Computer Engineering Laboratory Network Design

Abstract

This study presents the design, implementation, and validation of a robust, high-availability Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure tailored for a Computer Engineering laboratory. As modern engineering education demands resilient environments capable of supporting high-density client workloads, centralized resource sharing, and secure network boundaries, this project addresses these requirements through a structured engineering framework. The proposed topology utilizes a cascading branch architecture, connecting forty student workstations, an instructor PC, a central file server, and a shared network printer within a unified 192.168.1.0/24 Class C private IPv4 subnet. To accommodate external connectivity and administrative security, the design integrates a Layer 3 gateway router with Network Address Translation (NAT) and a logically isolated wireless access point for guest users.
The network architecture was modeled and validated using the Cisco Packet Tracer simulation environment, leveraging the Cisco IOS Command Line Interface (CLI) for precise, professional-grade configuration. The implementation followed a systematic pipeline, including core routing setup, infrastructure node provisioning, and the deployment of both static and dynamic host configurations via DHCP. To ensure performance and reliability, an empirical validation protocol was executed, utilizing Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) diagnostics to test end-to-end reachability. The results demonstrate a 100% transmission success rate across all internal network segments, confirming the stability of the cascading switch design and the effectiveness of the chosen topology. Furthermore, the successful verification of NAT translation and guest wireless isolation validates the network's readiness for secure production deployment. This project provides a scalable, efficient blueprint that balances pedagogical computing needs with professional networking standards, serving as a reliable reference for institutions seeking to optimize their laboratory network infrastructure.