The Physical Network
After you've decided on the network protocols and the services you need to offer on the network, identified potential bottlenecks, and evaluated the security problems associated with your network needs, you can then design the physical aspects of the network.
The preceding chapter discussed different physical network topologies. There are tools you can use, such as Microsoft Visio, to draw a physical network diagram. Tools such as these are more expensive than a simple paint or drawing program but make a much better presentation to management than hand-drawn network layouts. Whichever tool you decide to use to create the actual network drawings, just be sure that the drawings are clear, concise, and accurate. Looking back at your network application requirements, bandwidth requirements, and the like, you can then start designing the physical network, deciding where to place important servers and redundant devices.
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