Network Addressing
The following subnetting schemes will be applied to the design of the network that connects the new building:
- 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. This subnet’s network address will be 10.11.1.0/22 with a subnet mask value of 255.255.252.0. There will be 1022 IP addresses available for computers and servers within these labs.
- Subnet 2: Student Computer Lab – This lab will have 30 student computers and a server. Subnet 2: Student Computer Lab – This subnet address is 10.11.4.0/24. It will have a subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0. There will be 254 IP addresses available for computers and servers in the lab.
- Subnet 3: Offices – This subnet will include the various offices in the building, with the exception of the Admission office. Every office will be equipped with a single computer that can be used by staff. With a subnet mask value of 255.255.255.0, the network address for this subnet is 10.11.5.0/24. The total number of IP addresses that are available to the computers within the office will then be 254.
- Subnet 4: Admission office – This office will have 5 computers for staff use. This subnet’s network address will be 10.11.6.0/24 with a subnet mask 255.255.255.0. The total number of IP addresses that this office has available will now be 254.
- Subnet 5: Library – This subnet will include the 10 computers for student use and 5 computers for library staff use. This subnet’s network address will be 10.11.7.0/24 with a subnet mask 255.255.255.0. There will be 254 IP addresses available for computers within 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. With a subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, the network address for this subnet is 10.11.8.0/24. The total number of IP addresses that can be used by the computers inside the classrooms will then reach 254.
Physical network design:
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Topology: The network design will use a star topology. All devices and computers will need to connect to the same central hub. This central hub or switch will allow for easy maintenance and troubleshooting of the network. It also provides redundancy to network connections.
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Network Media: Unshielded Twisted Pair (Category 5e) cabling will connect computers and other devices in the building. This cabling is cost-effective, widely available and supports both fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. All rooms will have cabling, except for the Student Lobby where wireless access is provided.
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The Network Connecting Devices will use a combination of managed and unmanaged switches. The unmanaged switches can be used where there are fewer devices like the office and classroom, while managed switches can be used in student labs or computer labs to deliver more advanced features such VLAN and Quality of Service. A managed switch can also be used to manage bandwidth and traffic. An router will serve to direct traffic across the subnets as well as provide Internet access using a T-1 connection from Verizon. It will be installed in the server area on the first floor.