The document discusses procedures for prototyping a network design, including developing test plans, building a prototype network to test design elements, and identifying risks. It recommends creating a test plan before prototyping, then building a separate prototype network to test functions without disrupting existing infrastructure. Prototyping allows validating that the design meets requirements through connectivity, functionality, and redundancy testing using tools like protocol analyzers and Cisco IOS commands.

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Prototyping the Campus
Network
Designing and Supporting Computer Networks – Chapter 7

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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

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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

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Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
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

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Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
Methods to verify that a design meets the identified
business criteria:
 Prototyping
 Basic connectivity tests
 Functionality testing
 Checklists

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Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
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

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Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
Test the redundancy and resiliency of a specific network
design:
 Overcoming device and link failures
 Redundant links
 Load balancing

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Describe the Purpose for and Procedures
to Build a Prototype of the Network
Design
 Identify what represents a risk or weakness in the
design

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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

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
Create the test plan:
 List test outcomes that support business goals
 Provide a checklist of success criteria

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
 Develop methodologies for comparing devices and
topologies

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
 Develop methodologies for validating the choice of
routing protocol

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
 Apply and test an appropriate addressing scheme

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Prototype the Hierarchical Network, Routing
Protocol, and IP Addressing Model
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

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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.

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
 Create a success criteria checklist to support business
goals and technical requirements for the server farm

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
Develop methodologies
for comparing devices
and topologies:
 Creating a baseline
 LAN simulation with
specific protocols
(PVRST+)

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
Prototype the server farm, validating security and
availability:
 Availability requirements
 Multilayer security
 Firewalls
 ACL design

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
 Build and analyze the prototype of the LAN to ensure
business goals and technical requirements have been
met

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Prototype the Server Farm, Including
Security and High Availability
 Compare and analyze the risks or weaknesses
associated with choosing server farm devices,
topologies, and addressing

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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.

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