Network Topology and Design

NETWORK  TOPOLOGY  FOR  THE  SMART  OFFICE

STAR TOPOLOGY    

 The network topology for the given office layout will be a star topology, which is one of the most reliable and scalable designs for office environments.

WHY  WE  CHOOSE  STAR  TOPOLOGY?

We choose star topology because each device has a dedicated point-to-point link only to a central controller or hub.

The Star Topology is most appropriate for the smart office setup because:

Feature	Description
Centralized Control	A central network switch or router acts as the hub to which all devices (computers, printers, IoT devices, etc.) connect
Scalability	Easy to add new devices without disrupting the network
Fault Isolation	If one connection fails, it does not affect the rest of the network
Efficient Data Flow	Direct connections to the central hub reduce latency, important for shared devices like printers or video conferencing equipment

DETAILS  NETWORK  TOPOLOGY  DIAGRAM

📍 First Floor - Marketing and Sales Departments

This is the network setup for Floor 1 of an office for Marketing and Sales Departments . A Cisco Catalyst 9200 (24-port) switch connects multiple PCs, printers  and a Ubiquiti Unifi 6 (Wi-Fi 6 AP) for wireless access. The switch acts as the main hub, ensuring smooth communication between devices. This setup provides stable internet and network access for daily office operations.

📍 Second Floor - Developments and IT Departments

Similar to Floor 1, a Cisco Catalyst 9200 (24-port) switch connects multiple PCs, printers, and a Ubiquiti Unifi 6 (Wi-Fi 6 AP) for wireless connectivity. The switch ensures all wired and wireless devices communicate smoothly, supporting office operations. The presence of Printer 2 and Printer 3 allows for shared printing access among employees on this floor.

📍 Third Floor - Finance, Human Resources,
and Management Teams

A Cisco Catalyst 9200 (24-port) switch connects several PCs, Printer 1, and a Ubiquiti Unifi 6 (Wi-Fi 6 AP) for wireless access. Compared to the first two floors, this setup has fewer PCs and only one shared printer. The switch ensures smooth connectivity for both wired and wireless devices, supporting daily office tasks efficiently.

Implementation Plan

1. Central Network Hub

• Place a high-capacity network switch or router in a central location (e.g., the main meeting room or server room, if available).

2. Connection Layout

• Run Ethernet cables (Cat 6 or higher) from the switch/router to each workstation, meeting room, and shared devices (printers, scanners, etc.).
• Use wireless access points (APs) for devices in rooms where cabling is impractical.

3. Devices to Connect

• Workstations: Each workstation connects to the central switch/router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• Shared Devices: Printers and meeting room equipment connect to the network for shared access.
• IoT Devices: Smart office equipment (lights, HVAC controls, etc.) connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

4. Power and Redundancy

• Use Power over Ethernet (PoE) for devices like IP cameras and access points.
• Include a backup router or switch for redundancy in case of hardware failure.

5. Security Considerations

• Use VLANs to segregate network traffic (e.g., separate guest Wi-Fi from the main network).
• Enable firewalls and encryption for secure communication.

Benefits of Star Topology in This Office

Benefit	Description
Easy Troubleshooting	Centralized troubleshooting at the hub simplifies issue identification and resolution.
High Performance	Dedicated connections prevent bandwidth sharing, ensuring smooth operation for all users.
Adaptability	Easily accommodates future expansions or new technologies.

SPECIFICATION  ON  COMMUNICATION  MEDIA

WIRED COMMUNICATION MEDIA

Category	Details
Use Case	For workstations, printers, and devices requiring high-speed and stable connections
Media Type	Ethernet (Cat 6 or Cat 6a cables)
Reason	Supports gigabit (or higher) speeds and is cost-effective for small-to-medium-sized offices
Applications	Office desktops/laptops in fixed locations Printers/scanners requiring constant network availability Shared network devices like servers or NAS (Network Attached Storage)
Advantages	High-speed and reliable connection for data-intensive tasks Less prone to interference compared to wireless communication Secure physical connection reducing the risk of unauthorized access
Deployment	Run Ethernet cables from the central switch/router to fixed devices Use structured cabling with wall jacks or cable management systems for neatness

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION MEDIA

Category	Details
Use Case	For mobile devices, IoT devices, and flexibility in shared spaces
Media Type	Wi-Fi (802.11ax - Wi-Fi 6 or higher)
Reason	Provides high-speed wireless communication with improved range and reduced interference
Applications	Mobile devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) Smart devices (IoT-enabled devices like lights, HVAC controls, and security cameras) Meeting rooms for flexible connectivity (e.g., wireless presentations)
Advantages	No physical constraints for mobile devices Easy to deploy and expand with wireless access points (APs) Ideal for shared spaces and devices with mobility requirements
Deployment	Place wireless access points (APs) in strategic locations to ensure seamless coverage throughout the office Ensure overlap in coverage areas to avoid dead spots but avoid excessive overlap to minimize interference

COMBINED WIRED AND WIRELESS DESIGN

Category	Details
Use Case	For mobile devices, IoT devices, and flexibility in shared spaces
Media Type	Wi-Fi (802.11ax - Wi-Fi 6 or higher)
Reason	Provides high-speed wireless communication with improved range and reduced interference
Applications	Mobile devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) Smart devices (IoT-enabled devices like lights, HVAC controls, and security cameras) Meeting rooms for flexible connectivity (e.g., wireless presentations)
Advantages	No physical constraints for mobile devices Easy to deploy and expand with wireless access points (APs) Ideal for shared spaces and devices with mobility requirements
Deployment	Place wireless access points (APs) in strategic locations to ensure seamless coverage throughout the office Ensure overlap in coverage areas to avoid dead spots but avoid excessive overlap to minimize interference
Combined Wired and Wireless Design	Wired Backbone: The central switch/router connects all fixed devices (e.g. , desktops, printers) via Ethernet cables APs are connected to the central switch/router using Ethernet for power and data (using Power over Ethernet, PoE) Wireless Overlay: Deploy Wi-Fi for mobile and IoT devices Use separate SSIDs for staff and guest networks to ensure security Hybrid Devices: Devices that support both Ethernet and Wi-Fi (e.g., laptops) can use wired connections when at desks and Wi-Fi for mobility