Re: List of a useful tools for network architects

[Garret Picchioni <garret () picchioni org>]

Paul,
My biggest tool is a couple extra sets of eyes.  A fresh look from the 
outside by someone else is going to be the biggest help.  Pen and Paper 
(or Visio w/ Icons 
http://packetlife.net/media/library/33/Cisco_Marketing_Icons.zip)

I personally like using network simulators to try out different ideas. 
I'm a fan of packet tracer for those who have been through the Cisco 
Academy.  The config options aren't *too* extensive, but the basics are 
there to help with a few sanity checks.

Garret

On 6/21/2010 2:20 PM, Pavel Dimow wrote:
> And how do you feel when client tell you that you don't have a
> connection from SW-476 to SW-145?
> "Well you see, there are plenty of boxes out there (couple hundreds)
> you don't expect that everything must be perfect right? Anyhow I was
> very tired that day...."
>
> The point is, I am not looking for a program that will design the
> network instead of me, just a little sanity check.
>
> I agree that head, whiteboard, marker, sharp pencil :) are very
> valuable but those were on my list anyway :)
>
> On Mon, Jun 21, 2010 at 10:18 PM, Jens Link<lists () quux de>  wrote:
> > Pavel Dimow<paveldimow () gmail com>  writes:
> >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > I am wondering what tools you consider most valuable when designing big
> > > network from scratch or perform a migration?
> >
> > White board and a digital camera to document the drawings. Pen and paper
> > are also a very important tool.
> >
> > > For example I would like to know is there a tool that will perform
> > > basic sanity checks like network equipment without redundant link or
> > > without link at all...
> >
> > Well there is my head and a couple of years experience. ;-)
> >
> > > I know that the one who design a network have to consider all this
> > > issues but some automatic check will save some time for sure...
> >
> > Discuss your design with others. There is always more than one way to
> > design a network.
> >
> > Jens
> > --
> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > | Foelderichstr. 40   | 13595 Berlin, Germany    | +49-151-18721264     |
> > | http://blog.quux.de | jabber: jenslink () guug de | -------------------  |
> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------