lOMoARcPSD|48872687

M01 - Developing System Infrastructure Design Plan

Computer_Security (Addis Ababa University)

Scan to open on Studocu

Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

HARDWARE AND NETWORK

SERVICING LEVEL-IV
Based on November 2023, Curriculum Version - II

Module Title: - Developing System Infrastructure Design

Plan
Module Code: EIS HNS4 M01 1123
Nominal duration: 50 Hours
Prepared by: Ministry of Labor and Skill

November 2023
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Contents
Acknowledgment ........................................................................................................................... iii

Acronym ......................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction to module .................................................................................................................... 2

Module Instruction .......................................................................................................................... 2

Unit One: Plan and design internet infrastructure.......................................................................... 3

1.1. Identifying critical principles, functions and framework of System ................................ 4

1.2. Organizing business requirement functions ..................................................................... 8

1.3. Identifying operational environment support ................................................................. 16

Self-check 1 .................................................................................................................................. 26

Unit Two: Specify hardware and software .................................................................................. 28

2.1. Architecture Requirements ................................................................................................. 29

2.2. Requirement Capacity against Client Requirements .......................................................... 32

2.3. System and application requirement .................................................................................. 32

Self-Check 2.................................................................................................................................. 34

Unit Three: Conduct walk-through and compare/contrast expected performance ....................... 35

3.1. Comparing requirement model........................................................................................... 36

Self-test 3 ...................................................................................................................................... 40

3.2. Benchmarking requirement model ..................................................................................... 41

Unit Four: Document and report on findings ................................................................................ 43

4.1. Preparing system infrastructure design plan ...................................................................... 44

4.2. Documenting and referring recommendations ................................................................... 45

Self-test 4 ...................................................................................................................................... 46

Reference ...................................................................................................................................... 47

Participants of this Module preparation ........................................................................................ 48

Page ii of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1
Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Acknowledgment
Ministry of Labor and Skills wish to extend thanks and appreciation to the many representatives
of TVET instructors and respective industry experts who donated their time and expertise to the
development of this Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM)

Page iii of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Acronym

HNS: Hardware Network service

TVET: Technical and Vocational Education and Training
IT: Information Technology
RF: Radio Frequency
WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network
ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange
LAN: Local Area Network
WWW: World Wide Web
URL: Uniform Resource Locator
FIFO: First In, First Out
WAN: Wide Area Network
SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
PEST: Political, Economic, Social, Technological (analysis)
II: Information Infrastructure
RFP: Request for Proposal
RFQ: Request for Quotation
CPU: Central Processing Unit
RAM: Random Access Memory
UML: Unified Modeling Language

Page 1 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Introduction to module
This module defines the Competence required to Developing System Infrastructure Design Plan

In this module, introduces Trainees to the foundational concepts and experience in system function
and business requirement. This module aims to provide the basic theory, concepts in logical and
physical topology, identifying project gaps and Specifying Architecture Requirements installation
and configuration of internet Infrastructure based on user requirements.
Module units
 Identifying critical principles, functions and framework of System
 Organizing business requirement functions
 Identifying operational environment support
 Refining system topology model, templates and standards
 Utilizing project architecture development
Learning objectives of the Module
At the end of this session, the students will able to:
 Define the principles, functions and framework of System
 Organize business requirement functions
 Identify operational environment of hardware, software and Network
 Refining system topology model, templates and standards
 Utilizing project architecture development
Module Instruction
For effective use this module trainees are expected to follow the following module instruction:

1. Read the information written in each unit

2. Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit
3. Perform Operation Sheets which were provided at the end of units
4. Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and
5. Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise

Page 2 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Unit One: Plan and design internet infrastructure

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 Identifying critical principles, functions and framework of System
 Organizing business requirement functions
 Identifying operational environment support
 Hardware
 Network
 Software
 Refining system topology model, templates and standards
 Logical Topologies
 Physical Topologies
 Utilizing project architecture development
 Identifying project gaps
 Specifying Architecture Requirements
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Define the principles, functions and framework of System
 Organize business requirement functions
 Identify operational environment of hardware, software and Network
 Refining system topology model, templates and standards
 Utilizing project architecture development

Page 3 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

1.1. Identifying critical principles, functions and framework of System

Definition of System
 The term system is derived from the Greek word systema, which means an organized
relationship among functioning units or components. A system exists because it is designed
to achieve one or more objectives.
 We come into daily contact with the transportation system, the telephone system, the
accounting system, the production system, and, for over two decades, the computer system.
 Similarly, we talk of the business system and of the organization as a system consisting of
interrelated departments (subsystems) such as production, sales, personnel, and an
information system.
 None of these subsystems is of much use as a single, independent unit. When they are
properly coordinated, however, the firm can function effectively and profitably
 A system is a group of interrelated components working together towards a common goal,
by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation process.
 he interrelated components, which are systematically arranged to form a system, are called
subsystems. In simple words, system is a set of elements which operate together to
accomplish an objective. Systems may be physical, like the sun and its planets; biological
like the human body; technological, like an oil refinery; and socio-economic, like a
business organization.
 A system is an organized collection of parts (or subsystems) that are highly integrated to
accomplish an overall goal.
 The system has various inputs, which go through certain processes to produce certain
outputs, which together, accomplish the overall desired goal for the system. So a system is
usually made up of many smaller systems, or subsystems.
 System can be defined as a group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a unified
whole. It may be either physical or abstract.
 An abstract system is an orderly arrangement of interdependent ideas or contracts. But a
physical system is defined as a set of elements which operate together to accomplish a goal;
it is made up of objects such as land, building, machines, people and other tangible things.

Page 4 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 A system can also be understood as an organized or complex whole, an assemblage or

combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole.
Types of systems
 The frame of reference within which one views a system is related to the use of the systems
approach for analysis.
 Systems have been classified in different ways. Common classifications are:
 Physical or abstract,
 Open or closed
Physical or abstract systems
 Physical systems are tangible entities that may be static or dynamic in operation. For
example, the physical parts of the computer center are the officers, desks, and chairs that
facilitate operation of the computer.
 They can be seen and counted; they are static. In contrast, a programmed computer is a
dynamic system. Data, programs, output, and applications change as the user’s demands
or the priority of the information requested changes.
 Abstract systems are conceptual or non-physical entities. They may be as straightforward
as formulas of relationships among sets of variables or models – the abstract
conceptualization of physical situations.
 A model is a representation of a real or a planned system. The use of models makes it
easier for the analyst to visualize relationships in the system under study. The objective is
to point out the significant elements and the key interrelationships of a complex system.
Open or Closed Systems
 Another classification of systems is based on their degree of independence.
 An open system has many interfaces with its environment.
 It permits interaction across its boundary; it receives inputs from and delivers outputs to
the outside.
 An information system falls into this category, since it must adapt to the changing demands
of the user.

Page 5 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 In contrast, a closed system is isolated from environmental influences. In reality, a

completely closed system is rare. In systems analysis, organizations, applications and
computers are invariably open, dynamic systems influenced by their environment.
Systems Models
 A system topology model is a graphical representation of the components and connections
that make up a system .
 It is used to illustrate the structure of a system and how its components interact with each
other.
 In the context of a system infrastructure design plan, a topology model can be used to show
the physical and logical layout of the system’s hardware, network, and software
components .
 The model can help identify potential bottlenecks, optimize performance, and ensure
reliable communication between devices
 The analyst beings by creating a model of the reality (facts, relationships, procedures, etc.)
with which the system is concerned.
 Every computer system deals with the real world, a problem area, or a reality outside itself.
For examples, a telephone switching system is made up of subscribers, telephone handsets,
dialing, conference calls, and the like. The analyst beings by modeling this reality before
considering the functions that the system is to perform.
 Various business system models are used to show the benefits of abstracting complex
system to model form.
 The major models are schematic, flow, static and dynamic system models.
Characteristics of a System
 Our definition of a system suggests some characteristics that are present in all systems:
organization (order), interaction, interdependence, integration and a central objective.
Organization
 Organization implies structure and order.
 It is the arrangement of components that helps to achieve objectives.

Page 6 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 In the design of a business system, for example, the hierarchical relationships starting with
the president on top and leading downward to the blue collar workers represents the
organization structure..
Interaction
 Interaction refers to the manner in which each component functions with other components
of the system.
 In an organization, for example, purchasing must interact with production, advertising
with sales and payroll with personnel.
 In a computer system, the central processing unit must interact with the input device to
solve a problem.
 In turn, the main memory holds programs and data that the arithmetic unit uses for
computation.
 The interrelationship between these components enables the computer to perform.
Interdependence
 Interdependence means that parts of the organization or computer system depend on one
another.
 They are coordinated and linked together according to a plan. One subsystem depends on
the input of another subsystem for proper functioning: that is, the output of one subsystem
is the required input for another subsystem.
 This interdependence is crucial in systems work.
 An integrated information system is designed to serve the needs of authorized users
(department heads, managers, etc.) for quick access and retrieval via remote terminals.
Integration
 Integration refers to the holism of systems.
 Synthesis follows analysis to achieve the central objective of the organization. Integration
is concerned with how a system is tied together.
 It is more than sharing a physical part or location.
 It means that parts of the system work together within the system even though each part
performs a unique function.

Page 7 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Central objective
 Although a stated objective may be the real objective, it is not uncommon for an
organization to state one objective and operate to achieve another.
 The important point is that users must know the central objective of a computer application
early in the analysis for a successful design and conversion. Political as well as
organizational considerations often cloud the real objective. This means that the analyst
must work around such obstacles to identify the real objective of the proposed change.
Elements of a System
In most cases, systems analysts operate in a dynamic environment where change is a way of life.
The environment may be a business firm, a business application, or a computer system. To
reconstruct a system, the following key elements must be considered:
 Outputs and inputs.
 Processor(s).
 Control.
 Feedback.
 Environment.
 Boundaries and interface

Input Process Output

Fig. 1 General Model of system

1.2. Organizing business requirement functions

Requirement
 Requirements are the foundation of an IT project. Failure to understand the requirements
in the beginning results in an incorrect system and probably delays in delivery.

Page 8 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Requirements play a vital role in the systems development and maintenance processes.
System requirements consist of hardware requirements, software requirements, and
operational requirements.
 The IT project manager establishes a process to identify, define, elicit, and understand
system requirements.
 The purpose is to establish a common understanding between the customers, users,
stakeholders, and project manager of the requirements that will be completely addressed in
the systems development.
 Requirements are descriptions of the services that a software system must provide and the
constraints under which it must operate Requirements can range from high-level abstract
statements of services or system constraints to detailed mathematical functional
specification
 Requirement definition is a process. It is difficult to define requirements if they are not
mature enough.
 The requirement may only be an idea in the customer’s mind. A customer must write
explicitly his or her requirements.
 The primary function of defining requirements is to draw blueprints and document them to
eliminate potential confusion and misinterpretation.
 Thus the requirement definition document that the customer produces will ensure that the
system developers understand the customers’ requirements, needs, and objectives.
 A requirement is simply a statement of what the system must do or what characteristic it
must have.
 During analysis, requirements are written from the perspective of the business person, and
they focus on the “what” of the system.
 Because they focus on the needs of the business user, they are usually called business
requirements (and sometimes user requirements).
 Requirements in design are written from the developer’s perspective, and they are usually
called system requirements.

Page 9 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Requirement definition usually includes an understanding of the environment in which the

system can operate and how the system will interact with that environment.
 Explicit approval to proceed with requirement definition completes the elicitation process.
 The audience who must approve the requirements should agree that all relevant
information sources have been contacted.

Basic Requirements

Analysts structure their investigation by seeking answers to these four major questions:
 What is the basic business process?
 What data are used or produced during that process?
 What are the limits imposed by time and the volume of work?
 What performance controls are used?
Why do we need Requirements?
 To ensure a software solution correctly solves a particular problem, we must initially fully
understand the problem that needs to be solved, discover why the problem needs to be
solved and determine who should be involved.
 Poorly defined requirements can cause major problems to a project in both financial terms
as well as added time.
 There are specific techniques we may use in the requirements engineering phase which we
shall be considering during the next four lectures.
 It may range from a high-level abstract statement of a service or of a system constraint to a detailed
mathematical functional specification

Types of Requirement

 User requirements

 Statements in natural language plus diagrams of the services that the systems
provide and its operational constraints.
 Written for customers

Page 10 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Should describe functional and non-functional requirements so that they are

understandable by system users who don’t have detailed technical knowledge
 System requirements

 A structured document setting out detailed descriptions of the system services.

 Written as a contract between client and contractor

 Functional requirements

 A functional requirement relates directly to a process a system has to perform or

information it needs to contain.

 For example, requirements that state that a system must have the ability to search for
available inventory or to report actual and budgeted expenses are functional
requirements.

 Functional requirements flow directly into the creation of functional, structural, and
behavioral models that represent the functionality of the evolving system.

 Describe functionality or system services

 Depend on the type of software, expected users and the type of system where the
software is used
 Functional user requirements may be high-level statements of what the system should
do; functional system requirements should describe the system services in detail
 Non-functional requirements

 Nonfunctional requirements refer to behavioral properties that the system must have,
such as performance and usability.
 The ability to access the system using a Web browser is considered a nonfunctional
requirement.

Page 11 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Nonfunctional requirements can influence the rest of analysis (functional, structural,

and behavioral models) but often do so only indirectly; nonfunctional requirements are
used primarily in design when decisions are made about the user interface, the hardware
and software, and the system’s underlying physical architecture.
 Product requirements which specify that the delivered product must behave in a
particular way, e.g. execution speed, reliability etc.

 Organizational requirements which are a consequence of organizational policies and

procedures, e.g. process standards used, implementation requirements etc.

 External requirements which arise from factors which are external to the system and
its development process, e.g. interoperability requirements, legislative requirements
etc.

System Requirement Identification

 System requirement identification is important to help the customer and developers define
and understand what will be involved in the system.

 The customer creates requirements for a specific purpose.

 These requirements are capabilities or conditions as stated by the customers, users, and
stakeholders.

 Requirements can be functions, constraints, or other properties that must be provided,

met, or satisfied so that the needs are filled for the systems intended users.

 Requirements are the conditions that must be met for a system product to be acceptable to
its customers, users, and stakeholders.

 Requirements can be totally new for an IT systems development project, or requirements

can be for improving an existing IT system.

 This improvement can be possible by changing requirements in the existing system,

enhancing the existing requirements, or correcting requirements to solve a problem in the
existing system.

Page 12 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 The customer and developers must understand the requirements before making a costly
decision of what to build.

 This process involves determining, defining, and specifying requirements before

analyzing them.

Requirement Determination

 Requirement determination is a process that determines what is desired.

 Determining what is desired involves sub processes, such as the customer defining the
requirements and the system developer learning those requirements.

 The customer must state requirements clearly, rigorously, and precisely before proceeding
to other system development phases.
 The following questions are important in requirement determination:
 Who determines exactly what the requirements are?
 Does the customer know exactly what the requirements are?
 Does the IT project manager know exactly what the requirements are?
 Do the system developers know exactly what the requirements are?
 Do the system testers know exactly what the requirements are?
Importance of a Good Requirement
 A good requirement is an agreement among the customers, users, stakeholders, and system
developers. A study by the Standish Group in 1997 showed that American companies spent
$100 billion for canceled software projects. Another $45 billion was spent on software
projects that significantly exceeded their time and budget estimates.
 The Standish Group and other studies indicate the following top three reasons why software
projects fail:Requirements and specifications are incomplete. Requirements and
specifications are changing too often. The project has a lack of user input.
 A good requirement should use imperative phrases in the requirement specification.
 Imperative phrases command that something must be provided.
 Shall means prescribes and is used to dictate the provision of a functional capability
Page 13 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1
Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Will means describes and is used to cite things that the operational or developmental
environments are to provide to the capability being specified.
 Must and must not indicate constraints. Must is often used to establish performance
requirements or constraints.
 Should means suggest and is not used as an imperative in requirement specification
statements

Samples of Good Requirements

The organizations web site shall provide the customers and the public with accurate, timely, and
relevant information on the missions and functions of the organization.

 The web site shall contain a clearly defined purpose that supports the mission of the
organization and achievements.
 The web site shall be developed in accordance with the organizations management policy.
 The web site shall be maintained continuously with current data, updated at least biweekly
 The point of contact for this requirement shall be a member of the organizations web site
working group and performs tasks as directed by the working group chairperson.
The Requirements Document
 Official statement of what is required of the system developers
 Should include both a definition and a specification of requirements
 Should:
 specify external system behavior
 specify implementation constraints
 be easy to change (but changes must be managed)

Page 14 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 serve as a reference tool for maintenance

 record forethought about the life cycle of the system (i.e. predict changes)
 characterize responses to unexpected events
 It is not a design document
 it should state what the system should do rather than how it should do it
Business requirement

 A Business Requirements Document is the document used in complex projects to define

what needs to be done or altered in order to meet some business objective.
 It also documents what will, or will not, be included in the project and a certain amount of
detail about risks, assumptions, training and quality measures.
 But it must also detail what the user needs to do to fulfil their role and deliver the business
objective and how they will perform their tasks.
 So it is necessary to include details in the Business Requirements Document about the
features and functions that are required to deliver the project successfully.
 Business Requirements Document. There will be additional functional and technical
specifications that cover in detail any changes to software or machinery or product
composition.
 However, it is necessary that the end-users know what the new system will do, how they
will use it and how it will look and feel to a certain extent.
 This is why the functional and non-functional requirement sections of the Business
Requirements Document are necessary.
What does a business requirement include?
 A business requirement can include:
 Key objectives and identification of a problem.
 Benefits of the proposed solution.
 Project scope.
 Rules, regulations, and policies.
 Key features of the project. This can include what will the facilities project offer to the
users.
Page 15 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1
Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Performance and security features.

 Metrics to measure the success of the project.

1.3. Identifying operational environment support

Overview of operating environment
 The operating environment for home control is in several aspects much less demanding
than, for example, the environments in which industrial controls are deployed.
 This is, for example, true for operating temperature ranges, dust and dirt, chemicals in the
environment, electromagnetic interferers, or vibration.
 However, there may be one exception where the environment for home automation is very
challenging.
 In densely populated areas the use of licensed RF bands is rapidly growing. This is
especially the case for the 2.4 GHz band where WLAN has reached a level of deployment
that already saturates the spectrum in certain regions.
 For devices that need to operate on batteries on a multiyear basis, this is a very serious
concern since it is practically impossible to predict the development of the use of the
2.4 GHz band even for the lifetime of the first set of batteries in a device.
 Depending on the crowdedness of the 2.4 GHz band, frequent retransmissions in a battery
lifetime may be affected.
 It may be noted that practically all significant wireless home control technologies in
Europe are using the 868 MHz band, where the risk of interference is much lower because
it is less crowded.
Hardware
 Hardware infrastructure refers to the physical components and devices that form the
foundation of an information technology (IT) system.
 These components work together to support the processing, storage, and communication
of data within an organization or a network.
 Key elements of hardware infrastructure include:

Page 16 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Servers: Powerful computers designed to process requests and serve applications or

resources to other computers on the network. Servers can include web servers,
database servers, file servers, and more.
 Storage Systems: Devices or systems that store and manage data. This includes hard
disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), network-attached storage (NAS), and
storage area networks (SANs).
 Networking Equipment: Devices that facilitate communication and data transfer
within a network. This includes routers, switches, hubs, modems, and access points.
 Computers and Workstations: Personal computers (desktops and laptops) and
workstations used by individuals for various tasks.
 Data Centers: Facilities that house servers, networking equipment, and storage
systems. Data centers are designed to provide a secure and controlled environment for
IT infrastructure.
 Power Infrastructure: Systems that provide electrical power to IT equipment. This
includes uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to protect against power outages.
 Cooling Systems: Infrastructure to manage and control the temperature in data
centers and server rooms, preventing equipment from overheating.
 Peripheral Devices: Additional devices connected to computers, such as printers,
scanners, and external storage devices.
 Client Devices: Devices used by end-users to access and interact with the IT system.
This includes desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
 Telecommunication Equipment: Infrastructure for voice and data communication,
including telephone systems, voice over IP (VoIP) systems, and video conferencing
equipment.
Hardware Selection
 Today, selecting a system is a serious and time concurring activity.
 Unfortunately, many systems are still selected based on vendor reputation only or other
subjective factors.

Page 17 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Instead the factors, which are to be considered, should be determining equipment size,
capacity needs, financial considerations and acquisition method.
 Determining size and capacity requirements with computers ranging in size from small
microcomputers to large mainframe systems, the number of options to choose from when
selecting a system is obviously very large.

 Even within the lines of a single manufacturer, there are many different models and
configurations from which to select.

 How then does the analyst determine which system to use when a new computer is to be
acquired?

 The starting point in an equipment decision process is the size and capacity requirements.

 Systems capacity is frequently the determining factor.

 Relevant features to consider include the following:

 Internal memory size
 Cycle speed of system for processing
 Characteristics of display and communication components
 Types and numbers of auxiliary storage units that can be attached
 Systems support and utility software provided or available
 Frequently, software needs dictate the minimum configuration required.
 All systems have limits, depending on what they are designed for.
 The limits may or may not be a factor in a particular selection decision. If the system has
other attractive features and will not be used for data communications or teleprocessing,
the synchronous feature may be of little concern.

Page 18 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Software needs often dictate hardware requirements such as internal memory sizes,
communication ports, disk capacity, and the ability to use magnetic tape.
 Vendors are reliable sources of configuration requirements. They can provide information
on the minimum configuration requirements needed to use their software properly.
 Trade newspapers and magazines provide regular distribution of information about
hardware and software requirements.
Network Infrastructure
 Network infrastructure refers to the hardware and software resources that enable the
connectivity, communication, and management of computer networks.
 It is the foundation on which network services, applications, and data are transmitted and
accessed within an organization or between different entities.
 Key components of network infrastructure include
 Hardware: Routers, switches, firewalls, servers, cabling, and connectivity components.
 Network Services: DNS (Domain Name System), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol), LAN and WAN services.
 Security Measures: Firewalls, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS).
 Internet Connectivity: Gateways.
 Network infrastructure, which is the foundation of network services, applications, and
data transmission.
 The hardware components of network infrastructure include routers, switches, firewalls,
servers, cabling, and connectivity components.

Page 19 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Fig. 1 Figure shows network infrastructure

Software

 Software infrastructure, also known as software architecture or application infrastructure,

refers to the collection of software components, frameworks, tools, and services that support
the development, deployment, operation, and maintenance of software applications.
 It provides the foundation for building and running software systems efficiently and reliably.
 Operating Systems: An operating system is fundamental software that manages hardware
resources and provides essential services for other software applications.
 Database Systems: Database management systems (DBMS) store, organize, and manage data.
Common types include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.
 Development Tools: Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), code editors, compilers,
and debugging tools facilitate the creation of software applications.
 Programming Languages: Various programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++,
JavaScript) are used to write code and develop applications.

System topology model

Page 20 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 System topology in computer networks refers to the physical or logical layout of network
devices and the interconnection between them.
 The physical topology refers to the actual layout of the devices and cables, while the logical
topology refers to how data flows in the network.
 There are several types of physical topologies, including bus, ring, star, mesh, tree, and
hybrid topologies.
 Logical topologies include point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, client-server, and peer-to-
peer topologies.
 Each topology has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of topology depends
on the specific needs of the network.
 For example, a bus topology is simple and inexpensive, but it can be slow and unreliable.
A mesh topology is highly reliable, but it can be complex to manage.
 Logical topologies are often used in conjunction with physical topologies to create a
complete network design.

Fig. 1.1 Blueprint topology structure

 Understanding the needs of the customer and determining the general layout of the new
network are required to properly determine the network topology.
 These network decisions need to be discussed with the customer:
 Cable and wireless standards

Page 21 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Expandability
 Number and location of users
 The number of users and the estimated amount of future growth determines the initial
physical and logical topology of the network.
 An inspection, called a site survey, should be done early in the project.
 A site survey is a physical inspection of the building that helps determine a basic physical
topology.
 Create a checklist to record the needs of your customer to determine the physical topology:
 Location of users’ computers
 Position of network equipment, such as switches and routers
 Position of the servers
 A floor plan or blueprint is helpful to determine the physical layout of equipment and
cables. The physical layout is often based on available space, power, security, and air
conditioning. The figure shows a typical network topology.

1.5. Project architecture development

Identifying project gaps
 Gap analysis is a formal study of how a business or project is currently progressing and where
it plans to go in the future.
 There are various perspectives that can be analyzed, from business direction to business
processes, from information technology to product management.
 When talking about management, gap analysis is a means to compare a current state with a
future state in terms of performance.
 Factors that impact performance include resource planning, capital investment, technology,
etc.
 What a gap analysis does is identify the gaps between the optimized allocation and integration
of resources to the current allocation level.
 It’s by doing such measurements that a pathway towards improvements can be cleared.

Page 22 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 To do this involves determining, documenting and improving the difference between

requirements and capabilities at the current time.
 Real-time data is going to improve how you understand the progress of your project.
Technic Conduct a Gap Analysis

When you’re doing a gap analysis, you’re really asking yourself a few questions: Where are we
now, where do we wish we were and how are we going to get there? So, it’s not merely a picture
but a roadmap to improve production.

 There are four basic technic that you take when conducting a gap analysis. They can be
boiled down to the following.
Identify Current State
 The first step is knowing where you are at the present time. So, be clear as to what is being
described and what is not.
 This will avoid scope creep and keep your analysis focused.
 Then comes collecting contextual information. That means collecting qualitative
information, such as what are your team processes and methodologies.
Identity Where You Want to Go
 The point of a gap analysis is to figure out where you want to go and if you’re getting there.
This is the desired state, future target or stretch goal.
 To get there you need to know about your current state and what a reasonable timeframe
is to get from there to the goal you’ve set for yourself.
Identify the Gaps
 You know where you are and where you want to go, the space between those two marks is
the gap you must bridge to reach your target.
 This is when you want to figure out why there is a gap.
 To do that you need to be very specific about the gap. Also, dig deeper and determine why
the gap happened.
 Ask yourself questions that are applicable to your business and answer them honestly.
Bridge the Gap

Page 23 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 You’ve done the due diligence, and now it’s time to act. You know why there’s a gap, so
you must now devise a way to close it.
 To do this, you can follow the guidelines of basing all improvements on the information
you discovered when you identified the gap.

Gap Analysis Tools

 Gap analysis tools that can help a project manager identify the gap between the current
state of the project and its future goals and objectives.
 These tools will also help to make clear the required tasks that are necessary to close that
gap.
SWOT
 One such tool is a SWOT analysis, which is an acronym for strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats.
 By using a SWOT analysis both quantitatively and qualitatively, you can determine internal
and external threats to the project.
Fishbone Diagram
 Fishbone diagram, which is also called a cause and effect diagram. It is a way to visualize
and categorize the potential causes of a problem.
 Then you can go about identifying its root causes. It’s a helpful tool when brainstorming
to keep the conversation focused.
PEST Analysis
 PEST analysis, which is another acronym that stands for political, economic, social and
technological.
 This allows one to make a framework of macro-environmental factors for the purpose of
designing effective environmental strategies, which would apply to projects that are
applicable.
Specifying Architecture Requirements

Page 24 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Architecture requirements are specifications and criteria that define the design and
functionality of a system, software application, or physical structure.
 These requirements help guide the development and ensure that the final product meets the
desired objectives.

 Below are some common types of architecture requirements:

 Functional Requirements: Descriptions of the system’s functions and capabilities.
Specify how the system should behave under different conditions. Define input and
output expectations.
 Non-Functional Requirements: Performance, reliability, security, scalability,
usability.
 Technical Requirements: Hardware specifications, software specifications, network
requirements.
 Architectural Patterns: Specify the architectural style to be followed (e.g., client-
server, micro services, monolithic). Define the high-level structure and organization of
the system.
 Data Management Requirements: Database requirements, data integrity and
consistency requirements.
 Compliance and Legal Requirements: Identify any legal or industry-specific
standards that must be adhered to. Ensure compliance with data protection regulations,
security standards, etc.
 Scenarios and Use Cases: Describe specific scenarios and use cases to illustrate how
the system will be used. Identify critical paths and interactions.

Page 25 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Environmental Requirements: Specify the environments in which the system will

operate (development, testing, production). Define any dependencies on external
systems or services.
 Maintainability and Extensibility: Define requirements for future system
maintenance and updates. Specify how easy it should be to extend or modify the
system.
 Constraints: Identify any limitations or constraints that the architecture must adhere
to (budget, time, technology constraints).

Self-check 1
Directions: Answer all the questions listed below.

Part one: True or False

1. _____System infrastructure refers to the hardware, software, and network components that
collectively make up an IT system.
2._____ System requirements are the specifications that define the necessary capabilities and
characteristics of
a system, including hardware, software, and network components.
3._____ The choice of an operating system is a critical component of system infrastructure and
can impact the overall performance and compatibility of a system.
Part II: Choose the correct answer from the given alternatives
1. Which of the following describes the physical arrangement of devices and cables in a
network?
A) Physical Topology B) Logical Topology
C) Hybrid Topology D) Mesh Topology

Page 26 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

2. Why is scalability an important consideration in system requirements?

A) It determines the physical size of the system
B) It assesses the system's ability to handle growth in workload or users
C) It focuses on minimizing software bugs
D) It defines the maximum storage capacity of the system
3. Which aspect is NOT typically considered when defining system requirements?
A) Hardware specifications
B) Software functionality
C) User interface design
D) Network compatibility
4. What role does stakeholder input play in the development of system requirements?
A) It has no impact on system requirements
B) It helps in determining the color scheme of the user interface
C) It is crucial for understanding user needs and expectations
D) It only influences the marketing strategy

Page 27 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Unit Two: Specify hardware and software

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
content coverage and topics:
 Architecture Requirements
 Evaluating various products and vendors
 Determining best IT solutions
 Requirement Capacity against Client Requirements
 System and application requirement
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page. Specifically,
upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Define Architecture Requirements
 Explain capacity and client’s requirements
 Identify system and application requirement

Page 28 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

2.1. Architecture Requirements

 Architecture has emerged as a crucial part of the design process.
 Software architecture encompasses the structures of large software systems.
 The architectural view of a system is abstract, distilling away details of
implementation, algorithm, and data representation and concentrating on the behavior
and interaction of "black box" elements.
 A software architecture is developed as the first step toward designing a system that
has a collection of desired properties.
 The software architecture of a program or computing system is the structure or
structures of the system, which comprise software elements, the externally visible
properties of those elements, and the relationships among them.
 Software architecture is a result of technical, business, and social influences.
 Its existence in turn affects the technical, business, and social environments that
subsequently influence future architectures
Good Architecture Rules
 Use information hiding to hide computing infrastructure
 Each module should protect its secrets with a good interface
 Use well-known architecture tactics to achieve quality attributes
 Minimize and isolate dependence on a particular version of a commercial product or
tool.
 Separate producer modules from consumer modules.
 For parallel-processing, use well-defined processes or tasks.
 Assignment of tasks or processes to processors should be easily changeable (even at
 runtime)
 Use a small number of simple interaction patterns
Evaluating various products and vendors

Page 29 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Evaluating products and vendors is a critical process that organizations undertake to make
informed decisions about the technologies and services they invest in.
 The evaluation process involves assessing various factors to determine the best fit for your
organization’s needs.

 General framework for evaluating products and vendors:

 Define Requirements: Clearly outline your organization’s needs and objectives.
Identify specific features, functionalities, and capabilities required. Consider both
short-term and long-term requirements.
 Research and Short list: Conduct market research to identify potential products and
vendors. Create a shortlist based on initial compatibility with your requirements.
Consider recommendations, reviews, and case studies.
 Technical Fit: Evaluate the technical fit of the product with your existing
infrastructure. Assess compatibility with operating systems, databases, and other
technologies. Consider integration capabilities.
 Scalability and Flexibility: Assess the scalability of the product to meet future growth.
Evaluate the flexibility of the solution to adapt to changing business needs.
 Vendor Reputation: Research the reputation of the vendor in the industry. Consider
factors such as reliability, financial stability, and customer satisfaction. Look for
customer reviews and testimonials.
 Cost and Licensing: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including upfront costs,
licensing, and ongoing expenses. Understand the pricing model and any hidden costs.
Consider the return on investment (ROI).
 Support and Maintenance: Assess the vendor’s support and maintenance offerings.
Evaluate the availability of technical support and the responsiveness of the vendor.
Understand the update and upgrade policies.
 Security and Compliance: Ensure the product meets security and compliance
standards relevant to your industry. Assess the vendor’s approach to data security.

Page 30 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Determining best IT solutions

 Determining the best IT solutions for your organization requires a systematic approach to
identify, evaluate, and select technologies that align with your business goals and
requirements.
 Understand Business Goals: Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand the
overarching business goals and objectives. Identify specific challenges or opportunities
where IT solutions can make a difference.
 Assess Current IT Landscape: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your existing
IT infrastructure, systems, and applications. Perform a SWOT analysis to identify
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
 Define Requirements: Engage with different departments to collect detailed
requirements. Categorize requirements into functional (features, capabilities) and non-
functional (performance, security) aspects.
 Prioritize Requirements: Prioritize requirements based on their importance to business
goals. Distinguish between “must-have” and “nice-to-have” features.
 Explore Technology Trends: Stay informed about emerging technologies relevant to
your industry. Consider how trends like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and
automation might address your business needs.
 Market Research: Identify potential IT solutions by researching the market. Consider
both well-established vendors and emerging players. Leverage industry reports, online
reviews, and recommendations.
 Request for Proposals (RFPs) or Quotes (RFQs): Develop RFPs or RFQs to gather
detailed information from vendors. Clearly articulate your requirements and
expectations. Evaluate responses based on criteria such as functionality, scalability, and
cost.
 Vendor Evaluation: Evaluate vendors based on factors like reputation, financial
stability, and customer satisfaction. Consider the vendor’s experience in your industry.
Assess their support, training, and maintenance offerings.

Page 31 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

2.2. Requirement Capacity against Client Requirements

 Understanding client requirements:
 This involves analyzing the specific needs and expectations of your clients, such as
quality, cost, time, scope, etc.
 You should communicate with your clients regularly to understand their goals,
preferences, and feedback.
 You can use tools such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or questionnaires to gather
client information.
 Documenting internal capabilities:
 This involves assessing your organization’s resources, such as human capital,
technology, infrastructure, processes, etc.
 You should identify the strengths and weaknesses of your organization, as well as the
opportunities and threats in the external environment.
 You can use tools such as SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, or resource audit to evaluate
your internal capabilities.
 Conducting a gap analysis:
 This involves comparing your current state with your desired state, and identifying the
gaps or discrepancies between them.
 You should measure the performance of your organization against the client
requirements, and determine the root causes of the gaps.
 You can use tools such as fishbone diagram, Pareto chart, or root cause analysis to
conduct a gap analysis.

2.3. System and application requirement

System requirements
 These are the specifications and criteria that define the design and functionality of
a system, such as a computer, a network, or a device.
 System requirements describe the conditions necessary for the product to run, such
as hardware, software, network, and performance expectations.

Page 32 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 System requirements often indicate the minimum and the recommended

configuration for optimal product functionality.
Application requirements
 These are the specifications and criteria that define the design and functionality of
a software application, such as a web app, a mobile app, or a desktop app.
 Application requirements describe the features and capabilities of the product, such
as user interface, user experience, data management, security, compliance, and
scenarios.
 Application requirements help guide the development and ensure that the final
product meets the desired objectives and user needs.
Relationship between system and application requirements
 System and application requirements are interrelated and interdependent.
Application software needs system software to operate effectively.
 These programs require the support and functions of the system software to install
themselves onto the hardware.
 System software also provides services and resources for application software to
run smoothly and efficiently.
Importance of system and application requirements:
 System and application requirements are crucial for the success of any software
project.
 They provide a clear and detailed description of what the software will do and how
it will be expected to perform.
 They also serve as a communication point between all the stakeholders involved in
the software development process, such as developers, testers, customers, and
users.

Page 33 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Self-Check 2
Instruction: -Read all questions which given below and you to answer the correct one.
Part I. Say True for the correct or False for incorrect Statements
1.___ Hardware requirements specify the necessary physical components such as CPU,
memory, and storage for a software application to run.
2.___ Software requirements define the capabilities and characteristics that the hardware must
possess to support a particular software application.
3. ___Compatibility issues between software and hardware can lead to performance problems
and system instability.
4. ____Software requirements remain constant throughout the entire lifecycle of a system and do
not change over time

Part II. Multiple-Choice Questions:

1. Which of the following is a hardware component often specified in system requirements?
A) Operating System B) Database Software C) RAM D) Network Protocol
2. What do software requirements specify?
A) Physical components of the system B) User interface design
C) Functionalities and features of the software D) Network topology
3. Why is it important to consider hardware and software requirements during the development
and implementation of a system?
A) To increase marketing appeal
B) To ensure compatibility and optimal performance
C) To determine the color scheme of the user interface
D) To reduce system security risks

Page 34 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Unit Three: Conduct walk-through and compare/contrast expected performance

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
 Comparing requirement model
 Compare technical specifications and acceptance criteria
 Compare proposed venders offering
 Benchmarking requirement model
 Current industry standards and IT blueprint
 Expect future organizational requirements
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page. Specifically, upon
completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Define Requirements Model
 Explain Benchmarking requirement model

Page 35 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

3.1. Comparing requirement model

Requirements Modeling

 The technique of modeling requirements and solutions as they change through

collaborative work and cooperation is known as Requirements Modeling.
 You may ensure that your team satisfies the stakeholders’ exact requirements by employing
this approach of cross-functional, self-organizing teams.
 Requirements Modeling is a process of documenting, analyzing, and managing
Requirements.
 Requirements change throughout the project, so it is important to have a way to track them
and make sure everyone understands them.
 There are many tools and courses available to help you with Requirements Modeling.
 In this article, we will discuss what Requirements Modeling is, the different processes and
tools involved in Requirements Modeling, as well as some courses that can help you learn
more about Requirements Modeling.
 Requirements Modeling is the process of documenting, analyzing, and managing
Requirements.
 Requirements can be anything that a customer or user wants from a software system. They
can include functional requirements (what the system should do), non-functional
requirements (such as performance, security, etc.), as well as constraints (things that might
limit what the system can do).

Benefits of Requirements Modeling

 Requirements modeling will improve the clarity of your requirements. This may have a
profound influence on the success of your software projects.
 The following are some of the most significant advantages of adopting modern
requirements modeling and management systems:
 Creating simulations is a breeze
 Automatic document generation
 Automatics Test Conduction

Page 36 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Easy integration with development and testing tools

 Easy requirements change management

Requirements Modeling Important

 Requirements Modeling is important because it helps to ensure that the Requirements for
a project are well understood by everyone involved.
 It also helps to identify any potential risks or problems early on in the project, which can
save time and money later on.
 If you want to achieve quick, consistent, and continuous software delivery, then
requirements modeling is key.
 Even though this process might not give you clear-cut solutions, it will provide you with a
reliable guide for the end product.
 This way, your development team will have a stronger comprehension of the product and
how to develop it.
 Consequently, both developers and clients can voice any concerns they may have about the
product early on. By using this process from the beginning stages of planning, you can
present both your project stakeholders and customers with a comprehensive blueprint that
is easy to follow.
 If Requirements are not well understood, there is a risk that they will not be met. This can
lead to the project being delayed, over budget, or even canceled.
 In some cases, it can also lead to legal issues if the final product does not meet the
customer’s expectations.

Requirements Modeling Techniques

 There are many different tools that can be used for Requirements Modeling, depending on
the needs of the project.
 Some of the most popular requirements modeling tools include

Use Cases

Page 37 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 A use case is a description of how a user will interact with the system to achieve a
specific goal.
 Use cases can be used to capture functional requirements.
 Use cases depict the high-level functionalities that the system should be able to
perform.
User Stories:
 A user story is a short, simple description of a feature from the perspective of the
user. User stories can be used to capture both functional and non-functional
requirements.

Process Flow Diagrams:

 A process flow diagram shows how tasks are performed in a process. Process flow
diagrams can be used to capture both functional and non-functional requirements.
Activity Diagram
 This approach is used to address the whole business process or system process
which may be appropriate for all sorts of users depending on the requirement’s
being functional and the type being fundamental.
 This approach can only define the scope of a system or procedure, but it can’t help
with detailed impact analysis.
State Diagram
 A state diagram is a more detailed approach than a flow chart. Only the various
states of an object that passes through a process flow are depicted in a state
diagram when it comes to the system’s or procedure’s elements, or the process
itself.
 This element, according to this viewpoint, cannot be used directly in impact
analysis calculations.

Sequence Diagram

Page 38 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 This is more relevant for a technical user, especially when many processes are
underway.
 It visualizes how processes or objects interact during a scenario and depicts this in
a graphical way.
 This approach adds additional value to technical users since it can help them get
down to specific technological specifications.
 During the development phase, this technique is the most popular method for
requirement reference, owing to its usefulness.
Requirements Modeling Elements

Below are the different strategies of requirements modeling:

Flow Oriented Modeling – The data objects are transformed by the function as it is processed.
The Flow oriented elements are

 Data Flow Model – It is a graphical technique. It is used to represent information flow.

 Control Flow Model – Large class applications require control flow modeling.
 Control Specification – The state diagram in the control specification is a sequential
specification of the behavior.
 Process Specification – The process specification is used to describe all flow model
processes.
Class-based Modeling – Class-based modeling represents the object. The system manipulates the
operations.

The elements of the class-based model consist of the following:

 Classes – To figure out which classes to take, underline each noun or noun clause in
the text and enter it into the table.
 Attributes – Attributes are the data objects that define a class within the context of the
problem. For example, ’employee’ is a class consisting of the name, Id, department,
designation, and salary of the employee.
 Operations – The operations describe the actions of a thing.
Page 39 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1
Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Self-test 3
Instruction: Read the all question properly
Part I: True/False Statements
1. Requirements modeling is a one-time activity in the software development lifecycle.
2. Benchmarking requirement models involves comparing them to industry best practices to
identify areas for improvement.
3. Requirements modeling primarily focuses on documenting the final product features and
functionalities.
4. Benchmarking can be used to assess the performance and effectiveness of different
requirement modeling techniques.
Part II: Choose the correct answer from the given alternatives
1. Which of the following is a key benefit of using formal methods in requirements modeling?
A) Improved communication
B) Flexibility in documentation
C) Ease of implementation
D) Rigorous analysis and verification
2. In benchmarking requirement models, what is the main purpose of comparing against industry
standards?
A) To copy existing practices
B) To identify areas for improvement
C) To prove superiority
D) To ignore best practices
3. What is the main advantage of using use cases in requirements modeling?
A) Simplifies documentation
B) Focuses only on system functions
C) Captures user interactions and scenarios
D) Eliminates the need for testing

Page 40 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

3.2. Benchmarking requirement model

Over view of Benchmark
 Benchmarking is the systematic comparison of the performance of one firm against other
firms. More generally, it is comparison of production entities.
 The idea is that we compare entities that transform the same type of resources to the same
type of products and services.
 The production entities can be firms, organizations, divisions, industries, projects, decision
making units, or individuals. For convenience, we talk simply about the comparison of
firms.
 Benchmarking can be used in many different settings.
 It can be used to make intra-organizational comparisons, as when a headquarters wants to
promote costs efficiency in its different subunits.
 Benchmarking can be used to make longitudinal, panel, or dynamic comparisons, where
the performance of one or more firms in different time periods are compared. Such
comparisons are of considerable interests to economists and politicians since the
development of productivity is an important driver of welfare improvements.
Benchmarking requirement models
 Benchmarking is a process of comparing and measuring an organization’s performance
against industry best practices or standards.
 Benchmarking requirement models provide a structured approach to comparing and
improving various aspects of an organization’s processes, products, or services.
 The key components of a benchmarking requirement model are:
 Identification of Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define the specific
metrics and KPIs that are critical to the success of your organization or project. Metrics
may include cost efficiency, cycle time, quality, customer satisfaction, and other
relevant performance indicators.
 Selection of Benchmarking Partners: Identify organizations or projects that excel in the
chosen metrics. Benchmarking partners can be from the same industry or from
industries with similar processes.

Page 41 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

 Data Collection and Analysis: Gather data on the identified metrics from both your
organization and benchmarking partners. Analyze the data to understand performance
gaps and areas for improvement.
 Performance Gap Identification: Compare your organization’s performance against the
benchmarking partners. Identify performance gaps and areas where improvements are
needed.
 Best Practices Identification: Examine the practices and processes of benchmarking
partners that contribute to their superior performance. Identify best practices that can
be adapted and implemented in your organization.
 Goal Setting and Action Planning: Set realistic and achievable performance
improvement goals based on the benchmarking findings. Develop action plans to
implement identified best practices and improve performance.
 Implementation of Changes: Execute the action plans and incorporate the identified
best practices into your organization’s processes. Monitor progress and make
adjustments as needed.
 Continuous Monitoring and Feedback: Continuously monitor performance against
benchmarks. Collect feedback from stakeholders and make ongoing improvements to
maintain or enhance performance.
 Documentation and Communication: Document the benchmarking process, findings,
and implemented changes. Communicate the results and improvements to internal and
external stakeholders.
 Review and Update: Regularly review and update the benchmarking requirement
model to ensure it remains relevant to changing business environments and goals.
 Implementing a benchmarking requirement model can help organizations stay competitive,
drive innovation, and achieve continuous improvement.
 It is a dynamic process that requires commitment, collaboration, and a focus on learning from
others in the industry or related fields

Page 42 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Unit Four: Document and report on findings

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
 Preparing system infrastructure design plan
 Documenting and referring recommendations
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page. Specifically, upon
completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Describe system infrastructure design plan
 Document and refer recommendations

Page 43 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

4.1. Preparing system infrastructure design plan

 Systems development can generally be thought of as having two major components:
 Systems analysis and
 Systems design.
 System design is the process of planning a new business system or one to replace or
complement an existing system.
 But before this planning can be done, we must thoroughly understand the old system and
determine how computers can best be used to make its operation more effective.
 System analysis, then, is the process of gathering and interpreting facts, diagnosing
problems, and using the information to recommend improvements to the system.
Why is Design So Difficult?

 Design: Focuses on the solution domain

 The solution domain is changing very rapidly

 Halftime knowledge in software engineering: About 3-5 years

 Cost of hardware rapidly sinking

 Design knowledge is a moving target

 Design window: Time in which design decisions have to be made

The Scope of System Design
 Bridge the gap between a problem and an existing system in a manageable way
 Use Divide & Conquer:
 Identify design goals
 Model the new system design as a set of subsystems

Fig. 4.1 system existing design

Page 44 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Fig. 4.2 System Design Issues

4.2. Documenting and referring recommendations

 Documentation to establish a relationship between the business processes of a company
and its IT landscape.
 The aim is to analyze which hardware and software is required for which activities in the
business processes. With the help of this framework, "the two worlds" are connected in the
company.
 The connections and dependencies between business and IT are documented.
 With the help of this documentation, the following questions should be able to be analyzed:
 Which business processes are affected when which IT systems fail?
 Why should you invest in certain IT systems? Which business processes are affected?
Where is it worth investing?
 Which processes could be adapted to save IT systems? Which hardware could possibly
be switched off? Which software maintenance could be cancelled?
 Which systems represent a bottleneck in the IT infrastructure? Which systems should
therefore be made particularly available so that business processes are not affected or
are affected as little as possible in the event of failures?

Page 45 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Self-test 4
Instruction: Answer all question properly
Part I Say True or False
1.______ Documenting the system infrastructure is a one-time activity and does not require
updates once completed.
2.________Referring to documentation during the implementation phase is not essential, as the
development team should rely on their expertise.
3.________A system infrastructure design plan typically includes only technical specifications
and does not address non-functional requirements.
Part II Choose the correct Answer
1. Which of the following is a primary purpose of preparing a system infrastructure design plan?
a. Enhancing user experience b. Streamlining project management
c. Providing a blueprint for the technical architecture d. Conducting market research
2. When documenting the system infrastructure, what should be considered a best practice for
ensuring clarity and accessibility?
a. Use highly technical language to cater to technical audiences.
b. Include as much detail as possible to cover all potential scenarios.
c. Organize information logically and use clear, concise language.
d. Avoid including diagrams or visual aids to prevent confusion.

Page 46 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Reference
1. "The Practice of System and Network Administration" by Thomas A. Limoncelli,
Christina J. Hogan, and Strata R. Chalup
2. "Designing Data-Intensive Applications" by Martin Kleppmann
3. "Site Reliability Engineering: How Google Runs Production Systems" by Niall Richard
Murphy, Betsy Beyer, Chris Jones, and Jennifer Petoff
4. "Infrastructure as Code: Managing Servers in the Cloud" by Kief Morris:
5. "The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win" by
Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford
6. "The Art of Capacity Planning: Scaling Web Resources" by Arun Kejariwal and John
Allspaw
7. "Clean Architecture: A Craftsman's Guide to Software Structure and Design" by Robert
C. Martin

Page 47 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023

Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|48872687

Participants of this Module preparation

Organization/
No Name Qualification Field of Study Mobile number E-mail
Institution

1) Zerihun Abatae MSc ITM Sebata PTC 0911858358 [email protected]

2) Abebe Mintefa MSc ITM Ambo TVETC 0929362458 [email protected]

3) Endale Berekat BSc Computer Science M/G/M/B/P/T/C 0915439694 [email protected]

4) Yinebeb Tamiru BSc Computer Science APTC 0936325182 [email protected]

Page 48 of 51 Author/Copyright: Version - 1

Hardware and Networking Service Level- III
Ministry of Labor and Skills November, 2023
Downloaded by Dawit legesse h ([email protected])