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Question

1st Big Networking Project - Noob in need of help!

Aug 14, 2016 1:06PM PDT

Hi all, I'm currently pursuing my associates degree in Network Administration. I am still new to all of this and could really use a little help with a large project that is due in two days. Here are some details of the project: (its an ITT tech project so the outline is sketchy at best)
-Design a physical and logical network for an enterprise data command center business.
-Logical diagram for 200 hosts, firewalls, voip systems, server room, DMZ, security systems, cable tvs
-Physical diagram for printer room, server room, lobby, call center, department cubicles, restrooms, breakroom.

The building is 5 floors. The real problem I'm having is cabling and network devices (and incomplete information such as what a data command center does)

I know there is a ton of information needed for this project, but could anyone give me a general overview of how everything works together in a data command center?? I really dont even know where to start.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Frankly, I don't believe you.
Aug 14, 2016 1:27PM PDT

All the course work would be leading up to this big design. I have a hard time believing you were handed an assignment and given just 2 days to produce a design.

The overview of how all this works would be in the weeks and months leading up to this question.

Did you leave out some horrible details like "I didn't go to class for months."?

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?
Aug 14, 2016 1:40PM PDT

It's understandable that you don't believe me, I guess. Let me add some background information. This is approx my 8th class into my degree. Most of those classes had nothing to do with networking. I'm not a complete idiot when it comes to networking. I know the basics of switches, routers, hubs, category and fiber cabling, etc. I'm just in a bit of panic mode at the moment. I missed a total of three nights in this class because my son was born and Ive been working 50+ hours as a laptop diagnosis tech for Flextronics. Finally, to be completely honest I procrastinated and now paying for it. In any case, i'll check back in periodically and when the project is completed I will post here.

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That explains a lot.
Aug 14, 2016 1:54PM PDT

Such a design if done in real life (IRL) would be something of a year long study to line up vendors, specifics and going back to the project owners to check if the design was headed in the right direction.

Since this is a system just for school, you have to admit it will never be implemented IRL.

So sketch up what you think will work and go with it.

That said, in real life when such a system is done, it's a many month to year design with meetings with Cisco and others.

While this is ongoing the IT and engineers inside the company usually work with a temporary, non-optimal network as the company must run with what it can bring together over say a weekend.

How do I know? BTDT.