Network design

user128

Hi all, I came across the following question in a fundamental networking course:

A company needs to build a network of its multiple hotels located in different continents (e.g. Singapore, London, Toronto and Bermuda). What type of network can be designed and what type of networking devices and cables can be used?

It seems to me the company can design a WAN. Is there anyone who can suggest a bit detailed answer?

Thank you.

JDMurray

GPT4 sez:

Creating a network for a multinational company like a chain of hotels spanning different continents will require a well thought out plan. This will be an example of a Wide Area Network (WAN).

A WAN connects smaller networks, such as local area networks (LANs) or metropolitan area networks (MANs). The Internet is the best-known example of a public WAN.

Here's how a typical setup might look like:

**1. Networking Devices:**

- **Routers:** These are fundamental devices that forward packets of data along the network. A router will be needed at each hotel location to connect the Local Area Network (LAN) of the hotel to the Wide Area Network (WAN). The routers can also be configured to handle Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections which will be crucial for secure communication over the Internet.

- **Switches:** Switches are used to connect devices on a network. For example, in a hotel, switches can connect servers, desktops, wireless access points, printers, and other hardware. Some switches can provide power over ethernet (PoE) which can be useful for devices like wireless access points and IP cameras.

- **Firewalls:** To ensure network security, firewalls will be needed to control the incoming and outgoing network traffic. They can be standalone devices or integrated into other devices like routers or switches.

- **Wireless Access Points (WAPs):** To provide WiFi coverage in the hotels, WAPs will be used. They can be connected to the switches via Ethernet cables.

- **Servers:** Each hotel might have local servers for various tasks like surveillance video storage, local file storage, and authentication services. In addition, centralized servers might be used for tasks that can be managed centrally, such as email, central reservation systems, and customer databases.

**2. Network Cables:**

- **Ethernet Cables (Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7):** For most connections within the hotels (like connecting WAPs to switches), Ethernet cables will be used. The category depends on the speed requirement and budget.

- **Fiber Optic Cables:** For connecting the routers to the Internet, fiber optic cables might be used, depending on the Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) infrastructure. Fiber optic cables provide high speed and are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

**3. Internet Connection:**

To connect the networks in different countries, you would typically use the public Internet, but through a secure VPN tunnel. This can give the effect of the networks being directly connected, even though they are going through the public Internet. The VPNs can be set up on the routers at each location.

**4. Cloud Services and Data Centers:**

Given the nature of the company, using cloud-based services for some parts of the operation might be beneficial. This can include things like email servers, databases, and storage which can be accessed from any location. For the cloud services, you would likely connect to them securely over the public Internet.

**5. Network Management Software:**

For managing all the devices and connections, network management software will be used. This can provide a centralized view of the network, monitor the network health, and provide alerts for any issues.

This is a simplified view and the actual setup can be much more complex, depending on the specific requirements and constraints. A professional network designer/architect would be able to design a network tailored to the company's needs.

GPT4 also sez:

Building a network for a company that has hotels in different continents requires creating a Wide Area Network (WAN). A WAN connects networks that are geographically remote from each other, like the different continents in your case. It can consist of several Local Area Networks (LANs), which could be implemented in each hotel.

Here's an outline of the main components needed:

**Networking Devices:**

1. **Routers**: A router is essential for connecting the local network in each hotel to the internet and to each other.

2. **Switches**: Switches are used to connect devices within each hotel's LAN, such as computers, printers, and servers.

3. **Firewalls**: Firewalls provide security by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

4. **Wireless Access Points (WAPs)**: In each hotel, WAPs will likely be needed to provide WiFi access to guests in their rooms and other areas of the hotel.

5. **Modems**: Modems are required to connect each local network to the internet service provider (ISP).

6. **VPN (Virtual Private Network) appliances**: To securely connect the different hotel locations over the internet, a VPN can be used. This ensures that communication between the different locations is encrypted and secure.

**Cables:**

1. **Ethernet (CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 6a, or CAT 7)**: Ethernet cables are used for connections within the LAN, such as between switches and routers or between switches and individual devices. The specific type of cable will depend on the required data transmission speed and budget.

2. **Fiber optic cables**: For the WAN, if the company has the resources, they could use leased lines with fiber optic cables to connect their different locations. This is usually more expensive but provides higher speeds and reliability.

3. **Coaxial cables**: These are often used by ISPs to connect the modem to the internet. The choice between coaxial and fiber optic will largely depend on the ISP and what they offer.

**Network Services:**

1. **ISP**: An Internet Service Provider is required to provide internet access to each hotel.

2. **Cloud services**: Depending on the IT infrastructure of the company, it might also utilize cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for hosting its applications and databases.

3. **Leased lines or MPLS**: For a more reliable and potentially faster connection between the hotels, the company could consider using leased lines or MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) services provided by telecom companies. This might be especially necessary for critical data that needs to be constantly synchronized between the locations.

4. **VPN services**: As mentioned earlier, a VPN service will be required for secure communication between the locations.

All of these components should be selected based on the specific requirements of the company, such as the number of devices that need to be connected, the required speed and reliability of the connections, and the available budget. They also need to plan for redundancy and disaster recovery to ensure the network remains operational in case of any issues.