# Enhancing Data Security Through VLSM Subnetting and TCP/IP Model in an ENT
## 3 Methodology
### Network Devices  
**Switches:** The Cisco 2960-24 TT-L is a 24-port fast Ethernet switch designed for affordable managed connectivity. It is a layer two switch that provides 24 100 Base-T Ethernet ports along with an additional two 1000 Base-T Ethernet uplinks. These switches are designed for small- to medium-sized businesses or branch office environments where advanced features such as Gigabit Ethernet are not necessary. These switches come with a predetermined and unchangeable number of ports and interfaces. They are plug-and-play and require minimal configuration. The 2960-24 TT-L runs on Cisco's Internetwork Operating System software, supporting Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritise network traffic and ensure critical optimal performance of critical operations. These switches offer a couple of security benefits such as port security, DHCP snooping, and IP Source Guard. This switch may be configured through the Command Line Interface (CLI). This switch is useful for demonstration purposes and of its own does not support stacking. To create a stack of switches to accommodate more devices, stacking modules and cables, along with compatible switch models that support stacking, are needed.  
**Routers:** The Cisco 2901 is a model of the Cisco Integrated Services Router (ISR) series. This router is designed to support small- to medium-sized businesses, enterprise branch offices, and other deployments where high-performance routing and security are required. It supports routing, switching, security, and VPNs.  
This router provides both interfaces and expansion slots for connecting to different network types and integrating additional modules. It includes built-in Ethernet ports, WAN interfaces, and expansion slots for adding modules such as voice interface cards (VICs), WAN interface cards (WICs), or network modules (NMs). It supports features such as firewall, intrusion prevention, Virtual Private Network (VPN), and secure connectivity options to help ensure secure communication and data privacy. This router runs on Cisco's IOS software, which provides a rich set of features and capabilities for network management, configuration, and operations. The IOS software is modular and allows users to customise the router's functionality based on specific requirements. The 2901 is designed to allow for smooth integration with existing network infrastructure and may be adapted to changing business needs. It supports various routing protocols, QoS features, and advanced networking technologies to ensure optimal performance and reliability.  
**Wireless Router:** The WRT300N is a wireless router model from Linksys, a subsidiary of Cisco Systems. It is based on the Wireless-N (802.11n) standard and thus offers an enhanced wireless performance, range, and speed when compared to previous wireless standards such as 802.11g. It supports data rates of up to 300 Mbps, is not dual band (i.e., it does not support simultaneous operation in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands) but has support for extended wireless coverage and improved signal strength, hence is suitable for various home and small office environments. The WRT300N offers a range of security features to protect the wireless network such as WPA/WPA2 encryption, Stateful Packet Inspection firewall, and MAC address filtering. These security features ensure a secure and reliable wireless connectivity. Though designed as a wireless router, it provides Ethernet ports for wired connectivity to devices such as computers, printers, or other networking equipment. The WRT300N router can be configured and managed through a web-based interface, allowing users to customise settings, manage the wireless network, and monitor device status and performance. The WRT300N firmware must be updated regularly to ensure optimal performance, security, and compatibility with the latest networking standards and technologies.