What Is Network Design?

Why is network design important?

As networks become mission-critical for business functions, design decisions made by IT professionals can have far-reaching implications. A network with a well-planned design will perform better. It will be more secure and resilient and easier to troubleshoot, and it will scale easily and adapt to future technologies.

Is network design the same as network topology?

Whereas network design encompasses business processes and results, network topology refers to the design as viewed through network diagrams, often called topology maps. Ring, chain, tree, and mesh are a few types of network topology.

What is the process for creating network design?

A network diagram is typically the workhorse of the design process. It provides a visual representation of the network and integrates information such as physical connections; quantity, type, and location of all devices and endpoints; IP addressing; and security processes and architecture. Network design software can help by creating a site or office plan to map physical connections.

When building a network from scratch, the first step is to assemble a list of all the assets, endpoints, users, devices, LANs, and other network elements. IT teams enter this information in the network design application to create the first iteration of a network diagram.

When designing for existing network environments, the process integrates existing infrastructure that must be maintained or kept running during production and deployment of the new network. Existing use patterns and workflows can inform the new network hierarchies and topologies, which will evolve as security, product, and user experience teams collaborate on the design.