LAN INFRASTRUCTURE SETUP

Planning and Design:

• Define the purpose and scope of the LAN.
• Identify the number of devices that will be connected.
• Determine the physical layout and locations of devices.
• Choose the appropriate networking technology (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.).
• Calculate the required bandwidth and capacity for smooth communication.

Hardware Selection:

• Choose networking equipment such as routers, switches, and access points.
• Opt for devices with sufficient ports and capabilities to handle expected traffic.
• Consider the need for wired and wireless connections.
• Select cables (Ethernet, fiber optic) of appropriate length and type.

IP Addressing:

• Decide on IP addressing scheme (IPv4 or IPv6).
• Allocate IP address ranges for different segments of the network.
• Choose between dynamic (DHCP) or static IP addressing for devices.
• Assign IP addresses to devices manually or via DHCP server.

Network Topology:

• Position networking devices strategically for optimal coverage and connectivity.
• Plan redundancy for critical components to ensure network reliability.

Physical Installation:

• Physically install networking equipment in appropriate locations.
• Connect devices using appropriate cables and connectors.
• Ensure proper grounding and power supply for all devices.

Configuration:

• Access the configuration interface of routers, switches, and access points.
• Set up device names, passwords, and security settings.
• Configure VLANs (Virtual LANs) for segmenting network traffic.
• Enable routing between different network segments if needed.
• Set up port forwarding, NAT (Network Address Translation), and firewall rules.

Wireless Setup (If Applicable):

• Configure wireless access points (WAPs) with appropriate SSIDs and passwords.
• Choose security protocols (WPA2, WPA3) and encryption methods.
• Adjust channel settings to avoid interference with neighboring networks.

Security Measures:

• Implement strong passwords for all devices.
• Enable encryption for sensitive data transmission.
• Set up network monitoring and intrusion detection systems.
• Consider using VPN (Virtual Private Network) for remote access and data encryption.

Testing:

• Verify connectivity between devices.
• Test data transfer speeds and latency.
• Ensure wireless coverage across the intended area.
• Check for any configuration errors or connectivity issues.

Documentation:

• Maintain a record of the network layout, IP addresses, and device configurations.
• Document troubleshooting steps and solutions for future reference.