Network Analysis, Architecture and Design, Second Edition (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking)

5.9 Exercises

1. Network architecture defines the building blocks of a network as physical or functional entities. Give examples of physical and functional entities that you would use as building blocks for a network. How does each approach (physical and functional) differ?

2. A network's architecture differs from its design in terms of its scope, level of detail, description, and location information. Describe how an architecture and design differ in each characteristic.

3. A component architecture is a description of how and where each network function is applied within that network. Besides addressing/routing, network management, performance, and security, list three other possible component architectures for a network. What does each component architecture describe? Show each function and capability and give two examples of mechanisms (as in Figure 5.3).

4. Give examples of external relationships between each of the following component architectures: addressing/routing, network management, performance, and security.

5. What are the differences between the LAN/MAN/WAN and access/ distribution/core architectural models? Under what conditions might each be applied to a network?

6. Consider the development of a demilitarized zone (DMZ), also known as an isolation LAN, between two different networks (two different autonomous systems managed by different organizations). The purpose of a DMZ is to separate and isolate the two networks. Briefly outline what you consider the most important addressing/routing, network management, performance, and security requirements and issues for a DMZ.

7. For Exercise 6, what are some potential external relationships between addressing/ routing, network management, performance, and security for this DMZ? How do the component architectures need to work together to achieve the goal of effectively isolating and separating the two autonomous systems?