LAN Design
The network design for Millbrook Commons Community (MCC) contains two smaller LANs that are a part of one large network called a metropolitan area network (MAN). They will be divided into the residential LAN and the Main Complex LAN. These two LANs will then be divided even further into virtual private networks (VPNs). This is known as a hierarchical design. Due to geographical restrictions it is not possible for the LANs to physically connect to each other (using cables) so they will communicate via microwave using WiMax technology. Luckily, both LANs that are to be installed are within sight of each other. Otherwise, we would have to seek alternate means. The WAN section explains the technologies that will be used in further detail. There will also be smaller networks that are centralized around people rather than physical locations. These even smaller networks are called Personal Area
Networks (PAN). The PANs will also be able to connect to the larger networks wirelessly. This design will provide MCC with the coverage and service needed to give their residents the best quality of life possible. This hierarchical design is flexible and manageable so that if changes are necessary in the future, they can be accommodated without expensive upgrades. If additions are made to the facilities in the future, adding network nodes is easy and simple.
Physical layout
The first MCC LAN we will discuss is the residential LAN; there will be two LANs total.
The topology that will be used for this design will be a mixture of a mesh and an extended star topology.
Within an extended star topology each node is connected to other nodes and acts as a repeater for information passing through it. Routing protocols are used to tell the nodes where to send the data that does not belong to it. A mesh network exists when every node connects to every other node