Services > Design Engineering

• Design Capabilities
• Design Engineering Practice Areas
• Network Design & Management
  • First Steps
• Voice, Video, Data Multi-Service Integration

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• 5D Methodology
• Consulting

Network Design & Management First Steps

Most companies we work with have established computer networks. We rarely recommend that companies throw out their existing computer network to create a new computer network. Instead, we believe in the evolution of networks rather than the revolution or starting over design process. Our Clients typically seek to add new technology, such as wireless LAN (WLAN), voice recognition systems, voice and video over IP, to existing networks, where it makes sense. Some smaller companies and new companies we work with, often face the prospect of designing and implementing a new computer network from the ground up. This is sometimes called a Greenfield installation.

Our first step at Harmonix step is to do a high-level network design. Our Design Engineers work with you to choose the network topology, network protocol, and network architecture best suited to your needs. We seek to understand what applications you want to be able to run and build the network wit that end in mind. Our Harmonix Design Engineer will also provide for fault tolerance and redundancy (via clustering, mirroring or other techniques), so no data will be lost in the event of a network failure.

When we complete the design, if it is acceptable to our clients we then begin planning for the installation of the hardware and software contained in the network design. The task of managing the implementation is handed over to our project management group and we assemble the installation team by practice area (voice, data, video, cable, servers) and begin the network deployment. Upon completion the network then falls to the network administrator or administrators, who are charged with ensuring the network is available, performs well, and is secure from unauthorized users (whether inside or outside the organization). Network administrators use a variety of network management software and tools to do their jobs and Harmonix has a number of support and maintenance offerings that can be chosen from if the client sees a need.

Harmonix can provide a network monitoring solution. One form of network management software linked to the Harmonix NOC. This software "watches" network traffic, compares it with various measures of network health, and warns if the network is about to go down. If one network circuit is becoming overloaded, for example, the network monitoring software would automatically send an alert (such as an email or page) to the network administrator, who would then take action. Most network monitoring tools present consolidated information on a console resembling the cockpit of an airplane so the network administrator can judge at a glance how the network is faring. Remote network management software gives the network administrator remote access to the network management tool so he can see how things are going - from home, for example - and even fix problems that arise.

Harmonix can provide network traffic reports on network quality of service (QoS) metrics such as sub-standard application performance and conformance with applicable service level agreements. This type of tool analyzes past network performance and proactively suggests ways to avoid problems in the future.

Network Security in an area of increasing importance given the burgeoning number of attacks on computer data, including viruses and worms. Network security is another area Harmonix can add value to our clients. We can provide solutions and services to keep your network secure from intrusion and hackers. Many companies have a separate computer security department or designate one network administrator to focus on security. The network security specialist uses an arsenal of software tools to help protect network data. For example, intrusion detection systems sit on the network perimeter and analyze traffic patterns for signs of attack. These widely deployed systems often result in more paper printouts than the security person could possibly hope to absorb. Intrusion prevention systems are a newer addition. While intrusion detection points out possible attacks after they have occurred, intrusion prevention technology attempts to identify unwanted types of traffic and preventing them from getting on the network in the first place.