Enterprise-Scale Network Simulation for Multi-Branch Organization

Jun 1 / Endri Stafa
Enterprise-Scale Network Simulation is a comprehensive Packet Tracer project created as a final assignment for a Network Engineering course. It simulates a realistic multi-branch company network with a scalable, secure, and fully routed infrastructure. The project aims to demonstrate the application of networking concepts such as VLAN segmentation, dynamic routing, IP addressing, redundancy, and inter-branch communication within a large-scale enterprise environment. This hands-on simulation showcases the design and configuration of a network that includes multiple departments (e.g., HR, IT, Finance), inter-VLAN routing, remote site connectivity via WAN, and services like DHCP, DNS, FTP, and access control lists (ACLs) to manage security.

Project Goals

  • Design and implement a hierarchical and modular network for a fictional company with 3 branches and a central Head Office.
  • Configure VLANs, routing protocols, security policies, and redundancy mechanisms.
  • Ensure end-to-end connectivity, optimal routing, and scalable subnetting.
  • Simulate typical enterprise services such as file sharing, web hosting, and centralized DHCP/DNS.

Tools & Technologies Used

  • Cisco Packet Tracer (Network Simulation & Testing)
  •  Switches & Routers (Layer 2 & Layer 3 Configuration)
  • Protocols: OSPF (for dynamic routing), VLANs, STP, ACLs
  • Services: DHCP, DNS, FTP, Web Server, NAT
  • CLI Configuration: Cisco IOS commands
  • Documentation: GNS3 (design sketch), Draw.io, Markdown (network diagrams and documentation)

Network Architecture

  • Head Office with core router, multilayer switches, and server farm
  • 3 Remote Branches connected via serial WAN links and static/dynamic routing
  • VLANs for each department with Inter-VLAN Routing enabled
  • Redundancy using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
  • IP Subnetting Plan for efficient address allocation and future scalability
  • Access Control Lists to restrict access between sensitive departments

Configuration Highlights

  • Implemented OSPF for dynamic, scalable routing across all branches  
  • Deployed DHCP server in the head office to allocate IP addresses network-wide  
  • Configured ACLs to block unauthorized traffic between VLANs  
  • Used Port Security and STP to mitigate Layer 2 threats  
  • Simulated Web and FTP servers for testing application-layer services  
  • Enabled NAT for internet access simulation in one branch  

Key Results & Insights

  • Achieved 100% connectivity across branches with stable routing tables
  • Verified inter-VLAN communication and successful ACL policy enforcement
  • Ensured redundancy by disabling one switch path and confirming automatic failover
  • Demonstrated secure and organized departmental segmentation via VLANs

Learning Outcomes

  • Mastered Cisco CLI commands for advanced switch and router configuration  
  • Gained real-world experience in designing complex, scalable network topologies  
  • Understood practical implementation of routing protocols, NAT, ACLs, and DHCP  
  • Strengthened documentation, troubleshooting, and network design presentation skills

Project Assets

📂 Cisco Packet Tracer (.pkt) File

 

📸 Network Diagram PDF

 

📄 Technical Documentation & CLI Configs


Endri Stafa - Data -Network Engineering Student