Gathering Network Requirements

1. Gathering Network Requirements Designing and Supporting Computer Networks – Chapter 2

2. Objectives • Explain how the Cisco Lifecycle Services approach enables organizations to prepare, plan, design, implement, operate and optimize a network that supports the introduction of new technologies. • Describe sales activities and the role of the network designer in the pre-sales process. • Explain the process of creating a network design and the information needed before the process can begin. • Identify technical requirements and constraints of the organization to determine the scope of the project. • Explain design considerations for manageability.

3. Explain how the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach Enables Organizations to Design, Deploy, and Operate a Network • Prepare Phase • Plan Phase • Design Phase • Implement Phase • Operate Phase • Optimize Phase

4. Explain how the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach Enables Organizations to Design, Deploy, and Operate a Network Prepare Phase: • Define business goals • Consider possible constraints • Develop the strategy and solution

5. Explain how the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach Enables Organizations to Design, Deploy, and Operate a Network Plan Phase: • Perform site and operations assessment • Identify necessary modifications • Prepare the project plan

6. Explain how the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach Enables Organizations to Design, Deploy, and Operate a Network Design Phase: • Create plans that guide the installation • Complete the design of the network • Generate a final proposal

7. Explain how the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach Enables Organizations to Design, Deploy, and Operate a Network Implement Phase: • Build the network according to design specifications • Perform testing • Install the new solution • Perform system-level acceptance testing • Document results

8. Explain how the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach Enables Organizations to Design, Deploy, and Operate a Network Operate Phase: • Monitor the network • Establish a baseline • Define policies and procedures

9. Explain how the Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach Enables Organizations to Design, Deploy, and Operate a Network Optimize Phase: • Identify and resolve potential network problems

10. Describe Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process Response document: • Cover letter • Executive summary • Proposed solution and proposed cost • Signature page • Appendices

11. Describe Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process • Customer issues RFP or RFQ • Pre-bid meeting or pre-submittal conference

12. Describe Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process Request for Proposal (RFP): • Business goals • Project scope • Requirements for new network • Preliminary schedule, milestones and deliverables

13. Describe Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process Request For Quote (RFQ): • Organizational overview • Required deliverables • Assumptions/agreements

14. Describe Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process Account manager: • Maintain continuing relationship between company and customers • Serve as primary contact

15. Describe Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process Pre-sales systems engineer: • Determine the need for upgrades or additions to networks • Determine technical requirements and feasibility

16. Describe Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process Network designer: • Analyze customer goals and constraints • Select technology and equipment to meet defined network requirements • Diagram placement and interconnection of devices • Design and supervise testing

17. Describe Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process Post-sales field engineer: • Ensure network upgrade functions as designed • Provide customer training and assistance • Resolve technical problems

18. Explain the Process of Creating a Network Design and the Information Needed Interpersonal skills: • Listening and accurately summarizing information • Corresponding with clients • Presenting technical material

19. Explain the Process of Creating a Network Design and the Information Needed • Understand how network users interact with network resources and services • Identify all user groups • Assess the impact of adding new user groups

20. Explain the Process of Creating a Network Design and the Information Needed Prioritize the business goals: • Profitability • Business growth and market share • Customer satisfaction

21. Identify Requirements and Constraints to Determine the Scope of the Project • Identify and document the technical requirements

22. Identify Requirements and Constraints to Determine the Scope of the Project • Identify the constraints that affect the network design, including cost, schedule, and resource constraints

23. Explain Design Considerations for Manageability Top-down design approach: • Adapt the network to the needs of the organization • Take the design from the perspective of the required network solutions

24. Explain Design Considerations for Manageability Typical network management architecture: • Network Management System (NMS) • Network Management Protocol • Managed devices • Management agents • Management information

25. Explain Design Considerations for Manageability • Network monitoring tools can be used to page or send email to on-call technicians • Tools respond to network fault or when a predefined threshold is met

26. Summary • The six phases of the network lifecycle include prepare, plan, design, implement, operate, and optimize. • A project plan includes tasks, timelines, risks, responsibilities, and resources required to complete a network design project. • Following the required format and schedule is critical to submitting a successful proposal. • All members of the networking contractor staff must demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. • Top-down network design strategies have the best chance to succeed. • A primary requirement for any network is the availability of qualified support personnel.