Practical Computer Network Analysis and Design

Powerful, mission-critical networks that carry real-time applications, multimedia, or just heavy traffic are increasingly complex and costly to build. Design decisions based on insufficient or flawed analysis can have drastic consequences in both efficiency and expense. Practical Computer Network Analysis and Design prepares you to make the best decisions by applying sound, tested design principles to your network and considering the system-wide effects of each decision. The author provides a step-by-step process for analyzing user requirements, visualizing the network structure in terms of traffic flows, and doing quantitative measurements. Once you have a clear, scientifically based picture of you network environment, he guides you in developing strategies for routing, addressing, security, and network management and then in choosing and integrating technologies to realize your plan.Whether you are expanding an existing network or building a new one from the ground up, Practical Computer Network Analysis and Design is you most valuable resource.

* A running case study demonstrates the process in a real-world setting.* Additional case studies and numerous examples show the different stages of analysis and design.* Sample worksheets, with all entries filled, are provided for each step of the process.* Blank worksheets are available from the publisher's Web site at www.mkp.com.

James D. McCabe is currently a network architect for NASA. McCabe's interest in network analysis and design dates from the late 1980s, when he first worked on designs for NASA's aerospace supercomputing networks. Subsequent designs for various commercial, government and academic networks led him to develop and publish the processes described in this book, which he also teaches to students at various corporations and conferences. McCabe holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.