Lab 5.1.2.4 Designing and Creating a Redundant Network

Step 1: Determine the minimum number of links to meet the requirements

1. Identify the two links to meet requirement 1.
2. Determine the cost of those two links.
3. Identify the required links to meet requirement 2, 3, and 4.
4. Determine if the design is within budget.

Step 2: Implement the design

1. Using Packet Tracer, create the network including the redundant links specified in Step 1.

Step 3: Verify the design

1. Do three paths between the east and west coast operations exist?
2. Does each site have at least two links?
3. Does each site on the east coast have two paths to the west coast?
4. Does each site on the west coast have two paths to the east coast?
5. Will one device failure affect multiple sites?

Reflection

1. What network topology was implemented before adding redundancy? Jawaban : Extended Star
2. What network topology is now implemented after adding redundancy? Jawaban : Partial Mesh
3. What is an advantage to using the topology implemented after adding redundancy? Jawaban : redundancy minimizes the impact that the failure of a single piece of equipment has on the operation of the network.
4. What is a disadvantage to using the topology implemented after redundancy was added? Jawaban : the increased cost of providing redundant links and equipment. Smaller companies may not be able to afford the cost.

Why would a company, such as the one in this case, suddenly decide to implement the type of topology used in step b? Jawaban : In this case, the company lost 16 hours of production and $600,000 to the company. No company wants to lose sales or time that causes a loss in profit to their company.