Work planning is losing its relevance due to rapid advancements in network technologies. Identify the basic decisions to be taken during network planning.

1. Determine the goals and objectives of the network: This includes understanding the purpose of the network, the expected performance levels, and the specific requirements of the organization.

2. Assess the current network infrastructure: Evaluate the existing network infrastructure, including hardware, software, and connectivity, to identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement.

3. Define the scope of the network: Determine the size and scale of the network, including the number of users, devices, and locations that need to be connected.

4. Select the appropriate network topology: Choose the most suitable network topology, such as star, bus, ring, or mesh, based on the organization's requirements and constraints.

5. Design the network architecture: Develop a detailed network architecture that outlines the layout of the network, including the placement of devices, servers, and other components.

6. Select the right network technologies: Choose the appropriate network technologies, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or fiber optics, based on the organization's requirements for speed, reliability, and security.

7. Plan for network security: Implement security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls, to protect the network from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

8. Consider scalability and future growth: Ensure that the network design is scalable and can accommodate future growth and expansion without requiring significant reconfiguration or upgrades.

9. Develop a budget and timeline: Create a budget and timeline for implementing the network plan, taking into account the costs of hardware, software, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

10. Test and evaluate the network: Conduct thorough testing and evaluation of the network to ensure that it meets the organization's requirements and performs as expected. Make any necessary adjustments or improvements based on the results of testing.

While rapid advancements in network technologies have brought about significant changes to network planning, it has not diminished its relevance. In fact, the complexity and scale of modern networks demand even more thorough and strategic planning.

Basic Decisions in Network Planning:

1. Network Requirements: Defining the business needs and service level agreements (SLAs) that the network must support. This includes determining bandwidth requirements, latency tolerance, availability targets, and security requirements.

2. Network Topology: Determining the physical layout of the network, including the types of connectivity, such as copper, fiber optic, or wireless, and the location and interconnection of network devices.

3. Equipment Selection: Selecting the appropriate routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices based on performance, capacity, and cost considerations.

4. Capacity Planning: Estimating the future growth and traffic demands on the network and ensuring that the network has sufficient capacity to meet these demands.

5. Network Management: Determining the tools and processes for monitoring, managing, and troubleshooting the network, ensuring optimal performance and availability.

6. Security Planning: Implementing appropriate security measures to protect the network and its resources from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks.

7. Resiliency Planning: Designing the network to be resilient to failures and outages, ensuring continuous operation and recovery from disruptions.

8. Scalability: Planning for future growth and expansion of the network to accommodate changing business needs and technological advancements.

9. Cost Optimization: Balancing network performance, reliability, and security with cost considerations to ensure a cost-effective solution.

10. Vendor Selection: Choosing the right vendors for network equipment, software, and services to ensure compatibility, reliability, and ongoing support.