Cabletron Systems switches Switch User Manual


 
5-1
Chapter 5
Network Design
The following chapter discusses some of the more common approaches to workgroup network design.
The network design process is the formation of the network from initial concept
to the plan of implementation. In this Networking Guide, for the sake of brevity,
the process of network design is separated from the process of network
configuration. Network design is presented and treated as the decisions leading
up to the selection of hardware, and network configuration is the process of
putting hardware together to create a functioning network.
NOTES
When designing a network installation or configuration, draw
the network. At the very least, make a rough sketch of each
aspect of the network design process. Seeing the various parts
of your design will help you identify strengths and weaknesses
and make it easier for you to achieve a grasp of the network as
a whole.
Similarly, draw out the network configuration once you begin
selecting hardware. While it is not necessary to represent every
port, labeling modules and showing the connections made
between them can point out potential problems before they are
cemented into the configuration.