Network Addressing:
To design the network for the new building, the following subnetting scheme will be used:
- Subnet 1: Instructional Computer Labs (6) – These labs will have a total of 132 computers (20 student computers and 1 instructor computer per lab) and servers. The network address for this subnet will be 10.11.1.0/22, with a subnet mask of 255.255.252.0. This will provide a total of 1022 available IP addresses for the computers and servers in these labs.
- Subnet 2: Student Computer Lab – This lab will have 30 student computers and a server. The network address for this subnet will be 10.11.4.0/24, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. This will provide a total of 254 available IP addresses for the computers and server in this lab.
- Subnet 3: Offices – This subnet will include the various offices in the building, with the exception of the Admission office. Each office will have one computer for staff use. The network address for this subnet will be 10.11.5.0/24, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. This will provide a total of 254 available IP addresses for the computers in the offices.
- Subnet 4: Admission office – This office will have 5 computers for staff use. The network address for this subnet will be 10.11.6.0/24, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. This will provide a total of 254 available IP addresses for the computers in this office.
- Subnet 5: Library – This subnet will include the 10 computers for student use and 5 computers for library staff use. The network address for this subnet will be 10.11.7.0/24, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. This will provide a total of 254 available IP addresses for the computers in the library.
- Subnet 6: Classrooms – This subnet will include the 5 lecture classrooms in the building, each with one computer for the instructor’s use. The network address for this subnet will be 10.11.8.0/24, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. This will provide a total of 254 available IP addresses for the computers in the classrooms.
Physical Network Design:
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Topology: A star topology will be used for the network design. Each subnet will have a central hub or switch that all computers and devices will connect to. This will provide easy troubleshooting and maintenance for the network, as well as provide redundancy for network connections.
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Network Media: Category 5e UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cabling will be used for connecting the computers and devices within the building. This is a cost-effective and widely used cabling solution that supports fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. Cabling will be run to all rooms, with the exception of the Student Lobby area where wireless access will be provided.
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Network Connecting Devices: A combination of unmanaged and managed switches will be used. Unmanaged switches will be used in areas with fewer devices such as classroom and office, while a managed switch will be used in computer lab and student computer lab to provide more advanced features such as VLAN and Quality of Service (QoS). Managed switch will also help in managing the bandwidth and traffic. A router will be used to route traffic between the subnets and provide Internet access via a T-1 link from Verizon. The router will be placed in the server room on the first floor.