INTRODUCTION TO NETWORK ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Network Administration is a course designed to equip you with what it takes to manage
networked communities. A key task of network and system administration is to build hardware
configurations; another is to configure software systems. Both of these tasks are performed for
users. Each of these tasks presents its own challenges, but neither can be viewed in isolation.

Computer network design refers to the planning of the implementation of a computer

network infrastructure. Network design is generally performed by network designers,
engineers, IT administrators and other related staff. It is done before the implementation of a
network infrastructure.
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection
of computers and devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate
communications and allow sharing of resources and information among
interconnected devices.
Computer network design refers to the planning of the implementation of a computer
network infrastructure. Network design is generally performed by network designers,
engineers, IT administrators and other related staff. It is done before the implementation
of a network infrastructure.
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection
of computers and devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate
communications and allow sharing of resources and information among
interconnected devices.
Computer network design refers to the planning of the implementation of a computer
network infrastructure. Network design is generally performed by network designers,
engineers, IT administrators and other related staff. It is done before the implementation
of a network infrastructure.
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of
computers and devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate
communications and allow sharing of resources and information among interconnected
devices.
Computer network design refers to the planning of the implementation of a computer network
infrastructure. Network design is generally performed by network designers, engineers, IT
administrators and other related staff. It is done before the implementation of a network
infrastructure.
The objective of network design is to satisfy data communication requirements while
minimizing expense. Requirement scope can vary widely from one network
design project to another based on geographic particularities and the nature of the data
requiring transport.
There are a number of details your network infrastructure design should show,
these include:
 A clear map of the network.
 The structure and layout of the cabling required.
 The quantity, type and location of all devices on the network.
 Your IP addressing structure.
 Details of your network security architecture and processes
The objective of network design is to satisfy data communication requirements while
minimizing expense. Requirement scope can vary widely from one network design
project to another based on geographic particularities and the nature of the data requiring
transport.
There are a number of details your network infrastructure design should show, these
include:
 A clear map of the network.
 The structure and layout of the cabling required.
 The quantity, type and location of all devices on the network.
 Your IP addressing structure.
 Details of your network security architecture and processes
Five Things to Be Considered in Designing a Network.
Important things to consider include balancing security issues with the desire for easy access to
information; building redundancy into the network in anticipation of breakdowns; and
standardizing hardware and software to keep maintenance costs in check.
Connectivity and Security
Network connectivity today means more than Ethernet cables and wireless access points. People
today are more connected while mobile than ever before and many of them want access to
company email and data while they are out of the office. Balancing those needs while
maintaining security is a challenge that needs to be addressed in the design phase of any network
This includes where data is stored, either in-house or offsite with cloud-based solutions, what
types of information should be accessible, who should be able to access it, and which types of
devices should be included. Firewalls and access servers need to be secure without slowing down
operations
Redundancy and Backing Up
Redundancy means having backup devices in place for any mission-critical components
in the network. Even small organizations should consider using two servers. Two
identical servers, for example, can be configured with fail-safes so that one will take
over if the other fails or requires maintenance. A good rule of thumb is to have
redundant components and services in place for any part of a network that cannot be
down for more than an hour.
If an organization hosts it own Web servers, or cannot be without Internet connectivity,
a second connection should be in place. Having an extra switch, wireless router, and a
spare laptop onsite is a good practice for ensuring that downtime is kept to a minimum
Redundancy and Backing Up
Redundancy means having backup devices in place for any mission-critical components in the
network. Even small organizations should consider using two servers. Two identical servers, for
example, can be configured with fail-safes so that one will take over if the other fails or requires
maintenance. A good rule of thumb is to have redundant components and services in place for
any part of a network that cannot be down for more than an hour. If an organization hosts it own
Web servers, or cannot be without Internet connectivity, a second connection should be in place.
Having an extra switch, wireless router, and a spare laptop onsite is a good practice for ensuring
that downtime is kept to a minimum
Standardization of Hardware and Software
Standardization of the hardware and software used in a network is important for ensuring the
network runs smoothly. It also reduces costs associated with maintenance, updates and repairs.
Conducting a full audit of the current computer systems, software and peripherals will help to
determine which should be standardized. A CEO or director may require special consideration,
but if 90 percent of the employees use the same notebooks, with the same word processing and
email programs, a software or hardware patch across the organization can be conducted much
less expensively than if everyone used a different computer model with different software
installed on each
Disaster Recovery Plan
A detailed disaster recovery plan should be a part of any network design. This includes, but is
not limited to, provisions for back-up power and what procedures should be followed if the
network or server crashes. It should also include when data is backed up, how it is backed up and
where copies of the data are stored. A comprehensive disaster recovery plan includes office
disasters, building disasters, and metropolitan-wide disasters. In most cases, important data
should be backed up daily. Many organizations do a full weekly backup, with daily incremental
backups that copy any files that have been modified since the last weekly backup. Backup files
should be stored in a secure location off-site in the event of a building disaster, such as a fire
Future Growth of the Organization
While it is not always possible to anticipate how large an organization may be five years in the
future, some allowances for future growth must be built into the network design. For example,
Microsoft Small Business Server can be an excellent choice for many small organizations.
However, if your office already has sixty employees, Small Business Server could soon be a
wasted investment, as it has a limit of only 75 users
Network design should factor in at least 20 percent growth per year, including
everything from switch ports to data backup systems.
Network design should factor in at least 20 percent growth per year, including everything from
switch ports to data backup systems.
Analysis and Design Principles.
There are two common approaches to analyze and design networks:
The top-down approach:
The top-down design approach simplifies the design process by splitting the design tasks to make
it more focused on the design scope and performed in a more controlled manner, which can
ultimately help network designers to view network design solutions from a business-driven
approach.
The bottom-up approach:
In contrast, the bottom-up approach focuses on selecting network technologies and design
models first. This can impose a high potential for design failures, because the network will not
meet the business or applications’ requirements.
Network management and administration refers to the processes, tools and applications used
to administer, operate and maintain a network infrastructure. Performance management and fault
analysis are also included in network management.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) network management model defines
five functional areas of network management.
 Fault Management—Detect, isolate, notify, and correct faults encountered in the network.
 Performance Management—Monitor and measure various aspects of performance so that
overall performance can be maintained at an acceptable level.
 Security Management—Provide access to network devices and corporate resources to
authorized individuals.
 Accounting Management—Usage information of network resources.
 Configuration Management—Configuration aspects of network devices such as
configuration file management, inventory management, and software management.