1. technology and computing
2. hardware
3. computer networking
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Pakedge Network Design
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Goals/Objectives
• Develop an understanding of the network design
process and considerations
This webinar is part of a basic sequence on networking. It is ideal for people who have little prior
knowledge of networking. A required prerequisite for this class is the Network Basics course.
This course is ideal for:
•
•
•
•
Business owners
Executive management
Sales and Marketing personnel
Field technicians
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Agenda
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What is a Network?
Key A/V Network Features
Design Considerations
Network Design
Future Proofing Your Network
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Review: What Is a Network?
A collection of computers, servers, network devices, A/V equipment, control systems,
cameras, and other devices that are connected as one and communicate to one
another.
Modem
Provides internet
Router
Connects networks (ex: public to private)
Switch
Switch
Connects devices
Surveillance
Camera
Access Point
Wirelessly
connects devices
to network
TV
Phone System
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Phone System
inc.
What is a Network?
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What are the key components of a network?
Switch
Modem
Router
Connects network
to Internet Service
Provider
Connects
devices
Directs traffic to
the right device
This chart representing the 4 parts of a network should
look familiar to those who attended our Networking
Basics course.
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Wireless
Access
Point
Turns internet
wireless
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What does a “good” network design look like?
• Supports all the user needs and devices at the desired performance levels
today
• Expandable to accommodate new devices and users with no major
redesign tomorrow
• Futureproof – addresses “lock-in” and facilitates migration to updated
solutions on a planned schedule
• Provide consistent and reliable performance at the levels the users need
• Be supportable and maintainable within the requirements specified by
the users
• Be within budget for purchase, installation AND maintenance throughout
the network life
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Network Design Process Overview
Discover
• User Needs
• Site Assessment
Requirements
• Technical
• Services
• Deployment
Design
• Network
topology
• Wireless
Network Design
• Hardware
specification
• Validation
Review
• Update
• Finalize
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Network Design Process Overview
Discover
• User Needs
• Site Assessment
Requirements
• Technical
• Services
• Deployment
Design
• Network
topology
• Wireless
Network Design
• Hardware
specification
• Validation
Review
• Update
• Finalize
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Discover – User Needs
•
Project scope and budget
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•
How will network be used?
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New network, replacement/retrofit or add
on/extension?
What applications and services will run on
network?
How many people will be using the network and
who are they?
What types and how many devices on network?
How will people connect to the network
(Wired/wireless)
What does network peak loading look like?
What existing devices are on the
network?
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•
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•
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What level of security is needed?
What network uptime is required?
What kind of support is needed?
What type of service and bandwidth
capacity coming into premises?
Building and code compliance
–
•
What is the network growth
projection?
–
•
What local building and regulatory codes for
compliance?
Today, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years
Other special requirements
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Discover – Site assessment
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Accessibility of wiring, running cables, ease of access
Open walls, obstacles
What are the materials used in the site/building/home construction – walls, floors, ceilings?
What is the current RF environment (perform a RF site survey)
Where are devices located, how many?
Do you need to run new wiring? Is existing wiring adequate? Do you need to extend wiring? New
ports?
What is the current network architecture?
Where will distribution equipment be located?
Potential locations to put network equipment
Are there enough outlets and data ports?
Any work to be done – coordinate with other contractors and trades?
Deliverables – site map, floor plan, outlet location, equipment location, service location, potential
obstacles, etc.
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Network Design Process Overview
Discover
• User Needs
• Site Assessment
Requirements
• Technical
• Services
• Deployment
Design
• Network
topology
• Wireless
Network Design
• Hardware
specification
• Validation
Review
• Update
• Finalize
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Key AV Network Design Considerations
AV Network Characteristics
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•
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Multimedia centric
Bandwidth intensive
Low latency
Multi-cast/Broadcast
content delivery
Handles overloads
Fixed and mobile devices
Cloud connect
Design Requirements
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•
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Throughput – How fast will your
network speeds be?
Bandwidth control – How will your
network avoid congestion?
Latency – How long does it take data
to get to its destination?
Security – How to protect against
unauthorized access?
Scalability – How does your network
handle growth?
Reliability – How to maximize
network uptime and performance?
Support – If you run into a problem,
what level of help is required?
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From User Needs to Technical Requirements
User Needs
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System /Technical Requirement
High Throughput – streaming video, multimedia and
real time interactive (gaming content), cloud
streaming services
Consumer vs enterprise grade
Port speeds (10/100 Mbps, 10/100/1000 Mbps)
Large number of devices and applications in network
Bandwidth management/QoS
Multiple SSIDs
VLANs
Latency-sensitive applications – VOIP, two way video
communications, interactive gaming applications
QoS,
VLANs,
high bandwidth service
Security – network access, intrusion protection,
VPN, Firewall, Universal Threat Management
Scalability – Planned increase in # of devices, or
additions to network, number of users,
High performance cores
VOIP, cameras, touch panels
Limited electrical wiring access
PoE
Limited access, mobile devices, etc.
Wireless access points
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From User Needs to Services Requirements
User Needs
Services Requirement
Reliability – uptime, network availability
Network redundancy (multiple network paths)
WAN Failover
Monitoring/Management Services
Maintenance Services
Support – If you run into a problem, how can you get
help?
Phone Support
Remote Technical Support
Maintenance Contracts
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From User Needs to Deployment Requirements
User Needs
Deployment Requirement
In-wall wiring
Installation while walls have been torn out – requires
contractor
Cable run over great distances (more than
100m/300ft)
Cable run outdoors
Fiber instead of Ethernet (Ethernet has max range of
100m, and is subject to corrosion and weathering)
Schedule
Phased rollout or “big bang”
Coordination with contractors
Power Accessibility
Ensure adequate AC power outlets
Ensure adequate power service
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Network Design Process Overview
Discover
• User Needs
• Site Assessment
Requirements
• Technical
• Services
• Deployment
Design
• Network
topology
• Wireless
Network Design
• Hardware
specification
• Validation
Review
• Update
• Finalize
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Network Design - Topology
Network Topology
• Starting point for Network Design
• Defines layout of network
• Optimum performance begins with proper topology
decision
• Determines hardware needs
• Selection of proper topology is critical for large
networks, less critical for small networks
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Network Topology – Line/Daisy Chain
Advantages
• Simple and usable for small networks
• Can be used to extend a network
beyond the 100 m limit of ethernet
cables
Router/Central Switch
Disadvantages
• If one of the devices in the middle
breaks down, the network downstream
of the device is crippled.
• When more nodes and segments are
added, performance is affected
• Not scalable for medium and large
networks
In line topology, devices
are “daisy chained” to
other devices, which are
then connected to the
router or the main switch.
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Network Topology: Star
Router/Central Switch
Advantages
• Easy to install/set up
• Flexible (devices can be added/removed without
affecting other devices)
• Better performance (data goes directly to the source)
• Isolates devices so devices on sides don’t cause failure
of network
Disadvantages
• Relies on a central device (if S24P8av fails,
whole system fails)
• Higher costs (more cables)
• Central device may run out of ports to
handle all the connected devices.
The Star topology has a
router or switch at the
center of its network, and
all other connected
devices feed off of it.
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Network Topology - Tree
Router/Central Switch
Advantages
• Ideal for large networks
• Can divide a large network into more
manageable parts
• Supports future expansion
Disadvantages
• If the main device breaks down, the
whole network is crippled.
• When more nodes and segments are
added, maintenance becomes difficult
• More cabling is required.
In tree topology, devices are
connected to other devices,
which are then connected to
the router or the main switch.
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Network Design – Connectivity
Wired Connectivity
Pros
•
Greater bandwidth (speed)
•
Greater security
•
Cheaper (when walls are open)
Cons
•
Difficult and costly to retrofit
•
Doesn’t connect wireless only devices (phones)
•
Number of connections limited by switch ports
•
Ethernet cable length limitations
Good design practice is to have a wired
infrastructure with wireless overlaid on top
Wireless Connectivity
Pros
• No cables
• Simple deployment
• Connects mobile only devices
• Low installation costs
• Easy to change
• Number of connections not limited by ports
Cons
• Slower throughput
• Potential for latency
• Potential RF interference
• Potential for intrusions
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Wireless Design: Types of Wireless
Wi-Fi
Frequency Band
Theoretical Maximum
Data Rate
Realistic Maximum
Data Rate
802.11a
5 GHz
54 Mbps
~24 Mbps
802.11b
2.4 GHz
11 Mbps
~5 Mbps
802.11g
2.4 GHz
54 Mbps
~24 Mbps
802.11n
2.4 and 5GHz
Single Radio, Dual Radio,
Dual Concurrent, Depends on Antenna Array:
2x2, 3x3, etc.
450 Mbps (3x3)
~120-175 Mbps
802.11ac
5 GHz
1.3 Gbps
~450-900 Mbps
Best performance comes from using 802.11n or 802.11ac
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Wireless Design: Mobility considerations
• Roaming is required when the client devices moves from one
WAP coverage area to another while maintaining seamless
connectivity
• True roaming only occurs when a client only “sees” a single
access point MAC address, SSID and channel.
• Roaming is done by the mobile device, not the WAP
– The client device determines when to roam – it must detect the
second WAP, evaluate when to connect, and then connect
– WAPs are focused on assisting the client to disassociate and associate
seamlessly from one access point to another
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Wireless Design: RF Interference
Managing and mitigating interference is one of the major goals of
a good wireless network design
• Sources of RF Interference:
– Building materials: Brick, lathe & plaster, metal studs, radiant floor heating, marble,
granite, concrete, etc. Results in ~20-40% coverage reduction.
– Competing WiFi networks.
– Electronic Devices: Baby monitors, microwaves, 2.4Ghz Phones, Zigbee, etc.
• Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR):
–
–
–
–
–
Best determinant of signal quality.
Interference will degrade SNR.
Signal amplifiers typically increase noise which degrades SNR.
Radio must be tuned/filtered to provide good SNR.
Typical Values:
• VOICE: RSSI < -67, SNR > 25
• DATA: RSSI < -70, SNR > 20
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Wireless Design: 2.4 or 5 GHz?
2.4 GHz
•
•
•
2.4 GHz based on only 3 channels,
interference from consumer devices
(microwaves, wireless phones, baby
monitors) and other 2.4 GHz
networks
Generally higher range than 5GHz
Penetrates building materials better
than 5 GHz
5 GHz
•
•
•
•
•
More non-overlapping channels leaves
less opportunity for interference
No interference from consumer devices
802.11ac (faster than 802.11n) runs on
5GHz band
Better choice in high density
environments (Apartment complexes,
etc)
Not all devices support 5 GHz
Best Practice involves a Dual-Band solution – Put latency sensitive applications (streaming video) on the 5
GHz band and non-latency sensitive applications like printing or Internet surfing on 2.4 GHz band.
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Wireless Design: Sizing the system
1)
Conduct Site Survey: Identify potential interference sources and determine
whether to specify single or dual band WAPs
2) Determine number of access points needed:
–
–
use the Pakedge heat mapping tool to get estimate
Pakedge WAPs: ~3,000 - ~5,000ft2. (~279 to 465 m2) (Max where allowed by regulations)
3) Adjust for Interference:
– RF and building material interference will reduce signal strength ~20-40%. Provide
additional access points to compensate.
4)
Specify the WiFi System:
–
–
–
Basic (1 – 2 access points)
Intermediate (3 to 5 access points)
Advanced (> 5 access points)
For optimum performance, wireless networks
with more than 3 WAPs should have a Wireless
Controller as part of the network
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Wireless Design: Why Use a Controller?
Without Controller






Coverage gaps
Inconsistent connectivity and
performance within network
Inconsistent WAP configurations
Rogue access points and devices
Repetitive set-up, management and
administration tasks
No centralized WAP health monitoring
With Controller






WAPs positioned for best coverage
Consistent connectivity and
performance throughout network
Configure once and “publish” to all
Blocked devices
Management tasks automated
Central status dashboard
Best Practice – Include Controller if >3 WAPs
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Network Design – Reliability
• Reliability is about ensuring network uptime and availability
• The higher the level of reliability desired, the more costly it is to
implement
• Maximum reliability = design practices + monitoring service
• The right level of reliability based on a tradeoff of
– how much downtime can you tolerate (should it occur)?
– how much are you willing to pay for that level of network uptime?
• Reliability requirements different from client to client
See Appendix for more detailed reliability design practices
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Future-proofing Principles
Definition: Anticipating future changes and events in a network to
reduce the cost, burden, and inconvenience of those changes
• Not everything should be future-proofed
– Obsolescence is acceptable
• Nothing is completely future-proof
– Future-proof doesn’t mean forever
• Create options, not lock-in
– Manage risk and create flexibility
• Manage systems, not components
• Be realistic – don’t overdesign, overdo and overbuy
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Network Design – Validation Review
• Run a “sanity check”
• Ensure that needs are met by the proposed equipment
(See Appendix for full specification sheets that can help
with this)
• Follow network map from end-to-end, taking user
equipment into account
• Make necessary updates based on validation review
• Finalize equipment
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Small Network – RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION
Network Requirements:
• Streaming Media
• Wireless devices (i.e. Laptops, iOS devices, …)
• Limited number of Users (5 or less)
Network Recommendations:
• RE-1: no VLANs necessary. Mostly wireless
connectivity and Access Points can hardwire to
router.
• SE-18: Streaming media devices, computers, etc.
can connect to the SE-18.
• W7: Network will primarily be wireless. Dual
band provides ability to set up separate SSIDs per
VLAN if wanting to separate wireless for daily use
versus that for Sonos. Will provide for greater
throughput on wireless usage.
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Wireless Network – Small Commercial/Large Residential
Network Requirements:
•
High density wireless
•
Multiple zones (Guest, VoIP, main data)
Network Recommendations:
•
60D: allows for high number of active sessions based
on number of Users. VLAN capability to separate
network traffic between clients and staff, or create
guest networks in the case of residential.
•
SK-24: allows separation of VLANs on hardwired
network devices, including media server for streaming,
VoIP, and connected PCs.
•
W7: wireless congestion on 2.4GHz, with the Dual
Band you are able to set up multiple SSIDs for both
Bands. Ability to separate their access to different
VLANs, especially if Staff needs to utilize a POS system
on the wireless. (NOTE: UTILIZE HEAT MAP TOOL)
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Large Network – BUSINESS INSTALL
Network Requirements
•
Security
•
Wireless for employee use
•
Servers on different networks
Network Recommendations
•
60DU: Ability to set up UTM which allows control
over web filtering and Applications. Allows for
numerous active session at once as well as secure
VPN connection between different Office locations.
•
SX-24P: hardwire servers on different VLANs to
manage the different network accessibility. Ability to
power Access Points to reduce cabling.
•
W7: Dual band ability to reduce wireless congestion
and provide better throughput depending on
interference that may be onsite, including building
material consideration.
•
(NOTE: UTILIZE HEAT MAP TOOL & WiFi
OPTIMIZATION)
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Appendix
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Network Design – futureproofing practices
1.
Prioritize anything that is hard to upgrade later
– Wired infrastructure first, then overlay with a wireless infrastructure
– Core access infrastructure
2.
3.
Get the fastest connection to the premises (within reason and budget)
Modularize (Central manager + expansion units)
– Manager + units (WAP controller + Access Points)
– Single units – size for 25% more capacity (beyond plan)
4. Incorporate configurable (aka managed) switches into network
–
–
5.
6.
7.
VLANs, Priority/QoS
Configurable ports, bandwidth control, redundancy
Planning on cameras, VOIP, touch panels? Add PoE/PoE+ to your switches
Consider single vendor systems or platforms
Leverage extended support services
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Network Design – Reliability design practices
Failure scenario
Design practice
Ensure continuous
power to units
• Dedicated electrical circuits with sufficient service rating
• Connect key units to Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)
• Incorporate surge suppression and power conditioning
Minimize impact of
device failures
•
•
•
•
Broken connections
(wired)
• Proper selection of network topology
• Critical links connected via parallel ports
• STP enabled in managed switches
Broken connections
(wireless)
•
•
•
•
Unstable performance
• Proper selection of network topology
• Use managed switches as a main switch, or in a traffic distribution layer
Network downtime
• All of the above
• Utilization of network monitoring service (best)
Proper selection of network topology
Selection of enterprise grade devices
Pre-purchased spare units placed in storage (good)
Spare units connected to network in failover mode (better)
Proper number of access points and placement, channel selection
Use of a wireless controller
Separation of devices connected to 2.4 GHz/5.0 GHz bands with streaming traffic on 5.0 GHz
Limit number of wireless connected devices per access point
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Network Design – Hardware Specification Sheet - Switches
# of
Units
Location
Switch
Model
# Ports
PoE/PoE+
?
Managed/
Unmanaged?
VLANs?
QoS?
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Network Design – Hardware Specification Sheet - Wireless
# of Units
Location
Speed
Single Band/Dual
Band
How Powered
(PoE or AC)
#SSIDs
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Security
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Network Design – Hardware Specification - Router
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
# Ports and port speeds
VLAN capability
Throughput Required by network
Security requirements (Basic Firewall, Advanced Firewall,
UTM?)
Remote connectivity options
DDNS Capability
Dual WAN failover? (Based on requirement for 100% uptime)
DMZ required by network?
Direct file sharing from router? (Generally via USB)
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Validation Review
Switches:
Modem:
•
Number of switches
•
Incoming
required?
connection type? •
Number of ports
required on
(Fiber, cable, DSL?)
•
•
•
•
switches?
Port speeds?
(10/100,
10/100/1000?)
VLANs Required?
Number of
managed switches
required?
Unmanaged?
Number of
connected devices?
Router:
•
Number of ports
required?
•
Throughput
required?
•
VLAN capable?
•
Advanced security
features required?
•
VPN capabilities
(PPTP, SSL, IPSec)
•
DDNS required?
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Wireless:
•
Coverage area?
•
Number of APs
required?
•
Wireless speed
required?
•
Interference
expected?
•
Single or dual
band required?
inc.