CSC 423

COMPUTER NETWORKS AND

COMMUNICATION
HISTORICAL NETWORKS & NETWORK DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
Why Network
History Matters
• Networks serve as backbone of modern
communication
• Understanding evolution provides context for
current technologies
• Historical lessons inform future design decisions
• From military research to global connectivity
• Foundation for digital transformation across sectors
ARPANET
(1969) - The
Beginning
• Established: 1969 by U.S. Department of Defense (ARPA)
• First Connection: UCLA ↔ Stanford Research Institute
• Key Innovation: Packet switching technology
• Initial Nodes: 4 (UCLA, SRI, UCSB, University of Utah)
• Significance: Demonstrated fault-tolerant networking
• Legacy: Foundation for modern Internet protocols
 ARPANET
Technical
Innovations
• Packet Switching: Data divided into discrete packets
• Decentralized Architecture: No single point of failure
• Interface Message Processors (IMPs): Early packet-switching devices
• Network Control Protocol (NCP): Evolved into TCP/IP
• First Message: "LOGIN" (crashed after "LO") - October 1969
NSFNET (1985-
1995) -
Academic
Expansion
•
•
Purpose: Connect supercomputing centers nationwide
Launched: 1985 by National Science Foundation
• Network Evolution:1985: 56 kbps backbone
• 1988: T1 lines (1.544 Mbps)
• 1991: T3 lines (45 Mbps)
• Impact: Enabled Internet commercialization
• End: Decommissioned 1995, replaced by commercial providers
MILNET
(1983) -
Military
Security
•
•
Created: 1983 separation from ARPANET
Purpose: Dedicated unclassified military communications
• Key Features:Network segmentation for security
• Controlled gateways between networks
• Enhanced authentication mechanisms
• Stricter access controls
• Legacy: Established network security principles
Internet2
(1996) -
Research
Collaboration
•
•
•
Formed: 1996 by university consortium
Partnership: Universities + Government + Industry
Capabilities:100+ Gbps backbone speeds
• Quality of service guarantees
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
• IPv6 implementation
• Applications: Medical imaging, astronomy, climate
research
Network
Types
Overview
• LAN (Local Area Network): Single building/campus
• WAN (Wide Area Network): Cities to continents
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): City-wide
coverage
• PAN (Personal Area Network): Personal device range
• Each type serves specific geographic and functional
needs
Local Area
Network (LAN)
• Coverage: Single building or campus
• Speed: 1-10 Gbps typical
• Latency: Microseconds
• Technologies: Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Topology: Star configuration with switches
• Applications: Office networks, schools, smart buildings
• Management: Centralized, single organization control
 Wide Area
Network
(WAN)
•
•
Coverage: Cities, countries, continents
Speed: Variable, provider-dependent
• Latency: Tens to hundreds of milliseconds
• Technologies: MPLS, SD-WAN, satellite, fiber
• Examples: Corporate branch connections, Internet
backbone
• Challenges: Higher cost, complex routing, performance
optimization
Metropolitan
Area Network
(MAN)
• Coverage: 5-50 kilometers (city-wide)
• Infrastructure: Fiber-optic backbone
• Speed: 1-10 Gbps typically
• Applications:Municipal broadband services
• Educational consortia
• Healthcare system connections
• Public safety networks
• Ownership: Often public-private partnerships
Personal Area
Network (PAN)
• Range: Up to 10-30 meters
• Technologies: Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee
• Power: Low energy consumption
• Applications:Smartphone to headset connections
• Wearable device integration
• Health monitoring systems
• Contactless payments
• Security: Device pairing and encryption
Network Design
Considerations
Overview

Primary Factors:
• Business and functional requirements
• Scalability and future growth
• Performance and quality of service
• Security and risk management
• Reliability and availability
• Cost and budget constraints
Scalability Design
Hierarchical Architecture:
• Core layer (high-speed backbone)
• Distribution layer (routing and policies)
• Access layer (end-user connections)
• Growth Planning: Accommodate 3-5 year
projections
• Modular Expansion: Add components without
redesign
• Technology Future-proofing: Support emerging
protocols
Performance
Considerations
Key Metrics:
• Bandwidth: Link capacity (Mbps/Gbps)
• Latency: Packet travel time (<50ms for VoIP)
• Jitter: Delay variation (<30ms for video)
• Packet Loss: <1% for reliability
• Optimization: QoS policies, proper sizing,
server placement
Security Framework
Multi-layered Approach:
• Perimeter firewalls
• Network segmentation (VLANs)
• Access control and authentication
• Encryption (data in transit/rest)
• Intrusion detection/prevention
• Continuous monitoring and updates
Reliability and Availability

Availability Targets:
• 99% (3.65 days downtime/year) - Basic
business
• 99.9% (8.76 hours/year) - Enterprise
• 99.99% (52 minutes/year) - Critical systems
• Methods: Redundant hardware, backup links,
disaster recovery
University Network Case
Study - Architecture
LAN Components:
• Cat6a/fiber structured cabling
• Gigabit Ethernet to endpoints
• Wi-Fi 6 access points
• VLAN segmentation by user type
WAN Components:
• 10 Gbps fiber backbone
• Redundant core switches
• Dual ISP connections
University Network -
Security Implementation
Firewall Strategy:
• Perimeter: External threat protection
• Internal: VLAN traffic control
• NGFW: Application-level inspection
Encryption:
• WPA3-Enterprise wireless
• TLS 1.3 web services
• IPSec VPN connections
Access Control: 802.1X + RADIUS authentication
FUPRE Network
Implementation -
Challenge
Unique Situation:
• No fiber infrastructure between buildings
• Remote location in Delta State
• Need for rapid deployment
• Cost-effective solution required
Solution Approach: Wireless-first architecture
FUPRE Network - Technical
Solution
Wide Area Network:
• Point-to-point wireless links between buildings
• Microwave/radio frequency implementation
• Rooftop antenna installations
• Mesh topology for redundancy
Internet Access:
• Starlink satellite connectivity
• Multiple dish installations
• Backup connectivity options
FUPRE Network - Benefits
and Limitations

Advantages:
• No trenching/cabling costs
• Faster deployment timeline
• Scalable for new buildings
• Suitable for remote locations
Challenges:
• Weather-dependent performance
• Line-of-sight requirements
• Security considerations
• Maintenance complexity
Network Proposal - Core
Infrastructure
• Dual-ring Fiber Backbone: 40 Gbps with
protection switching
• Core Switches: Cisco Nexus 9508 in VSS
configuration
• Distribution Layer: Catalyst 9500 series with
redundancy
• Access Layer: Catalyst 9200 series with PoE
• Management: Out-of-band network for
administration
Bandwidth Allocation
Strategy
• Research Priority: 50% (5 Gbps) for
laboratories
• Academic Operations: 30% (3 Gbps) for
teaching/admin
• Student Services: 20% (2 Gbps) for general
access
• Dynamic Management: Application-aware
traffic control
• Monitoring: 5-minute intervals with trend
analysis
Fault Tolerance
Implementation
• Physical Redundancy: Diverse fiber pathways
• Power Resilience: Dual feeds + 72-hour
generator backup
• Equipment Redundancy: Hot-swappable
components
• Network Protocols: HSRP, BGP failover
• Recovery Planning: Quarterly testing,
documented procedures
Key Design
Recommendations
• Modular Design: Enable incremental expansion
• Continuous Security: Zero-trust model
implementation
• Redundancy Planning: Multiple failure protection
• Bandwidth Policies: Priority-based allocation
• Technology Investment: Evaluate emerging
solutions
• Documentation: Maintain current network
diagrams
Future Considerations
Emerging Technologies:
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
• Artificial Intelligence in network management
• Wi-Fi 6E and 7 standards
• 5G integration opportunities
Sustainability:
• Energy-efficient designs
Cloud Integration: Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies
Lessons Learned
Historical Insights:
• Packet switching revolutionized communication
• Collaboration drives innovation
• Security requires dedicated focus
• Research networks push boundaries

Design Success Factors:

• Align with business requirements
• Build in scalability early
• Implement layered security
• Plan for fault tolerance

-
 Conclusion
The evolution of computer networks from ARPANET's pioneering packet-switching technology in 1969 to
Internet2's advanced research capabilities demonstrates the continuous innovation that has transformed
global communication. Each network type, from the localized connectivity of LANs to the global reach of WANs,
serves specific geographic and functional requirements that align with organizational needs and technological
capabilities. Successful network design requires careful balancing of performance requirements, security
measures, reliability standards, and cost constraints to create infrastructure that meets both current
operational needs and future growth expectations. Modern network implementations must pay particular
attention to scalability considerations and emerging technologies such as software-defined networking and
artificial intelligence-driven management systems. Throughout this evolution, the critical importance of
integrating security measures at every layer of network architecture has become increasingly evident,
establishing security not as an afterthought but as a fundamental design principle that must guide all
networking decisions.