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Foundations of TCP/IP Architecture

Layout of the Network:

Network layout includes the components, functions and the interactions or interfaces between the components of the network. ABC’s network layout for its five subnets will encompass key resources such as hardware, software resources, networking standards, data link controls, topologies, as well as protocols. There are three key elements that will characterize the network. They include network hardware components that will include cables, modems, communications controllers, and adapter cards (Tronco, 2010). Each of the subnets will have routers that will extend network into all client-side devices. The routers will act as networking tools for forwarding data packets between computer networks. Each of the routers will undertake traffic directing tasks on the internet. In this respect, the routers will be connected to data lines from the IP network.

Fiber optic cables will be used to act as inter-building backbones for each of the subnets. Backbone cabling system will offer important interconnections within the organization’s facilities, thereby providing vital cabling foundations needed for the subnets to stay interlinked. The fiber backbone cables will offer connections from the front offices to telecommunication rooms, as well as from equipment rooms and organization’s floors (Tronco, 2010). Fiber optic cables will be used for connectivity because of its capacity to hold and transmit more data than copper. Moreover, fiber optic cable is ideal for use because it can effectively link switches that are located between IP and telecommunications rooms. In this respect, fiber optic cables serve as data backbones that are found between rooms. Fiber is also widely utilized for longer runs. ABC’s IP network will also have communication software modules. The software will be utilized to establish and perform monitoring of sessions that are between remotely located processes. In so doing, they will allow for exchanges of data and control messages. Further, ABC will have application programs, which will support user processes. Finally, the network will have security controls that will promote integrity of the company’s information systems. Examples of such controls will include: technical controls, physical controls, as well as administrative controls (Vasseur & Dunkels, 2010). Technical control measures will include encryption, firewalls, antivirus installation, use of IDPSs, as well as multifactor authentication and authorization. Administrative controls will involve the use of policies, procedures and standards that guide the use of the organization’s internet network.

IP Range for each of the Five Subnets:

ABC’S internet protocol will serve five subnets. Each of the five subnets will use Class B and Class C IP ranges. The IP range for subsets that will have Class B networks will be 128 to 191. In this respect, the Class B addressing will offer 16 bits of network addressing and 8 bits of host addressing by default. Class C range will be used for three subnets of the organization. The IP range for Class C networks will be 192 to 233. In this respect, the Class C range will provide the three subnets with 24 bit of network addressing as well as 8 bits of host addressing by default. There are various reasons why the classful system has been used to define the network range for each of the subnets. For instance, classful addressing provides simplicity and clarity. In this respect, there are only a few classes to select from, making it easy to understand how the network has been split up. Additionally, the classful system of providing network range offers reasonable levels of flexibility. For instance, the system provides three levels of granulity, which match the size of large, medium-sized, as well as small corporations in a reasonably effective manner. As such, it offers sufficient capacity to deal with the anticipated growth rates of the internet network of the organization over time.

References

Tronco, T. (Ed.). (2010). New Network Architectures: The path to the future internet (Vol. 297).

New York: Springer.

Vasseur, J. P., & Dunkels, A. (2010). Interconnecting smart objects with ip: The next internet.

New York: Morgan Kaufmann.