Summary
This chapter covered typical network design business goals and constraints. It also talked about the top-down process for gathering information on goals, and the importance of using systematic methods for network design. Using systematic methods will help you keep pace with changing technologies and customer requirements. The next chapter covers analyzing technical goals and constraints.
This chapter also talked about the importance of analyzing your customer's business style, tolerance to risk, biases, and technical expertise. You should also work with your customer to understand the budget and schedule for the network design project to make sure the deadlines and milestones are practical.
Finally, it is important to start gaining an understanding of your client's corporate structure. Understanding the corporate structure will help you analyze data flow and develop a network topology, which usually parallels the corporate structure. It will also help you identify the managers who will have the authority to accept or reject your network design, which will help you prepare and present your network design appropriately.
