Network Redesign

[SandraHerzet]

Hi,

I'm asked to do a cleanup of a network, they only require a minimum of connectivity. Can you give me tips on where to start?

Thank you

S

[oj88]

I'd probably trace all connections (active or inactive) and tag them. From here on, work on removing the unused cables from the network.

[guruprasadr]

HI SandraHerzet, [Pls Rate if Helps]

Before all these Check is there any New Implementation of Projects is On-going / Under Discussion / Pending.

1. Remove unwanted Cables in the Network

2. Create a Inventry of the Network

3. Finalise your Architecture & Design

4. Analyse the Performance Issues uncovered during the Audit

5. Study the Current Configuration, Previous Logs, Alarms, Response Time etc.,

6. Administratively DOWN the un-used Interfaces in Switches / Routers

Note: Industry way is: In Switches create a "Trash VLAN" & assign the Un-used interfaces which ever is down

7. Remove unwanted / Older Routing Information, Route Advertisement, Access-Lists, etc., after studying the Routing Table completely

Note: Provide the Description to each & every UP-Link / WAN Interface includes Connectivity (from-to), Provider Name, Circuit ID & Bandwidth.

8. ACL's will normally block unwanted traffic but that will not help in Spoofing attacks, Rate limiting is effective in reducing the impact of DDoS attacks but not in eliminating the threat entirely even.

9. If required update your IOS, IDS & IPS Security Patches, etc., as recommended by Cisco

10. Don't Save any of the Configuration after removing the Unwanted Configuration

11. Check for entire connectivity Again & keep monitor for any Blocking (or) unusual behaviour of Network

12. Once everything is OK & nothing is abnormal- Pls save the Configuration & Backup the Entire Flash.

13. Create a Change Document for this & plan one by one then Submit the Final Report

PLS RATE if Helps

Best Regards,

Guru Prasad R

[albert.remo]

Hi!

For sure, network clean-up is such a difficult task especially if you have a huge network. But to make it simple, you can do the following:

1. Audit your network and include the following

- network topology

- network connections (active and inactive)

- network equipment

- network setup and configuration

2. Document everything and create a checklist and label them accordingly from most critical conncetion to unused connections.

3. Once you have the big picture of your network, physically tag those that are critical and active connections.

4. From then on, you can remove those unwanted connections.

5. Consult some design references to simplify existing network.

HTH

Regards,

Albert