Priscilla Oppenheimer
1 Measure Twice, Cut Once
Like the carpenter, the network designer does well to develop a plan before purchase. The title, Top-Down Network Design, is accurate because the author's key approach throughout the book is to consider what works best for the end user and meet the goals of a Request for Proposal. Priscilla Oppenheimer has presented a well structured textbook that covers every facet of networking in general with the intent of training the reader in the best practices of network design. The point of this book is to discourage going straight to product catalogs and picking out hardware when assigned a network project. Even if the customer is not given an RFP, the designer should present an overview of the project that includes the goals and how those goals will be measured.
The reader should have some basic knowledge of networking. However, this would make an excellent text book at a university or trade school since Oppenheimer covers all of the logical concepts and physical aspects of modern networking. The well read and experienced network engineer will find it a good review with a unique insight or tip sprinkled just often enough to make it worth the read. Except for the CCDP exam, the book is primarily a supplement to the student, but a must have reference for the consulting and design professional.
Oppenheimer gives well thought through, easy to read descriptions of technologies. For example, page 208 gives the most succinct explanation of how IPv6 works I have ever read. Another practical lesson is her definition of the "Heisenberg uncertainty principle" as "the act of observing something can alter what is observed." Consultants should be careful that their analysis doesn't become a problem in itself. Top-Down Network Design is a reference you will want to check yourself and those you hire.
2 Greenfield or Retrofit -- read this before you design
Top-Down Network Design, Second Edition is both a new terrific book and still a terrific book. The original took a systems approach to designing a network which could provide the service the people paying for it expected, partly by getting them to clarify their expectations and needs. The new Second Edition does this, too, but it includes material relevant to the networks being implemented today, and they are very different networks than we saw even three or four years ago.
New technologies, such as VPNs, VoIP, IPv6 as well as v4, Gigabit Ethernet and 10GigE, etc. are covered as part of a networking solution, not just as cool and sexy technologies to be rolled out for that reason. Likewise, new business emphases like reliability, redundancy, resiliency (which are not the same thing), security, and even survivability are addressed. Not all new technologies will help solve these problems, and, more often than not, they aren't even necessary. Thoughtful planning is far more important, and working with the network as it is now, toward what it is desired to become, is how you can really solve these problems.
I think one of the greatest techniques you can learn from TDND, 2e is to characterize the flows of traffic on the network. Priscilla Oppenheimer gives several examples of developing such analyses in a variety of situations - campus networks, WANs, a design testing scenario, and so forth. The Appendix with workstation bootup traffic information is especially helpful - the only thing I would have liked to see that I didn't was a little more detail on the contents of the various packets involved, but it is an Appendix, and using a sniffer will let you see them for yourself.
I have both the original and the new Second Edition - and getting the new one is definitely worth it. Networking has changed, and this book will help you handle the new material.
3 excellent methodology - must read
ms oppenheimer has written a book that every networker should
read. she describes a concise method for analyzing and designing
internetworks.
admittedly she follows many of the tenets that comprise version 1
of the ccda (i haven't taken/looked at the newer version of the
test) - but there is a reason that cisco has helped to design
and support some of the largest and most complex networks in the
world...they follow a consistent, easily replicated, and scalable
model for networking.
network design is similar to putting a puzzle together - this
book simplifies that puzzle. if you are designing a network,
please read this. if you are managing someone who is designing
a network, please read this.
4 Especially for advanced computer programmers
Top-Down Network Design: A Systems Analysis Approach To Enterprise Network Design is an advanced resource written by information science expert and technical instructor Priscilla Oppenheimer especially for advanced computer programmers needing learn about or engage in top-down network design. The methods for network design are particularly applicable to campus LANs, remote-access networks, WAN links, and large-scale internet works. Filled with illustrations, real-world examples, and explicit step by step instructions for analyzing technical requirements, as well as selecting protocols based on performance goals, improving network throughput, and much, much more fill this detailed, 560-page text which is especially ideal as a classroom text, or for self-teaching instruction and reference.
5 The definitive Netword Design guide and CCDA Prep!
This is the definitive guide to Network Design, and great prep material for the CCDA test. Long after getting a 900+ score on the Designing Cisco Networks (CCDA) test, I continue to treasure this book and come back to it often for reference.
You will find this book to be right on the mark, no extra/unnecessary information, lecturing, or philosophies, no unnecessary technical mumbo jumbo. Couldn't make this topic any simpler & better organized than what Priscilla has done in this book.
One of those books you don't miss having a second edition of - it's as good a read (and applicable too!) today as it was years ago.
Bharat Suneja
MCT
6 Do you want your CCDA? Read this book!!!
Although this book was not made as a study guide for the CCDA, I strongly recommend adding it to your study list. The book covers all but a few of the Exam topics listed in the guidlines for the 640-861 DESGN Exam.
The book seems, in a way, angled toward the consultant who would be designing a solution to a customers needs. It guides you through the collection of data and how to apply your findings.
Great book, and a must for any reference library.
7 Very Good!
This book is very good. The author does the job very very well - the way I feel I should do it when I am an author myself.
It is worth every dollar.
Good Luck
8 Written by a Real Network Architect
As an avid tech reader, I found "Top-Down Network Design" to be very refreshing. The voice always remains that of the author - an experienced network architect and instructor. Having read a lot of books on design, I can always tell when the marketing mafia are standing behind the author ensuring that a quota of product plugs is met. Not at all so with this book. Although a Cisco Press title, you could apply the Top-down approach to any network design project. Overall, this is my favorite Cisco Press book (and I have read plenty).
Disclaimer: I don't "know" Pricilla but we both participate in a common forum dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge (not allowed to include URLs according to the policy of this page so I can't be more specific).
9 Covers alot of material
The information in this book gives you a great idea on what designing networks is about. Reading it gave me steps on where to begin and the numerous factors to consider when desinging a network. Factors like monitoring a companies network traffic and bandwidth usage seem like a good idea, but not practical. I read this book 2 times to let the information sink in. It took me a long time to read it from cover to cover. Although it provided alot of useful information, I found parts of the book very difficult to stay awake. I recommend this book to people who are seriously interested in building networks, or who are going for the CCDA.
10 For Cisco Design you need to read this first.
I passed the extremely difficult CCDA exam about a month ago, I used several books and practice exams to help in the study process, my wish is that I could have had this book before it all began than I sure I would have had an easier time with the exam.
In just over 560 pages, this book will help with the CCDA and CCDP exams. Broken down into 4 parts, each part building the previous section, Part 1 is the Identifying needs and goals by showing you how to set business goals, policies, politics, staffing and budgeting. Also you get information on creating networks maps, analyzing traffic and QOS.
Part 2 then moves to the logical network design talking about the Cisco hierarchical model, redundancy, load balancing, VLANs, IP addressing schemes and planning. Discussion of when to use classful vs. classless routing, bridging, switching and routing protocol choices as well as security finish out the section.
Part 3 is the actual physical network design which includes cabling, LAN and WAN technologies like Ethernet and token ring, PPP, ISDN and authentication techniques. Finally part 4 the very important testing, optimizing and documentation of the network, with tool, setting baselines, measuring bandwidth and creating and implementing a Cisco Network Design Document.
Overall if you are planning to take the CCDA exam, currently studying the for the exam or are in the job of designing the networks you might want to get a hold of this book and make life a little easier.
11 Good book , But not a methodology !
A good book to find the right things to do in a new or current (remodel) network project. But be careful, it's not enough to produce a methodology !
12 Always from the Top-Down!
Top-Down Network Design is a valuable book for preparing for the Designing Cisco Networks exam (640-441). I agree with the other reviewers in that it is well written, has excellent quality of content and contains details that are covered subtlety. Therefore in order to pass exam 640-441, I would recommend reading it more than once. It is no doubt a book that can be used as a reference during all phases of a network design. This one should be on every network designer's short list!
13 A rare technical book
This is one of those rare technical books. It is actually pleasant to read. Perfect for CCDA study or general reference. Highly recommended!
14 The right book for any Data Network Design Engineer
I bought this book according to the recommendations and comments of some readers.After reading the book ,I would say that this book is essential for any engineer want to learn the right way to suggest excellent design for any types of Date network (LAN,MAN,WAN).This book also useful for engineers who worked as a technical engineers and want to be design engineers.
15 One of the Masters Class Reading List Books
Top Down Network Design was one of the books I read in preparation for my CCDA. At that time I thought it a first rate book. I am now in the final stages of my CCIE preparation, and have included Top Down as part of my study materials. Even at my increased level of understanding, I continue to be impressed with this book. It is well written, clearly explained, and contains levels of detail and subtlety I missed when I first read it over a year ago.
Top Down Network Design is part of my Masters Class Reading List - must read books for people who want to master networking, as well as pass certification tests. By all means add this one to your library. I predict you will refer to it often during your studies and during your networking career.
16 soon to be CCDA
There are those that can talk about technology... And then there are those that can TEACH it, and make it understandable. Priscilla has done just that!! While this book avoids delving deep into the technical issues of network design, it does a splendid job of explaining the WHOLE of the subject. Very thought provoking, and not dry like other Cisco books.
Highly recommended for newcomers and people interested in the subject.
17 Great reference
Besides being perfectly useful for the CCDA exam, you'll find yourself going back to this book in your future consulting.
18 Do a proper analysis of the customer's requirements!
This is an excellent book that provides checklists, and things to ask from both the business as well as technical side of the network. The focus is on how to meet customer needs. This title combined with books such as 'Advanced IP Network Design' and 'Designing Addressing Architectures' should really prepare the networking designer to ask all the right questions.
19 Great book for CCDA Certification & for Network Design
This book is excellently written and accurately prepares you for the DCN - Designing Cisco Networks Exam 640-441 which is the requirement for the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) certification. What is more important is that if you learn and apply these techniques you will have a solid blueprint to designing networks for your customers. This book is well worth reading whether or not you are preparing for your CCDA certification.
20 Great for CCDA or CCDP certification prep!!!
Ms. Oppenheimer and I have known each other via email for a couple of years. She wrote a prior version of the Cisco CID Design course which I reviewed, and I did my best to get her to comment on the SE Design Workshop course I did. This book is her version of the design wisdom she accumulated in years inside Cisco, Apple, and Network General (now Network Associates). I did a light read and skim of the book and read through Chapter 3 in detail. I like what I see!
Priscilla is fond of checklists and tables to fill out, but that renders concrete the kind of information you should be gathering. There's a lot of practical wisdom too. I found the Examples on pages 305-326 and pages 395-407 to be reasonably simple but with enough facts and details to preserve the flavor (confusion?) a design consultant feels when learning about a new network.
The book is organized into four parts: (1) Identifying Your Customer's Needs and Goals, (2) Logical Network Design, (3) Physical Network Design, and (4) Testing, Optimizing, and Documenting Your Network Design
If you're beginning to design data networks, and want an overall guide, this is the book you should start with. If you're preparing for CCDA or CCDP certification, this ought to be a very good book to read: it supplements the recommended (for CCDP) CID course with additional information!
21 Designing Cisco Networks
If you are looking study material to take the Sylvan exam for CCDA, this is the book. Read it twice.
22 An excellent book.
This is an outstanding book. Every aspect of designing or enlarging a Network System is covered. The top-down methodology ensures that the technical goals of the network system and the over-all goals of an organization should be kept in mind throughout the process of designing a network system. All technical procedures and tools to be used are given in precise detail. Excellent examples are given and problems to be avoided noted. The glossary is an added plus. An organization planning to implement or enlarge a Newtork System would do well to engage a potential designer who has read this book.
23 Amazing book
This book is astonishing in the quality of information provided.Any serious network designer should have this book as a tool to designing and implementing new networks. The content and flow of information is easy to follow and any novice would find it easy going. The tables were packet sizes are listed are a valuable tool you will not find anywhere. Great book. Ciscopress really know how to write books for the market. The only quality book you will need.
24 A useful book for network designers of any level.
This book includes practical information that both new designers and experienced designers will find useful. The techniques for network design that are presented can be applied to small, medium, and large internetworks. The book discusses methods for optimizing network performance for high throughput and low delay. The discussions are based on actual protocol analysis and real-world experience with enterprise networks. They punch holes in the many urban myths that abound regarding protocol and network behavior. I highly recommend this book for anyone faced with designing networks or managing networks that were not designed very well.
25 Etiquette for first dates as a network designer
As a teenager, one's first date is always rather special -- and also frightening. You will have ideas about what to do, but it's just not the same as having the experience.
This book prepares a new network designer, as well as anything short of real experience, for that all-important first date with network requirements and architecture. The ideal reader is one who has operational experience with networking devices, and understands the general principles of protocols, but who has not yet broken out of the mold of reacting to crises and installing equipment in a way someone else has thought up.
When the book deals with practical issues such as cabling, its focus remains with capabilities and choices, not the hands-on installation practices covered elsewhere. Again walking a delicate line of targeting the new user, it avoids the detailed protocol characteristics and mathematical techniques that are needed for large service provider and enterprise networks. The focus remains on the more common small to medium enterprise networks that new designers are most likely to work on.
26 If you ever have to design or update a network, read this!
Wow, I have not even finished this book and I have been very impressed with it. If you have ever had to design, redesign, update or otherwise come up with a plan to change a network this book is for you. The biggest question of "Where do I start?" is answered in easy to understand terms that a reader of any technical level can understand. The presentation of the process and considerations is excellent. Where was this book several years ago? A definite must read for every person interested in network design regardless of the products you will be using.
