Evaluation Booklet Cluster A Network Design and Concepts Final Feb 8

Practical
Home Project
Cluster A
CCNP
Candidate’s name: Evgueni Petrusevich
Date: 4-28-2018
Content specialist: Yancy Christopher
Evaluation guidelines:
You will be asked to take your client’s requirements,
review them and provide the network design and
topology. You will be asked to test the solution,
validate the solution, and prepare for the
installation and verification of the proposed
solution.
If an issue arose, how would you go about
troubleshooting it and applying the necessary fix?
NETWORK DESIGN Materials allowed:
Anything you need.
AND CONCEPTS
Comments:
Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts
As a consultant for Greenfield Enterprise, you have been asked to design their network, including:
1) Main Datacenter
2) Disaster Recovery (DA) Datacenter
3) WAN Design
4) VLAN assignment design
5) A block for the Internet
6) Connection to the following companies: Champlain and Lambert as partners.
7) Applications, including: Datacenter FTP and Web server, among others.
8) Security Considerations
Requirements:
- All servers are located in the main datacenter and any changes on them has to be replicated on
the DA datacenter
- A complete network core needed ( Core, Distribution, Access)
- A redundant solution is mandatory between the two datacenters.
- Partners and Clients are connected to Greenfield Enterprise via a redundant and different
solution.
- Connection between Champlain’s and Greenfield Enterprise’s datacenters is restricted.
- All network devices are Cisco-based.
The client needs at least two solutions from you as indicated below:
1) First solution has to be based on vendor’s recommendations
2) Second solution must be based on client’s budget limitations
1. Identify the Client’s Requirements. (BJ2J-1a)

1) Describe your understanding about your client’s request.
2) Identify which parts of the request are not clear.
Candidate’s answers:
I understand that the client wants a redundant Datacenter design, will the enterprise own the core
infrastructure, or will a provider offer connectivity services? Which WAN transport will be used between the
Datacenters? Dark Fibre, L2 service provider? L3 service provider? What are the distances to remote sites?
Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 2 of 22

Do Champlain and Lambert companies require high bandwidth? If low banwidth is required thenMPLS Layer
3 (Cheaper) would be an ideal solution, if low latency is a requirement then MPLS Layer 2 is a better
solution.
Security Considerations – Firewalls? IDS/IPS?
Will the network provide VOIP/Video? --- voice traffic has stringent QoS requirements. If user PCs and IP
phones are on the same VLAN, each tries to use the available bandwidth without considering the other
device. To avoid this conflict, it is good practice to use separate VLANs for IP telephony and data traffic.
The client is requesting WAN Design, which WAN transport technology will be used? Public internet based?
Private WAN based? Is the location of the network in a major city where there is more WAN transport
options, or is the location a rural area with a limited availability of WAN service options.
Max points for BJ2J-1a: 10% Candidate’s points:
1. Identify the Client’s Requirements. (BJ2J-2b)

1) What could make this request clearer? Please provide more input into the client’s request
Candidate’s answer:
The request would be clearer if the organization’s
Greenfield Enterprise will own the core infrastructure, the First Cisco Data Center Interconnect Solution will
be Cisco DCI LAN Extension over Dark Fiber WAN:
The Second Cisco Data Center Interconnect Solution will be Cisco DCI LAN Extension over MPLS:

Greenfield Enterprise WAN edge will a Layer 3 MPLS solution.
Max points for BJ2J-2b : 5% Candidate’s points:
Evaluation Grid (section reserved for content specialist)

1. Identify the
Standard Standard Needs
client’s Very good Total Score
exceeded met improvement
requirements.
Demonstrated Partial understanding of
All questions are The candidate the ability to client’s requirements No
BJ2J-1a: properly answered demonstrated adequately practical suggestions
Max points: 10% and exceeded the ability to understand the were given as to identify
expectations with come up with client’s current the client’s
their creativity and the right network and requirements.
thoughtful approach solution to the provided
to identify the client’s problem, based practical
requirements. on the client’s suggestions to
requirements. identify the
client’s
requirements.
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Minimum standard required: 6/10 Part of the element awarded  Yes  No
Total ______/10
All questions are The candidate Adequate Partial documentation
properly answered demonstrated documentation on how to collect data
BJ2J-2b and exceeded the ability to of the steps to identify the client’s
Max points: 5% expectations with collect data to needed to needs/requirements by
their creativity and identify the collect data to using different tools.

thoughtful approach client’s needs/ identify the
to gather more requirements by client’s needs
information about using different /requirements
client’s requirements. tools. by using
different tools.
Score 5 4-4.5 3-3.5 0-2

Total______/5
Comments:
Recommendations for partial training (if applicable):
2. Design the Network Topology Solution. ( BJ2J-3a)
1. Provide both solutions in a high level perspective.
Ref: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-6800-series-switches/guide-c07-
733457.html
https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/collateral/data-center-virtualization/data-center-
interconnect/at_a_glance_c45-493703.pdf

2. Design the Network Topology Solution. ( BJ2J-4a)
3. What tools and software would you use to design the network topology?
Microsoft Visio Standard or Professional with Visio Stencils:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/visio-stencil-listing.html

GNS3:
https://gns3.com/
OmniGraffle:
https://www.omnigroup.com/omnigraffle
Alternatives:
LanFlow:
http://www.pacestar.com/lanflow/index.html
CADE:
http://www.weresc.com/home.php
ConceptDraw:
http://www.conceptdraw.com/products/drawing-tool/
Diagram Designer:
http://logicnet.dk/DiagramDesigner/

2. Design the
network Standard Standard Needs Total Score
Very good
topology exceeded met improvement
solution.
Adequate
All questions are The candidate understanding Partial understanding
properly answered demonstrated the of the current of the current
BJ2J-3a: and exceeded ability to work network, gave network, no practical
Max points: 10% expectations with based on the practical suggestions were
their creativity and client’s needs and suggestions to given to designing the
thoughtful approach requirements to designing the network topology.
to designing the design the network
network topology. network topology. topology.
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Total ______/10
The candidate Adequate Partial demonstrated
All questions are
demonstrated the documentation ability to design the
properly answered
ability to design on how to
BJ2J-4a and exceeded network topology by
the network design the using different tools.
Max points: 10% expectations with
topology by using network
their creativity and
different tools. topology by
thoughtful approach

to using tools and using different
software to design tools.
the network
topology.
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Total______/10
Comments:
3. Test the Network Topology Solution. ( BJ2J-3b)
1. What is your approach to test the design before presenting it to the client?
Figure out what the network is required to do, identify network application and services
and then figure out how to test them.
Develop a plan for determining whether the network does what it is required to do.
Mimic end-user activities, and some of the network applications and services.
Determine what the system has done in response to their activities.
Figure out the needed models, tools, and processes to help them do the testing
efficiently.
Max points for BJ2J-3b: 10% Candidate’s points:

3. Test the
Network Standard Standard Needs Total Score
Very good
Topology exceeded met improvement
Solution.
Adequate
The candidate
All questions are understanding Partial understanding
demonstrated the
properly answered of the current of the current
ability to work
BJ2J-3b: and exceeded network, gave network, no practical
based on the
Max points: 10% expectations with practical suggestions were
client’s needs and
their creativity and suggestions to given to testing the
requirements to
thoughtful approach testing the network topology.
testing the
to testing the network
network topology.
network topology. topology.
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Total______/10
Comments:
4. Validate the Network Topology Solution with the Client. ( BJ2J-1b)

1) Based on the client’s requirements, how do you validate your solution with the client?
Notice: Take one of them as a validated solution.
Show them network topology documents.
Present micro macro documents, architecture document to show then what you have done.
Print off all the configs, present them in a nice logical way.
Show them the naming scheme.
Show them the color cable scheme.
Show them the VLAN and IP addressing scheme.
Validate the Network Topology Solution by going over the hierarchical design structure of the network.

Point out the Core Layer Best Practices used in the design such as redundant triangle connections between
switches.
Point out the good security practice of separating management and user data traffic with VLANS.
Discuss the choice to use Dark Fiber with Layer 2 transport which supports native Ethernet, IP, and MPLS
encapsulations.

4. Validate
the Total Score
Network
Standard Standard Needs
Topology Very good
Solution
with the
Client...
Adequate
All questions are The candidate
understanding Partial understanding
properly answered demonstrated the
of the current of the current
and exceeded ability based on
BJ2J-1b: network, gave network, no practical
expectations with the client’s needs
Max points: 5% practical suggestions were
their creativity and and requirements
suggestions to given to validate the
thoughtful approach to validate the
validate the network topology.
to validating the network topology.
network
network topology. topology.
Score 5 4-4.5 3-3.5 0-2

Total______/5
Comments:

5. Prepare for the installation ( BJ2J-2a)
1. What are the required steps to physically install all devices on the chosen design?
Figure out the site location, address and name.
Find out who the site contact is.
Find out who owns and maintains the site.
Find out if the site is staffed.
Find out the hours of operation.
Find out the building/room access procedures.
Find out special security or safety procedures.
Find out the locations of the equipment’s cabinets and racks.
Find out what IOS rev makes the most sense based on what features I need.
Find out how much RAM/flash I have to working with.
Find out what I am licensed for, and what level of reliability is required (i.e. can I only run “General
Deployment” code, or am I willing to run a “technology” train because it has some new feature I need).
Check if the device is a stackable switch make sure it is all stacked together the way you want it stacked
with the correct device the command switch (check your priority settings).
5. Prepare for
the Standard Standard Needs Total Score
installation Very good
All questions are The candidate Partial reordering of

Adequate
properly answered documented good the equipment pre-
understanding
and exceeded equipment pre- configuration and
of equipment
BJ2J-2a: expectations with configuration and testing concepts
pre-
Max points: 10% their creativity and testing concepts before the
configuration
thoughtful approach before the installation.
and testing
to preparing the installation.

equipment for the before the
installation. installation.
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Total______/10
Comments:
6. Verify the installation. ( BJ2J-4b)
1. What approach, tools, etc. will you use to validate the physical installation?
Check that Chassis is securely mounted and grounded.
Check proper airflow.
Check cable management (if the cables were configured in a tear drop shape).
UPS system on?
Check that Power and interface cables are connected.
Check that A/C unit is functioning properly.
Check presence of crossover cable, standard cable, Cisco cable.
Check presence of a laptop.
VTP VLAN
VLAN TOPOLOGY
Check that the external CompactFlash memory card is properly seated into its slot
Check that PC with terminal emulation program (HyperTerminal or equivalent) is connected to the console
port and configured for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, and flow control is set to “none.”
Check that Suitable PC COM port is selected in the terminal emulation program.

Check that Passwords for access control are selected.
Check that IP addresses for the Ethernet and serial interfaces have been determined.

6. Verify the installation. (BJ2J-6a)
2. How would you verify the installation of connectors and cables?
By using a FLUKE networks tester to test for faults in a cable:

http://www.flukenetworks.com/enterprise-network/network-testing/CableIQ-Qualification-
Tester
By using (TDR) Time-Domain Reflectometer to test for faults in a cable:

https://supportforums.cisco.com/t5/network-infrastructure-documents/how-to-use-time-
domain-reflectometer-tdr/ta-p/3119327

6. Verify the Standard Standard Needs
Very good
installation. exceeded met improvement Total Score
All questions are
properly answered Adequate Partial reordering of
The candidate
BJ2J-4b: and exceeded understanding equipment pre-
proposed good
expectations with of the configuration and
Max points: 10% equipment pre-
equipment pre-
their creativity and configuration testing concepts before
thoughtful approach configuration the installation.
and testing
to preparing the and testing of
concepts before
equipment for the before the
the installation.
installation. installation.
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Total ______/10
All questions are
properly answered
BJ2J-6a and exceeded The candidate
Adequate
expectations with proposed a
Max points: 10% good
understanding Partial understanding of
their creativity and on equipment equipment verification
thoughtful approach equipment
verification concept.
to verifying the verification
concepts.
equipment for the concept.
installation.

Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5
Total______/10
Comments:
7. Plan configurations. ( BJ2J-5)
1. What are the steps for configuration planning?
Identify the features you need to configure on each device.
Identify devices and the role they play.
Identify various sites in the network and the different configurations that could be required in different
sites.
While planning configuration design, consider what relevant information you want to monitor.
Identify the size of the network and how diverse the devices are and the services it will support.
Create all the necessary documentation, including procedures, scripts and templates.
Use https://www.kiwisyslog.com/kiwi-cattools to quickly revert changes to copy old configs to running

configs.
Max points for the BJ2J-5: 10% Candidate’s points:

7. Plan
configurations Standard Standard Needs Total Score
Very good
All questions The candidate Partial understanding

Adequate
are properly properly of the planning
understanding
answered and documented a concept of a
of the
BJ2J-5: exceeded good preparation configuration plan,

Max points: 10% expectations concept of a step- configuration missed some crucial
with their by-step plan. steps.
creativity and configuration
thoughtful plan.
approach to
preparing the
configuration
plan.
.
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Total______/10
Comments:
8. Verify the network. (BJ2J-6b)

1. How do you verify that both, configuration and design, meet the client’s requirements?
Configuration and design can be tested in a prototype network in GNS3 or VIRL.
Configuration and design can be also be tested in a pilot network, by rolling out a small group of real users
with real equipment and monitor how everything works.
Verify that both configuration and design meet the client’s requirements by going over documented physical
topology diagrams, audit results, network health analysis.
Max points for the BJ2J-6b: 10% Candidate’s points:
8. Verify the
network. Standard Standard Needs Total Score
Very good

All questions are
properly answered
and exceeded The candidate
Adequate Partial reordering the
BJ2J-6b: expectations with documented a
reordering on verification concept
Max points: 10% their creativity and good network
how to verify of the work done on
thoughtful verification
the work done the network.
approach to concept on the
on the network.
verifying the work work done.
done on the
network...
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Total______/10
Comments:
9. Troubleshoot an issue. (BJ7H-1)
1) In case that the client reported an issue, what would your approach be to find out its root cause?
2) How would you narrow down the issue?
1.
Consult the OSI model:
Start at the layers
Layer 1 – physical connection, are the link lights on?
Layer 2 – traffic passed? Errors on port? Show dynamic cam, show cam
Layer 3 – on the right vlan?
Layer 4 – is the vlan properly routed? Can ping on same subnet? Different subnet?
2.
By doing structured troubleshooting, a systematic elimination of hypothetical causes narrowing down on the
possible issue. By reducing the scope, problem is eventually isolated and then a best solution can be
implemented.

Max points for BJ7H-1: 25% Candidate’s points:

9. Troubleshoo
t an issue. Standard Standard Needs Total Score
Very good
All questions are

properly answered
and exceeded The candidate Adequate Partial demonstration
BJ7H-1: expectations with documented a demonstration on the idea of how to
Max points: 25% their creativity and good concept on on how to identify the root
thoughtful how to identify identify the root cause.
approach to the root cause. cause.
identifying the root
cause.
Score 22-25 18-22 15-18 8-14

Total______/25
Comments:
10. Develop a solution. (BJ7H-2)
1. How would you determine what the best solution is to resolve the current issue?
Work through the OSI model using the Bottom up approach through the layers on the source and bottom up
on the destination. Start from the OSI physical layer and move up toward the application layer. Once you
isolate and identify the problem, you can start looking at the possible solutions. You then determine the best
solution, if critical busininess is dependent on it then a fast solution needs to be implemented temporarily
until a permanent solution can be figured out.
Figure out what part of the network uses what?

Max points for the BJ7H-2: 25% Candidate’s points:

10. Develop a
solution. Standard Standard Needs Total Score
Very good
All questions are

properly answered
and exceeded The candidate Adequate Partial
BJ7H-2: expectations with proposed a good demonstration demonstration on
Max points: 25% their creativity solution of how to the idea of how to
and thoughtful development develop a develop a solution.
approach to concept. solution.
developing a
solution.
Score 22-25 18-22 15-18 8-14

Total______/25
Comments:
11. Apply the solution. (BJ7H-3)

1. What action would you take before applying the solution to resolve the incident?
Plan out how you will carry out the solution, make sure everone on the team knws what they should be doing.
Backup all the current configs, transfer then onto a usb or a TFTP Server, document the cabling configuration.
Have a defined process in place, have a channel for communication both internally and externally. Take a
snapshot of the current state of the network and formulate a backup procedure in case things go wrong while
applying the solution. Produce clear diagrams to view the before and after changes.

11. Apply the
solution. Standard Standard Needs Total Score
Very good
All questions are

properly answered The candidate Adequate
and exceeded Partial demonstration
proposed a good demonstration
BJ7H-3: expectations with solution on how to apply
on the idea of how to
Max points: 25% their creativity and apply the solution.
application the solution.
thoughtful approach concept.
to applying the
solution.
Score 22-25 18-22 15-18 8-14

Total______/25
Comments:
12. Evaluate the effectiveness of the solution. (BJ7H-4)
1) How would you verify the solution?

2) Which action would you take to prevent similar issues from happening in the future?
1) Verify the solution by manually checking whether the problem was resolved (traceroute, pings,
opening up a browser to try the service).
Monitor traffic and flows.
Create homegrown scripts in order to help test some of the network features and services.
Use a commercial prtoduct that maps out the topology to have a visual of the network.
2) In order to prevent similar issues from happening, network verification technology can be adopted to
peform proactive verification. Scripts can be used to automatically check the network. Stay ahead of
potential hardware problems by regularely reviewing IT infrastructure. Monitor for uncommon
traffic, CPU spikes or brute-force login attempts. Monitor cooling equipment and other
environmental values to ensure your devices remain safe and avoid major outage.

12. Evaluate the
effectivenes Standard Standard Needs Total Score
s of the Very good
solution.
All questions are
properly answered Adequate
and exceeded The candidate Partial demonstration
demonstration
BJ7H-4: expectations with proposed a good
on how to
on the idea of how to
Max points: 25% their creativity and solution develop a solution.
develop a
thoughtful development
solution.
approach to concept.
developing a
solution.
Score 22-25 18-22 15-18 8-14

Total______/25
Comments:
13. Document the operations. (BJ0J-3c)
1) How would you document the project during its different phases?
2) What is your proposal to have a consistent documentation for all parties after the end of the
project?
1) Document every phone call, every meeting and keep the project well organized from day one with
copies of all correspondence.
During every conversation, by phone or in person, notes should be entere into a log book indicating
such things as date, time, persons involved, topics of conversation, and required follow-up. Email
messages should be printed and filed. Meetings should be documented in a similar fashion.
Document the IP addressing scheme and VLANs.
Document the configs and have them ready to show the client.
Create L1/L2 drawing of the physical connectivity and layout of your network, use CDP to help you
create L1/L2 network drawing.
Create L3 drawings that include every device that is involved with routing in your network.
Have an inventory list which includes manufacturer, model, serial number, hostname, location, and
closet (if more than one).
2) Keep the documentation in your ticketing tool, whatever it may be.

Keep the documentation on Sharepoint or somewhere where it can be accessed by the people with
rights to edit.
http://packetpushers.net/network-documentation-best-practices-whats-important-how-to-track-it/
Candidate’s points:

13. Document
the Standard Standard Needs Total Score
operations. Very good
All questions are

properly answered Adequate Partial
and exceeded The candidate
documentation documentation on
BJ0J-3c: expectations with presented a good
on how to the idea of how to
Max points: 10% their creativity and way to
precisely log the document the
thoughtful approach methodically log
information on operations.
on precise and the complete
the work done.
complete logging of information.
information on the
work done.
Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Total______/10
Comments:

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Practical

Candidate’s name: Evgueni Petrusevich

Content specialist: Yancy Christopher

2) Disaster Recovery (DA) Datacenter

4) VLAN assignment design

5) A block for the Internet

6) Connection to the following companies: Champlain and Lambert as partners.

7) Applications, including: Datacenter FTP and Web server, among others.

1) First solution has to be based on vendor’s recommendations

2) Second solution must be based on client’s budget limitations

1. Identify the Client’s Requirements. (BJ2J-1a)

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 2 of 22

Security Considerations – Firewalls? IDS/IPS?

Max points for BJ2J-1a: 10% Candidate’s points:

1. Identify the Client’s Requirements. (BJ2J-2b)

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 3 of 22

Max points for BJ2J-2b : 5% Candidate’s points:

Evaluation Grid (section reserved for content specialist)

Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 4 of 22

Score 5 4-4.5 3-3.5 0-2

Recommendations for partial training (if applicable):

2. Design the Network Topology Solution. ( BJ2J-3a)

1. Provide both solutions in a high level perspective.

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 5 of 22

2. Design the Network Topology Solution. ( BJ2J-4a)

Microsoft Visio Standard or Professional with Visio Stencils:

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 7 of 22

Max points for BJ2J-4a: 10% Candidate’s points:

Evaluation Grid (section reserved for content specialist)

Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 8 of 22

Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Recommendations for partial training (if applicable):

3. Test the Network Topology Solution. ( BJ2J-3b)

Determine what the system has done in response to their activities.

Max points for BJ2J-3b: 10% Candidate’s points:

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 9 of 22

Score 10 8-9 6-7 0-5

Recommendations for partial training (if applicable):

4. Validate the Network Topology Solution with the Client. ( BJ2J-1b)

Show them network topology documents.

Show them the naming scheme.

Show them the color cable scheme.

Show them the VLAN and IP addressing scheme.

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 10 of 22

Max points for BJ2J-1b: 5% Candidate’s points:

Evaluation Grid (section reserved for content specialist)

Score 5 4-4.5 3-3.5 0-2

Recommendations for partial training (if applicable):

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 11 of 22

Figure out the site location, address and name.

Find out who the site contact is.

Find out who owns and maintains the site.

Find out if the site is staffed.

Find out the hours of operation.

Find out the building/room access procedures.

Find out special security or safety procedures.

Find out the locations of the equipment’s cabinets and racks.

Find out how much RAM/flash I have to working with.

Evaluation Grid (section reserved for content specialist)

All questions are The candidate Partial reordering of

Cluster A: Network Design and Concepts - Home Project Page 12 of 22