Network Design

A network design for a company that sells and provides networking products and services is fundamentally different from a simple website network. This company’s network is not just a tool for business; it is the core product and a critical part of their service delivery. The network must be highly segmented to support a variety of internal functions, from product development to customer support, while also being robust enough to host the products and services they sell.

Here is a comprehensive network design description, broken down by key segments, along with a visualization of such a network.

Corporate and Administrative Network (Internal)

This segment supports the day-to-day operations of the business. It is a traditional enterprise network but designed with the highest levels of security and control.

Access Layer: This is where end-user devices (desktops, laptops, IP phones) connect, typically built on a solid foundation of managed switches.
Distribution Layer: This layer aggregates traffic from the access layer and enforces network policies. It connects to the core layer and often uses routers or Layer 3 switches.
Core Layer: The network backbone that handles high-speed traffic between different departments and locations. It is designed for maximum throughput and reliability.
Network Segmentation (VLANs): The network is segmented using VLANs (Virtual LANs) to isolate different departments or functions, limiting the lateral movement of an attacker.
Zero Trust Architecture: The network is designed with the assumption that no user or device can be trusted by default, regardless of their location. Every connection must be verified.
Unified Communications: The network must support a highly available and quality-of-service (QoS)-enabled voice and video platform for internal collaboration and client communication.

Product Development and R&D Lab Network

This is the most critical and sensitive part of the network, where the company's intellectual property is developed and tested. This segment is highly isolated and protected.

Isolation and Air-Gapping: The R&D network is physically and logically separated from the corporate network and the internet, often with no internet connection at all.
Testing and Simulation Environments: The network includes virtual and physical labs to simulate customer environments for testing products and ensuring stability before deployment.
High-Performance Computing (HPC): The R&D network is built to handle the high-throughput and low-latency demands of software compilation, data analysis, and product simulation.
Strict Access Control: Access to this network is highly restricted, requiring multiple forms of authentication (MFA) and granular permissions. All activity is logged and audited.

Technical Support and Customer Service Network

This segment enables the support team to assist customers efficiently and securely.

Secure Remote Access: Support engineers require secure, controlled access to customer networks, often accomplished through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Dedicated Tools: The network hosts specialized tools for remote diagnostics, ticketing systems, and knowledge bases, all of which are segregated from other parts of the network.
Performance and Quality of Service (QoS): The network prioritizes traffic for support-related applications to ensure that support agents can provide timely and effective assistance.

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