performance and media capabilities, internetwork design is becoming more difficult. The trend
is toward increasingly complex environments involving multimedia, multiple protocols, and
interconnections to networks beyond an organization's domain of control. To render a
successful design, the CCDP must realize stated objectives while designing the internetwork.
an optimum design. As an example of the balance that is needed, let's look at the relationship
between the goals of network design. Of course, it would be desirable to have adaptability and
scalability incorporated into the network design. However, if an abundance of adaptability and
scalability exists, the design might be very expensive and might compromise the goal of
rendering a cost-effective solution.
and technical objectives. Of all the goals listed, there can be no flexibility on this one. The
design's success will ultimately be measured by whether the network works. The design should
ensure adaptability and compatibility between old and new technologies. The design should
allow scalability and flexibility as the client's business and technical requirements change.
Although the design should be efficient, it should also be predictable enough to allow others to
manage and troubleshoot. Even though the CCDP will understandably want to display
brilliance when designing the network, it is important to keep in mind that the network design
must be straightforward enough for other network personnel to grasp its concepts.
strike a balance with the other goals in regard to cost. In a perfect world, network design would
allow each user to have voice, video, and data on the desktop. Companies, which have profit as
one of their business requirements, would not want to use the fastest technology available if the
price was unreasonable. The CCDP must be careful to consider cost as the most important
metric. An extravagant design might look good on the dream board but, when implemented,
would be wasteful and could represent a stranded investment.
while satisfying the all-important metric of cost, the design should be considered a success.