and TCP/IP models,
Layers and corresponding protocols, and routing and switching
techniques can be useful in the Low-Level Design, Routing and
Switching processes. “CISCO CCNET/ICND1 100-101” is convenient

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to understand those fundamentals. With regards to the other stages,
which will be detailed in the practical model, studying the specifications,
technical proposal, blueprints and progress reports is the main method to
follow up with the project.
Engineering Standards:
The design, installment and testing in our project are based on certain
engineering standards specified by the client. The standards are:
1) ISO 11801: it is an international commercial communication standard by
International Standards Organization for structured cabling. It is usable in
different applications such as Analog and ISDN telephony, building
control systems and data networks. The standards defines several classes
to specify cable categories based on channel frequency, bandwidth and
power attenuation for both optical fiber and twisted pair.
2) EIA/TIA 568B: it is also a commercial communication cabling standard
from the Telecommunications Industry Association and the Electronic
Industries Association. It specifies rules for twisted pair cables. The most
important feature of this standard is the cable termination, where the cables
are attached to RJ45 connectors. The connector has 8 pins for each
conducting wire in the cable in a certain order. Another standard is
EIA/TIA 568A which has another pin order. If a straight through cable is
required (PC-> Hub, PC-> Switch), the same standard is applied in both
cable ends. If crossover (Switch->Switch, Router->Router), A standard is
applied for one end, and B standard for the other end.
3.1d Practical Model
Following is a theoretical introduction to networking, then a full
practical description to the project.

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Computer Networks
In this section, I will give a brief introduction to computer networks. I will
provide some information about network architecture, main network
equipment, facilities, and technologies. This introduction shall familiarize the
reader to some of the terminologies and concepts I will explain later in the
project.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Network Types:
 Personal Area Network, or PAN: a
computer network organized around
individuals within a building. It
typically contains one or two
computers, telephone and other
personal accessories.
 Local Area Network, or LAN:
consists of a computer network
within a single site, typically a
building. It is very useful for
companies that want their
information to be shared
privately. It usually uses wired
connection to provide high speed
and security.
Figure 1: Personal Area Network
http://www.theofficenetwork.co.uk/personal-area-
network-explained/
Figure 2: Local Area Network
http://www.123rf.com/photo_23981414_lan-
network-diagram-vector-illustrator--eps-10-for-
business-and-technology-concept.html

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 Metropolitan Area Network, or
MAN: it is a computer network on
a higher scale than a LAN such as
a city, university campus or a
neighborhood. It is mainly a big
network built by connecting
several LANs to one another.
 Wide Area Network, or WAN: it
is a very large computer network
that covers the whole world or an
entire country. The best example is
the Internet, as well as Frame
Relay. It is formed by connecting
LANs or MANs together.
There are different topologies, i.e. how the network components are connected to
each other, as shown in figure 5.
Figure 3: Metropolitan Area Network
http://www.complexsystem.net/update
s/network-skills
Figure 4: Wide Area Network
http://www.allisonroyce.com/wide-
area-network/
Figure 5: Network Topologies
http://www.slideshare.net/siddiqueibrahim37/network-topologyppt

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Figure 6: Router
https://supportforums.cisco.com/discus
sion/11322516/packet-tracer-wan-
config-router-router-using-serial-dce
Main Network Devices, Transmission Media and Technologies:
1. Router: it is a network device that receives and forwards packets
from predecessor sender to next receiver within the network using IP
addresses. It works in the Internet
Layer. When a packet is sent over
the internet, it is forwarded from
one router to the next until it
reaches the destination based on a
routing protocol such as OSPF
(Open Shortest Path First) and
RIP (Routing Information Protocol).
Routers are manufactured by companies like CISCO, Huawei and
Juniper.
2. Switch: It is a network device used to receive and forward data
packets from source to destination. It contains a number of ports, and
each port is connected to a host in the network. It can work in the
Data Link Layer (aka layer-2
switch) using MAC addresses, can
work in Internet Layer (aka layer-
3 switch or router) using IP
addresses, or it can work
simultaneously in both layers (aka
multilayer switch). The Switch has
the ability to control each port,
creating collision domain on each
port. It also has broadcasting and
multicasting properties. In addition, the ports can be segmented into
clusters forming small LAN-like subnets, called Virtual LANs
(VLAN). Switches are manufactured by companies like CISCO,
Huawei, Juniper and Avaya.
Figure 7: Switch
http://www.hp.com/rnd/support/faqs/sw_
2124.htm

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3. IP Telephony: it is a new communication technology system that
delivers voice calls through the public internet. It is well-known as
VoIP (Voice over IP). The IP telephone is simply plugged into any
LAN port that has internet access and it will automatically connect to
VoIP system. The process of changing the traditional system does
not differ much. The analog voice signal is sampled, quantized,
digitized and coded. After that, the data is formed into IP packets and
travel through the Packet-Switched Network, which provides the
public Internet, instead of the Circuit-Switched Network. Companies
like CISCO, Avaya and Axis Communications manufacture the Plug-
and-Play telephone devices and their accessories. (See Figure 8)
Figure 8: IP Telephony System
http://www.onsip.com/blog/2015/07/31/what-is-pbx-phone-system

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4. CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television System): a communication
technology system that allows videos recorded by cameras to be sent
to a monitory center. It is a very efficient security system for
organizations like police stations, banks and airports. Unlike the
traditional system, where video signals are broadcast to all monitors,
the CCTV has Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint properties. The
traditional CCTV system uses cameras that send videos as analog
signals. Recently, IP cameras have been used alternatively, which
send videos as IP packets through the network. Companies like Axis
Communications, JVC and Canon produce IP cameras. (See Figure 9)
Figure 9: CCTV System
http://www.impactalarms.co.nz/hard-wired-cctv

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Figure 11: UTP cable
http://www.lanshack.com/cat6a.aspx
Figure 10: Ethernet Network Adaptor Card
http://www.wvshare.com/product/DP8384
8-Ethernet-Board.htm
5. Ethernet: this is the most common technology for exchanging the
data as electric signals through
Twisted-Pair and Optical Fiber
cables in conjunction with switches.
It was developed in the 1970s by
Xerox. It is widely-used in LANs
and MANs. Data rate in Ethernet
has been growing throughout the
years, until it has reached 100Gbps. Ethernet has a mechanism in
controlling the traffic through the network, using an algorithm called
Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CDMA/CD).
This algorithm allows to sense the cable before sending the data. If it
is free, it sends the data. If it is busy, it send a back-off signal to the
sender until the cable is available. If two devices send at the same
time, a random delay time is sent to each sender which prevents
collision.
6. Twisted-Pair Cable: it is a widely used type of cable in LANs. It is
used for Ethernet protocol. As the name
indicates, it is consisted of 4 pairs of
conductors twisted around each other,
which means there are 8 conductors. 3 of
them are for transmitting, 3 are for
receiving, and 2 are reserved. The
purpose of twisting is to cancel out electromagnetic interference,
including EM radiation from other cables or crosstalk from the other
pairs. The end of the cable is attached to an RJ45 connector. There
are multiple types of Twisted-Pair cables. It can be Unshielded
(UTP). It also can be shielded (STP) by foil on each pair (FTP), by
braid on the whole cable (outer layer only), or by both braid and foil
(S/FTP). The shielding also provide protection from EM

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Figure 13: Optical Fiber connector types
http://www.extravase.com/blog/conectorescaboscordoesfibra-otica/
interference. Twisted-Pair cables have different categories that have
been developed in terms of Bandwidth and application usage. Table
1 shows a comparison between those categories.
Category Type Spectral R/W Length LAN Applications Notes
CAT3 UTP 16MHz 100m 10Base-T, 4Mbps For telephone
CAT4 UTP 20MHz 100m 16Mbps Rare
CAT5 UTP 100MHz 100m
100Base-T, ATM,
CDDI
LAN Use
CAT5e UTP 100MHz 100m 100Base-T LAN Use
CAT6 UTP 250MHz 100m Emerging
CAT7 ScTP 600MHz 100m
Table 1: Specifications of Twisted-Pair Categories
Source: http://www.xmultiple.com/xwebsite-forum24.htm
7. Optical Fiber Cable: it is another type of cables, which deals with
signals as light beams. It is a
technology that provides the
maximum speed of delivery. It
is made of pure glass fibers, as
thin as a hair, which allows light
beams to be reflected through
it. The fibers are covered by
plastic cover. It can carry signals for very far distances. The Optical
fiber contains the following parts: The Core, which is the thin glass;
the cladding, on which the light beams bounce back from the edge;
Buffer Coating, which covers the cable from external effect.
The Optical fiber cable has many types of connector to attach to, as shown in
Figure 13.
Figure 12: Optical Fiber
http://www.voxtv.ca/fiber-optic/

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After viewing some of the networking fundamental, I will explain the
project I worked in which is a perfect practical example of the previous
information.

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The Project
The network project is built based on the CISCO 3-layer model (Access,
Distribution and Core). The Kelana Project is a huge project. It is made in two
different sites. Each site has multiple buildings with multiple floors. However,
they require the same applications, which are DATA system (i.e. Data and IP
Telephony) and CCVT system network. Therefore, the practical model will
focus on the Subnet of the Basement of building#1 in site#1 as an Access
layer. The Distribution and Core layers will be built in the active-device
installation stage. (See section 1.3)
We were required to install a network that contain DATA (computer), IP
telephones and CCTV cameras in different locations within the building of the
site, such as lobbies, stairs, offices and parking garage. In the basement floor
under building 1, there are 7 Data points, 4 Voice points and 4 camera points.
We went through the stages of High-Level Design, Pulling (Cabling),
Installation of Passive Solution, Termination, Testing and Labeling,
Installation of Active Solution, Switching and Routing and Low-Level Design.
I will discuss them in details.
Table 2 shows the needed items from the technical proposal after the approval

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Item Quantity
Data Cabinet Rack 600mmX800mmX27U (CPI) 2
Data Cabinet Rack 800mmX800mmX42U (CPI) 1
Cat7 10G 100ohm S/FTP LSZH 4 pair cable, 500m drum (3M) 2
Fiber optic cable 4 core single mode cable (3M) 1000 m
Access Switch (Cisco Catalyst 2960-24PC-S POE) 1
Distribution Switch (Cisco WS-C4506-E Cat4500) 1
Core Switch (Cisco WS-C4503-E Cat4500) 1
Main Data Server (HP ProLiant DL380 G8 BUNDLE MODEL E5-
2609 1P) (HP)
1
OptiPlex Network Video Recorder (Dell) 2
Main fiber patch panel 24 port 1U SM with all accessories (fiber patch,
cord, connector, coupler…) (3M)
1
Main fiber patch panel 48 port 1U SM with all accessories (fiber patch,
cord, connector, coupler…) (3M)
1
Main fiber patch panel 180 port 1U SM with all accessories (fiber
patch, cord, connector, coupler…) (3M)
1
GLC-LH-SMD 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver 12
RJ45 K6A Jack, with straight cable entry (3M) 32
RJ-45 Patch Panel For 24 K6/K5e jacks with all accessories (Cat6A
UTP, cord, connector, frame…) (3M)
1
IP fixed camera, wall mounted (AXIS Q1765-LE) 3
IP fixed camera, surface ceiling mounted, dome type (AXIS M3024-
LVE)
1
861-10376 Professional P2213 56cm(22") LED monitor (Dell) 1
861-BBCD E-series E2214H 54.6cm(21.5") LED monitor (Dell) 2
Table 3: Required Items (Kelana) for Basement of Building 1

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Figure 14: HLD in Site
1
Stage 1: High-Level Design
In this stage, it is essential to start from network diagram, in which a simple
representation of hierarchical internetworking model proposed by CISCO. The
model consists of three layer (Access, Distribution and Core):
1) Access Layer: also called Desktop layer. It is the most feature-rich layer
in the network, which consists of the user devices such as PCs, phones and
cameras. As figure 14 shows, the user devices are connected to the access
switches via a 1G UTP Patch Cord. The Access layer is connected to the
upper layer from the switches via a 1G Fiber Optic Uplink. Switches in
this layer are layer-2 switches.
2) Distribution Layer: also called Workgroup layer. It represents the control
station between the LANs. It does all intelligent processes including
routing, filtering and managing individual WANs. As figure 14 shows,
each building is connected to its own Distribution Switch, which is a
Multilayer switch. Like the Access layer, the Distribution layer is
connected to the upper layer via 1G Fiber Optic Uplink.
3) Core Layer: also called backbone of the network, containing the main
servers that provide resources to the whole network. With its high-end
layer-3 switches and high-speed cables (1G Fiber Optic cables), it
forwards the packets with the highest speed and ensures a reliable delivery
of these packets. (See figure 14)
In this stage, I had no role to play other than observe the diagram designed
by the professional Engineer. The CISCO 3-Layer model is designed to
meet the commercial
building requirements, as
well as provide best
performance,
redundancy, scalability
and simplicity.

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Figure 15: CAT7 FTP cable
http://www.schrack.com/shop/s-ftp-cable-
cat-7-4x2xawg23-1-1-000mhz-ls0h-40-blue-
hsekp423hb.html
Stage 2: Pulling (Cabling):
In this stage, cables are pulled from the Cabinet room (which is empty at this
moment) through the conduits inside the walls to every single point in the
floor. As shown in figure 16, the “as built” shows, the points labeled in red are
the termination points which connect to the cabinet room. As mentioned
earlier, the drawing must match the real site. There are 7 Data points, 4 Voice
points and 4 camera points.
As a network team, I worked with the
technicians in pulling stage, as well as
send a daily progress report to the
management. The conduits inside the
walls must be already installed,
knowing the number of paths and their
directions. For all points, an FTP
CAT7 cable (See figure 15) is used (based on ISO 11801 standard/Class F),
and I MUST label each cable with its corresponding point number. Using a
glow rod, I was tying the end of the cable with the end of the rod and pushed
inside the conduits. This eases the movement of the cable. When the cable
reaches the end of the conduit, it must be cover with a plastic bag to secure it
from damages that might be caused by the construction workers or any other
circumstances in the site. Cables must be treated carefully, because any kind
of cut, bend or curving might cause connectivity malfunction. I have to make
sure that all cables are ok. It could be tested whether there is a connectivity or
not before attaching it to the other components, which is in stage 3.
With regards to any unexpected problems, the construction engineer must
handle them in case there is an existing path missing in the site. In case of
mismatches, the client must discuss it with the consultant, and the delay is not
Horizon’s responsibility.

27 | P a g e
Figure 16: CCTV System “As built” Drawing

28 | P a g e
Figure 18: CPI Cabinet Rack (600MM x 800MM x 27U)
http://www.prism-online.co.uk/products/27u-600mm-x-
800mm-pi-data-cabinet-2/
Stage 3: Installation of Passive Solution:
At this stage, we install the CPI cabinet (27U) in the Cabinet room, which will
contain the other passive devices (Patch panels and cable management) and active
devices (Switch, server and UPS). Furthermore, the UTP patch panel must be
installed first on the appropriate shelf that allows the incoming cables to enter
smoothly and the UTP cables to reach the switch easily. In addition, we use the
cable management to arrange the wires inside the cabinet. It eases access to each
wire when needed, as well as give it a good look. (See figure 17, figure 18 and
figure 19).
With regards to the 24-port Fiber Patch panel and its accessories, we install them
after installing the active devices within the building. As mentioned earlier, the
Fiber Optic cord is used to connect all the switches within the building to the
upper-layer switch (Distribution Switch).
Figure 17: Cable management
http://wiretek.com.au/server-racks-accessories/cable-
management.html
Figure 19: UTP 24-port Patch Panel
http://touchstreamdigital.com/3m-structured-
cabling/copper/

29 | P a g e
Figure 21: Fluke Networks LRAT-2000-KIT
LinkRunner AT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp
x?Item=N82E16899708077T
Stage 4: Termination, Testing and Labeling:
The ends of the cable must be terminated, i.e. attach them to the RJ45 socket
outlets. The process of termination is simple but sensitive. The little colored
conductors inside the CAT7 cable must be untwisted and put inside the jacks in a
certain order, as indicated in figure 20. I have to untie all twisted conductors,
straighten them up and clip their edges.
On the other side (at the cabinet side), I terminate the cables with the RJ45 sockets
as well. Then, the sockets are placed in the patch panel. I MUST label each cable
according to the number of its point as in the “as built”, and I must put it in the
panel in order.
The next step is the cable test using a
testing kit mainly consisting of a cable
with an RJ45 connector and a reader
(See figure 21). It accurately identifies
network connectivity problems with the
10 second AutoTest. It also Verify
twisted pair cable length and wiremap,
as well as measure Power over Ethernet
under a load. Connectivity is checked
Figure 20: Termination
http://diagramandwiring.blogspot.com/2013_03_01_archive.html

30 | P a g e
by simply placing the RJ45 cable in the jack of each point and then reading the
result in the reader. This test is a minor test which only shows whether there a
connection or not. Another test is made after the installment of all the network.
This test provides a detailed report about the cable status.

31 | P a g e
Stage 5: Installation of Active Devices:
After that, the Switch (Cisco Catalyst 2960-24PC-S POE) is installed inside the
cabinet. It is put in the determined shelf in the High-Level Design (see figure 22).
It is a 24 port switch that has a Power over Ethernet, which supplies the connected
devices with power in addition to exchange of information. Then, each end of the
patch panel is connected to its corresponding port in the switch using Cat6A UTP
with Boot PVC, 1M. This switch is an Access Switch.
At this point, we had finished installing the subnet in the Basement Floor of
Building1. The other floors of the buildings have the exact same process to build
the complete LAN (Access Layer).
Distribution Switch Installation:
After that, the Distribution switch is installed in the 27U cabinet rack (CPI). In
addition, the 180-port Fiber Patch Panel. It must be known that this switch is used
for the whole building. In our example, I explained the Basement Only. The other
floors are also connected to the same distribution switch. A 4-core fiber optic
(single mode), in a cable tray, is used to
connect each Access Switch to the
Distribution Switch. The other building is
connected to its own Distribution Switch.
So, we have two Distribution Switches,
and they are connected to one Core
Switch.
Figure 23: WS-C4506-E Cat4500 Distribution Switch
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Catalyst-4500-E-
Chassis-WS-C4506-E/dp/B00486QBBO
Figure 22:
Cisco Catalyst 2960-24PC-S POE Access Switch
http://www.secureitstore.com/C2960-24TC-S.asp

32 | P a g e
Core Switch Installation:
After installing the Distribution Switches, the Core Switch is installed inside the
42U cabinet rack (CPI) in the Control Room. We used 4-core single-mode cable
to connect all three switches to each other via the Fiber Patch Panel. It is pulled to
from the Access Layer cabinet room to the Distribution Layer cabinet room, and
from the Distribution Layer cabinet room to the main Control Room (Core Layer).
(See figure 24)
After installing the Operating System, antivirus and other software, the Server
(HP ProLiant DL380 G8 BUNDLE MODEL E5-2609 1P) is attached inside the
cabinet. It must be put gently inside the cabinet to avoid any kind of bumping. We
MUST activate the DHCP. (See figure 25)
Two Network Video Recorders (Dell OptiPlex NVR) are also installed inside the
cabinet. As monitory system, they are used to record, view and analyze all the
cameras in the whole site and record them. (See Figure 26)
An Uninterrupted Power Supply, UPS (APC SURT192RMXLBP2) is installed
inside the cabinet. The aim of having a UPS is to provide an electrical power to
the server and the switch as a backup system in case of failure in the main input
power. (See figure 27)
Figure 24: WS-C4503-E Cat4500 Core Switch
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cisco-WS-C4503-E-Cat4500-
E-Series-Chassis/dp/B0067NZB08
Figure 26: Dell OptiPlex NVR
http://indulgy.com/post/Ie8GOhIKA2/black-
friday-ei-nvr-ivr-optiplex-xe-chassis-cor
Figure 27: APC SURT192RMXLBP2 UPS
http://www.mobofree.com/uganda/Computers/Other-IT-
equipment-Parts-and-Accessories/APC-Smart-UPS-
RT192V-RM-Battery-Pack-2-Rows-
SURT192RMXLBP2/524768
Figure 25:
HP ProLiant DL380 G8 BUNDLE MODEL E5-2609 1P
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/products/proliant-servers/product-
detail.html?oid=5177953

33 | P a g e
After that, we install the cameras in their corresponding point. We have three wall
mounted IP-fixed cameras (AXIS Q1765-LE) (Figure 28), and one surface ceiling
mounted, dome type IP-fixed camera (AXIS M3024-LVE) (Figure 29). In
addition, the Monitors (One 861-10376 Dell Professional P2213 and two 861-
BBCD Dell E-series E2214H) are installed in the Control Room.
Figure 28: wall mounted IP-fixed camera (AXIS Q1765-LE)
Figure 29: surface ceiling mounted, dome type IP-fixed camera
(AXIS M3024-LVE)

34 | P a g e
Stage 6: Routing and Switching
This is a major stage of the project. Using a Command-Line Interface (CLI) on
PC, we have to configure the network by connecting the PC to the master switch
via Serial Console, Telnet or Secure Shell (SSH). Main commands include Host
Name, Password, Bandwidth control on each port, VLAN setting. We usually start
at the Distribution Switch. From it, we can segment the LAN, which represents
the whole building, into VLANs, which represent each floor. We also can assign
host names for all devices within the network. We can assign IP addresses
statically by manually adding them to every device, or dynamically by activating
the DHCP server, which is the Core Switch. Figure 32 is a simulated diagram of
the site using Packet Tracer. As the figure shows, there is an Access Switch on
each floor with its end devices. They all are connected to the Distribution Switch
Figure 30: Packet Tracer Network Diagram

35 | P a g e
The Main Configuration process goes as follows:
1) We connect a console cable from the PC (RS232 or RJ45) to the console
interface of the (RJ45).
2) After connecting the cable, we run the CLI software such as PUTTY, and
specify the connection type and host name or IP address.
3) Enable the Privilege Mode, which allows to read the Switch, by typing the
command (enable).
Switch> enable
Then it becomes: Switch#
4) Type (Configuration Terminal) to enter the Global Configuration Mode
Switch# configuration terminal
Then it becomes: Switch(config)#
Figure 31: Console Cable
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2
360/hardware/installation/guide/2360HIG/HGcliSET.html
Figure 32: PUTTY
http://www.omnisecu.com/cisco-certified-network-associate-ccna/how-to-use-putty-to-configure-
or-monitor-a-cisco-router-or-switch.php

36 | P a g e
5) Now, we can setup the Switch for desired configurations. For example:
 Set a password (admin) to the Switch:
Switch(config)# enable password admin
 Configure a default gateway with IP (20.20.20.20):
Switch(config)# ip default-gateway 20.20.20.20
Switch(config)# end
 Create a new VLAN with ID (3):
Switch(config)# vlan 3
Switch(config-vlan)# end
 Config. VTP to trunk VLAN 3:
Switch(config)# vtp domain domain1
Switch(config)# vtp mode {server/client/transparent}
(We usually choose the server mode to make advertise all info to client
switches)
 Config. Interface:
Switch(config)# interface fastethernet 0/1
Switch(config-if)# shutdown
Switch(config-if)# switchport mode access
Switch(config-if)# switchport access vlan 3
Switch(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 4
Switch(config-if)# no shutdown
Switch(config-if)# end
6) We close the Global Configuration Mode by typing (exit).
Switch(config)# exit

37 | P a g e
Stage 7: Low-Level Design and Final Test
At the final stage, a second look is taken over the network and comparing it to the
High-Level Design. It is more detailed as it shows all the devices, host names,
subnets, VLANs and interfaces. As figure 35 shows, all network components are
drawn in details. The design shows where all active devices are positioned inside
each cabinet, how the cabinets are connected to each other, what types of cables
are used for connection, and how many points in the floor.
Figure 33: LLD of the Site
The major connectivity test takes place to analyze the cable status after the
installment of all components. A cable test management software called LinkWare
is used in PC while testing all points and their connectivity. This software also
calculates the cable length from the cabinet to that point. It can provide a detailed
report that can be stored as a PDF file. (See Figure 36)

38 | P a g e
Figure 34: An Example of a LinkWare Fluke Report
http://www.flukenetworks.com/content/datasheet-dsx-5000-cableanalyzer

39 | P a g e
Chapter 4
Conclusions and Recommendations
In conclusion, the Co-Op training program was an excellent opportunity for me to
apply what I have learned for five years in a real practical environment, where the
pure theoretical concepts we used to study were concerning me about how to
apply that we I am in a workplace. This experience has help me overcome this
fear. In addition, it allowed me to develop the skills that I need in any workplace.
Those skills include data analysis, interaction with other departments, and
decision making process, through viewing the problem, what options I had, and
what is the best option based on the circumstances that affect the outcome.
The Co-op program is very useful for all student, especially those who have fear
from being in real workplace because they cannot see how the theories taught in
college are related to the actual application.
As a first-batch graduate, I think the College of engineering has proved that it has
a very good competitiveness in Prince Sultan University, and it has proved the
excellence of the courses given to the students. Plus, a huge portion of the
engineering students has achieved the highest GPAs in PSU throughout the 4-year
programs.
Horizon IT was a good asset to me professionally and personally. It provided
everything I needed with the help of the professional engineers and technicians, as
well as the administration.
I would like to thank everyone that I have worked with, and I hope that I have
been cooperative and easy to work with. Moreover, I hope that this opportunity
will open a long-term relationship between PSU and Horizon IT that includes
training programs, working opportunities and research projects.

40 | P a g e
Chapter 5
Other issues
 Problems:
# Project department has active periods where they have running projects out
there, and periods that are not. The first project I worked in began two months
after I attended. During that time, I was assigned to do some unrelated tasks
such as writing letter on MS-Word.
# Most of the projects are for governmental sectors, and entering the facilities of
some of these places require a permission from them. The arrangement for
getting the permission caused a delay to me to work in the project for several
weeks. In addition, Rearrangements in the contract for the Kelana project
delayed the project for about a month.
# I was not able to provide all documents (Specifications, technical proposal and
“as built” drawings) from the project due to the confidentiality and privacy of
those documents. However, I was allowed to use zoomed sample of the “as
built” in the cabling stage.
 Suggestions:
# In case of delay in the project, there should be a plan to fulfill the requirements
of training. For example, the trainee can work in Web Development when the
main task is delayed for some reason.
# I was the first trainee in Horizon IT from PSU, so there was no clear plan and
the given tasks were not planned. My suggestion is to have an agreed plan
between PSU and Horizon IT in order to come up with best outcome that serves
all parties.
# As a personal opinion, I think six months is long enough to earn more than job
experience, especially when there is no clear plan of training in the company. I
think that adding a project or a research to program can be very beneficial to the
student, the university and the training company. It could be divided to a 3-
month working period and 3-month project or research period.

41 | P a g e
# I suggest that making a training contract with a company should be done at least
a six months before the beginning of the Co-Op semester. This will help the
student in understanding the company profile and the played role. In addition, it
will help the company building a systematic plan that should provide all
possible skills.

42 | P a g e
References
- Leon-Garcia and Widjaja, (2001), "Communication
Networks: Fundamental Concepts and Key Architectures",
Second Edition, McGraw Hill.
- Andrew S. Tanenbaum,(2002) "Computer Networks", Fourth
edition, Prentice Hall.
- Kurose, Keith W. Ross, (2013), “Computer networking: a
top-down approach”, Sixth edition, Pearson Education
Inc.
- Wendell Odom, (2013), “Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-
101Official Cert Guide”, CCIE No. 1624, Pearson
Education Inc.
- Official Website of Horizon Information Technology.
http:www.it.horizon.sa/
- Official Webpage of Request for Comments, the Internet
Engineering Task Force.
https://www.ietf.org/rfc.html
- Catalyst 4500 Series Switch Software Configuration
Guide, Release IOS XE 3.3.0SG and IOS 15.1(1)SG.
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalys
t4500/151/XE_330SG/configuration/guide/config/supcfg.html

43 | P a g e
Appendices
Appendix A
Important Terminologies:
 As built: a drawing of the project site after being revised and adjusted by the
contractor based on the actual construction.
 Patch Panel: a Passive-Solution unit that contains a number of jacks of a
certain type (for Twisted-Pair cables or Optical fiber cables). The aim of using
it is to interconnect computers within the LAN to the outside.
 Patch Cord: the Twisted-Pair or Optical Fiber cable used for interconnection
by the Patch Panel. It is extended inside the cabinet
 Termination: is the process of connecting the end of the cable of user device
to the carrier’s line by attaching it to the proper connector.
 VLAN: stands for Virtual Local Area Network. It is a concept of partitioning
a LAN into several subnets. In other words, the ports of the switch are
logically divided into clusters that act like separated LANs. When there are
several subnets (with switches) connected to a router, the router has a single
broadcast domain on each subnet interface. When VLAN is created on the
subnet, the broadcast domain is segmented over each VLAN, making it act
like an individual subnet. This concept is very effective, since it reduces
congestion caused by data flow in one broadcast domain.
 VTP: stands for VLAN Trunk Protocol. It is a layer 2 messaging protocol that
allows addition, deletion, renaming and other operations on VLANs to be
performed on different devices (e.g. switches) that share the same VTP
domain using trunks.
 Serial Console cable: a cable used for network configuration. One end
(usually RS232 connector) is connected to the PC on which the configuration

44 | P a g e
is set, and the other end (usually RJ45 connector) goes to the console port of
the master Switch.
 Telnet: a protocol used in internet and LANs to have a remote text-based
communication between hosts. It could be used as an alternative tool to the
Serial Console cable. Using Telnet, a wireless communication is established
between the PC and the Switch for Configuration. However, it is considered
insecure since it connects via wireless channel and it is exposed to intrusions.
 SSH: stands for Secure Shell. It is an application protocol that is secured
alternative of the Telnet. Therefore, SSH provides a remote cryptographic
text-based communication between devices.

45 | P a g e
Appendix B
Site Management

46 | P a g e
Appendix C
A Sample of the daily report

47 | P a g e
Appendix D
LEGEND

48 | P a g e
Appendix E
Project Time Table

49 | P a g e
Appendix F
Command Line Interface basic VLAN and VTP Commands
Configuring the Fast Ethernet interface 5/6 as an access port in VLAN 200:
Switch# configure terminal
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Switch(config)# interface fastethernet 5/6
Switch(config-if)# shutdown
Switch(config-if)# switchport mode access
Switch(config-if)# switchport access vlan 200
Switch(config-if)# no shutdown
Switch(config-if)# end
Switch# exit
Verifying the running configuration:
Switch# show running-config interface fastethernet 5/6
Building configuration...
!
Current configuration :33 bytes
interface FastEthernet 5/6
switchport access vlan 200
switchport mode access
end
Verifying the switch port configuration:
Switch# show interface fastethernet 5/6 switchport
Name:Fa5/6
Switchport:Enabled
Administrative Mode:dynamic auto
Operational Mode:static access
Administrative Trunking Encapsulation:negotiate
Operational Trunking Encapsulation:native
Negotiation of Trunking:On
Access Mode VLAN:1 (default)
Trunking Native Mode VLAN:1 (default)
Administrative private-vlan host-association:none
Administrative private-vlan mapping:none
Operational private-vlan:none
Trunking VLANs Enabled:ALL
Pruning VLANs Enabled:2-1001
Switch#
Clearing the Layer 2 configuration on the Fast Ethernet interface 5/6:
Switch(config)# default interface fastethernet 5/6
Switch(config)# end
Switch# exit

50 | P a g e
Verifying that the Layer 2 configuration was cleared:
Switch# show running-config interface fastethernet 5/6
Building configuration...
Current configuration:
!
interface FastEthernet5/6
end
Verifying the switch port configuration:
Switch# show interfaces fastethernet 5/6 switchport
Name: Fa5/6
Switchport: Enabled
Switch#
Creating an Ethernet VLAN in global configuration mode and verify the
configuration:
Switch(config-vlan)# end
Switch# show vlan id 3
VLAN Name Status Ports
---- -------------------------------- --------- ------------------
-------------
3 VLAN0003 active
VLAN Type SAID MTU Parent RingNo BridgeNo Stp BrdgMode
Trans1 Trans2
---- ----- ---------- ----- ------ ------ -------- ---- -------- -
----- ------
3 enet 100003 1500 - - - - - 0
0
Primary Secondary Type Interfaces
------- --------- ----------------- ------------------------------
-------------
Switch#
Enabling VTP pruning in the management domain with any release:
Switch# vtp pruning
Pruning switched ON
Switch# show vtp status | include Pruning
VTP Pruning Mode: Enabled
Switch#
Configuring the switch as a VTP server:
Switch(config)# vtp mode server
Setting device to VTP SERVER mode.

51 | P a g e
Switch(config)# vtp domain Lab_Network
Setting VTP domain name to Lab_Network
Switch(config)# end
Switch#
Configuring the switch as a VTP client:
Switch(config)# vtp mode client
Setting device to VTP CLIENT mode.
Switch(config)# end
Switch#
Configuring the switch as a VTP Transparent:
Switch(config)# vtp mode transparent
Setting device to VTP TRANSPARENT mode.
Switch(config)# end
Switch#
Disabling VTP on the switch and to disable VTP advertisement forwarding:
Switch(config)# vtp mode off
Setting device to VTP OFF mode.
Switch(config)# end
Switch#
Configuring the list of VLANs allowed on the trunk:
Switch(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-200

Final Report - Essam Khalid

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