Misrak Poly-Technic College

Competency: Develop System Infrastructure Design Plan

Designing a system infrastructure requires careful planning and consideration to ensure

that it meets the organization's needs and supports its objectives. Here is a framework
for developing a system infrastructure design plan:

LO1. Specify Architecture Requirements

Specifying architecture requirements for networking involves defining the principles,

functions, and specifications that guide the design and implementation of a network.
Here's a breakdown of key elements in specifying architecture requirements for
networking:

1.1. Identifying Critical Principles, Functions, and Framework of the System:

Principles:
Define the fundamental principles that will guide the architecture design. These principles
should align with the organization's goals and values, emphasizing factors like security,
scalability, and flexibility.
Functions:
Identify the core functions that the system must perform. This includes functionalities that
directly contribute to the achievement of business objectives and user requirements.
Framework:
Establish the architectural framework that will serve as the basis for the system. Determine
whether an existing framework will be adopted or if a customized framework needs to be
developed based on the unique needs of the organization.

1.2. Organizing Business Requirement Functions:

Business Requirement Functions:
Organize and categorize business requirement functions. Group related functions together to
create a structured framework that reflects the flow and dependencies of different business
processes.
Hierarchy of Functions:

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Establish a hierarchy for organizing functions, with a clear understanding of how each
function contributes to overarching business goals. This hierarchy aids in prioritization and
decision-making during the design process.

1.3. Identifying Operational Environment Support:

1.3.1. Hardware:
Hardware Requirements:
Identify the hardware components needed to support the operational environment. This
includes servers, storage devices, processing units, and any specialized equipment required
for the system.
Performance Specifications:
Define performance specifications for the hardware components. This involves specifying
factors such as processing speed, memory capacity, and storage requirements to meet the
system's operational demands.
1.3.2. Network:
Network Infrastructure:
Specify the network infrastructure required to support system operations. Define the
network architecture, including the layout of routers, switches, and other networking
devices.
Bandwidth and Connectivity:
Identify the required bandwidth and connectivity specifications to ensure seamless
communication between system components. Consider factors like data transfer rates and
network latency.
1.3.3. Software:
Software Requirements:
List the software components necessary for system functionality. This includes operating
systems, middleware, and any specialized applications or tools required to meet business
objectives.
Compatibility and Integration:
Define compatibility requirements to ensure that software components seamlessly integrate
with each other. Specify any interoperability standards that need to be followed.

1.4. Refining System Topology Model, Templates, and Standards:

1.4.1. Logical Topologies:
Logical System Topology:
Develop a logical system topology model that illustrates the high-level structure of the
system. Identify the main components, their relationships, and how data flows through the
system.
Template Creation:

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Create templates for logical system components to standardize their design and
deployment. Templates help maintain consistency across different parts of the system.
1.4.2. Physical Topologies:
Physical System Topology:
Design the physical system topology, taking into account the placement of hardware
components, servers, and networking devices. This includes considerations for redundancy
and failover mechanisms.

Standards and Guidelines:

Establish standards and guidelines for physical system deployment. This includes
specifications for server rack configurations, cable management, and physical security
measures.

1.5. Utilizing Project Architecture Development:

1.5.1. Identifying Project Gaps:
Gap Analysis:
Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis to identify discrepancies between current
capabilities and desired outcomes. This involves assessing existing systems and processes
to uncover areas that need improvement.
Risk Assessment:
Perform a risk assessment to identify potential project gaps that may pose risks to the
success of the architecture development. Evaluate the impact and likelihood of each
identified risk.
1.5.2. Specifying Architecture Requirements:
Detailed Architecture Specifications:
Specify detailed architecture requirements based on the findings from the gap analysis.
Clearly articulate the changes and enhancements needed to address identified gaps.
Alignment with Business Objectives:
Ensure that the specified architecture requirements align with overarching business
objectives and strategic goals. The architecture should support and enhance the
organization's mission and vision.

By systematically addressing each component within the architecture requirements, you lay
the foundation for well-defined and purposeful system architecture. This process ensures
that the system not only meets current needs but is also adaptable to future requirements
and aligned with the organization's strategic direction.

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LO1: Self-check

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the purpose of identifying critical principles in the system architecture?

a) To create a complex and rigid framework

b) To guide the design based on fundamental principles
c) To limit flexibility in the system
d) To prioritize unnecessary functionalities

2. What does a logical system topology model illustrate?

a) Physical placement of hardware components

b) High-level structure of the system
c) Cable management standards
d) Specific configuration details

3. In network architecture, what does bandwidth refer to?

a) The physical size of the network cables

b) the speed at which data can be transmitted
c) The number of network devices connected
d) the geographical extent of the network

4. What is the purpose of a gap analysis in project architecture development?

a) to create unnecessary complexities in the project

b) to identify discrepancies between current capabilities and desired outcomes
c) to ignore potential risks in the project
d) to limit the scope of the project

5. Why is specifying detailed architecture requirements important?

a) to make the project more complicated

b) to ensure alignment with business objectives and goals
c) to exclude key functionalities
d) to limit the scalability of the system

6. What does a physical system topology focus on?

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a) High-level structure of the system

b) Cable management standards
c) Placement of hardware components
d) Logical connections between devices

7. What does the term "scalability" refer to in the context of architecture

requirements?

a) the ability to limit the system's growth

b) the ability to handle increasing demands
c) the ability to reduce system complexity
d) the ability to limit the number of users

8. Why is it important to establish standards and guidelines for physical system

deployment?

a) to limit the options available for system deployment

b) to ensure consistency and maintainability
c) to increase system complexity
d) to discourage the use of hardware components

9. What is the primary purpose of a risk assessment in project architecture

development?

a) to eliminate all risks from the project

b) to identify potential risks and their impact on the project
c) to discourage stakeholders from participating in the project
d) to ignore uncertainties in the project

10. What role do principles play in guiding system architecture?

a) to introduce unnecessary complexities

b) to align the design with fundamental guidelines
c) to limit the flexibility of the system
d) to prioritize irrelevant functionalities

II. True or False questions

1. Identifying critical principles is not essential when specifying architecture requirements

for networking.

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2. The hierarchy of business requirement functions is irrelevant in the process of specifying

network architecture.
3. Hardware requirements, such as server specifications, are part of the operational
environment support for networking.
4. Network latency is a factor considered in specifying software requirements for
networking.
5. Logical system topologies focus on the physical placement of hardware components
within the network.
6. Creating templates for logical system components is primarily for standardizing their
design and deployment.
7. Physical system topology standards may include specifications for cable management
and server rack configurations.
8. Gap analysis is irrelevant when specifying architecture requirements and can be skipped.
9. A risk assessment is only necessary for specifying security requirements and not for
overall architecture requirements.
10. Specifying architecture requirements should align with business objectives and strategic
goals.

III. Fill in the blank

Here are some fill-in-the-blank questions for specifying architecture requirements:

1. When specifying architecture requirements, it is crucial to identify the ______

principles that will guide the design.
2. The process of ______ involves determining the fundamental framework that will
serve as the foundation for the system architecture.
3. Specify the key ______ of the system that must be prioritized in the architectural
design.
4. In the context of specifying architecture requirements, organizing business
requirement functions involves creating a structured framework that reflects the flow
and dependencies of different ______ processes.
5. Establishing a hierarchy for organizing functions aids in prioritization and decision-
making during the ______ process.
6. When specifying architecture requirements for hardware, it is essential to identify the
______ components needed to support the operational environment.
7. Specify the ______ specifications for hardware components to ensure seamless system
performance.
8. In network architecture, specifying requirements involves defining the layout of
routers, switches, and other networking devices to establish a robust ______
infrastructure.

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9. Identify the required ______ and connectivity specifications to ensure smooth

communication between system components.
10. When specifying architecture requirements, it is crucial to list the ______ components
necessary for system functionality.
11. Specify compatibility requirements to ensure that software components seamlessly
______ with each other.
12. The creation of logical system topology involves developing a model that illustrates
the high-level structure and ______ of the system.
13. ______ are created for logical system components to standardize their design and
deployment.
14. In the context of physical system topology, specifying standards involves defining
specifications for server rack configurations, cable management, and ______
measures.
15. The physical layout and arrangement of networking hardware, known as ______, play
a crucial role in determining the efficiency of data flow within the system.
16. ______ involves conducting a comprehensive analysis to identify discrepancies
between current capabilities and desired outcomes in the architecture development
process.
17. The identification of risks is an integral part of the process of ______, which aims to
uncover potential challenges to the success of the architecture development.
18. The detailed specifications for the architecture are derived from the findings of the
______ analysis, ensuring that improvements are aligned with organizational goals.
19. When specifying architecture requirements, it is essential to ensure that they align
with overarching ______ and strategic goals of the organization.

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