gathering network requirements

© 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 1Version 4.0

Gathering Network Requirements

Designing and Supporting Computer Networks – Chapter 2

© 2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public 2

Objectives Cisco Lifecycle Services approach enables

organizations to prepare, plan, design, implement, operate and optimize a network that supports the introduction of new technologies.

sales activities and the role of the network designer in the pre-sales process.

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.

design considerations for manageability.


2.1.1 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



Prepare Phase:

Define business goals

Consider possible constraints

Develop the strategy and solution

This stage is usually completed before the firm, can issue an RFP or RFQ

To justify the financial investment in implementing the technology change



Plan Phase:

Perform site and operations assessment

Identify necessary modifications

Prepare the project plan


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



Implement Phase:

Build the network according to design specifications

Perform testing

Install the new solution

Perform system-level acceptance testing Check that the newly installed network meets the business

goals and design requirements

Document results



Operate Phase:

Monitor the network

Establish a baseline

Define policies and procedures



Optimize Phase:

Identify and resolve potential network problems before they happen


2.2.1 Sales Activities and the Role of the Network Designer in the Pre-Sales Process

Response document:

Cover letter

Executive summaryOverview, Solution, Why choose our firm…

Proposed solution and proposed cost

Signature page

Appendices



Customer issues RFP or RFQ

Pre-bid meeting or pre-submittal conferenceAn opportunity to review the project scope with the customer

Additional information and documentation identified, but not included in the original RFP

Clarification of formatting and project timeline details not included in the original RFP



Request for Proposal (RFP):

Business goals

Project scope

Requirements for new network

Preliminary schedule, milestones and deliverables

RFPs and RFQs include specifications that define the format and content of the expected responses from the potential contractors. It is critical for contractors to follow the instructions contained within the document as accurately as possible.

Not following the directions or missing sections of the request could mean that the project is awarded to another contractor.



Request For Quote (RFQ): When Technical Specs are Known

Organizational overview

Required deliverables

Assumptions/agreements



Account manager:

Maintain continuing relationship between company and customers

Serve as primary contact

Directs the sales teams and support personnel



Pre-sales systems engineer:

Determine the need for upgrades or additions by analyzing the network

Determine technical requirements and feasibility


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


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


The Process of Creating a Network Design and the Information Needed

Interpersonal skills:

Listening and accurately summarizing information

Corresponding with clients

Presenting technical material


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


Prioritize the business goals:

Profitability

Business growth and market share

Customer Satisfaction

Contribute to the success of the business

2.3.3 The Process of Creating a Network Design and the Information Needed


2.4.1 Identify Requirements and Constraints to Determine the Scope of the Project

Identify and define the technical requirements


2.4.2 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

Budget - Limited resources may require some compromises in design due to the costs of equipment, software, or other components.

Company policies - The design must take into account the customer's existing policies regarding protocols, standards, vendors, and applications.

Scheduling - The project time frame should be aligned with the customer schedules.

Personnel - The availability of trained personnel at the implementation and operation phases might be a design consideration.


Top-down design approach:

Adapt the network to the needs of the organization

Take the design from the perspective of the required network solutions

2.5.1 Design Considerations for Manageability


2.5.2 SNMP

Typical network management architecture:

Network Management System (NMS)

Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

Managed devices

Management agents - software

Management information


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


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.

gathering network requirements

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