Campus Network Design Principles and NREN Models

This is generally one day of discussion as part of a larger Campus Network Design program.

Layer 2 (switching) that is part of a larger training program. To support this day of training the following topics may precede:

• Layers 1/2/3 Refresher

Target audience

Network system administrators, engineers and technicians from RENs and Universities who are responsible for network maintenance, planning and design.

Pre-requisites

• Basic knowledge of TCP/IP networking
• For most workshops participants are asked to bring a laptop

Campus Network Design Best Practices

• What problems are we trying to solve?
  • Network design goals
  • Reliability
  • Resiliency
  • Manageability
  • Scalability
  • Layering

• Research and Education Networks
  • Why an REN
  • Models of RENs
  • IP addressing and NAT

• How to plan IP address management from the beginning to accommodate growth
• How to segment different areas of the LAN with IP subnets
• Network addressing strategies
• NAT or not
• Need to be able to aggregate

Hierarchical design building blocks

• Build star networks
• Separate core and edge functions
• Route in core and switch at the edge
• Develop and use standard building blocks
• Have a strategy that allows incremental growth

Physical Cabling Infrastructure

• Cable types
• Copper cabling systems
• Fiber Optic Systems

A look at some local selected campus networks