3. Definition of Requirements

In some senses, the definition of requirements, phase 1, is the most critical phase in the network design process, yet this phase is frequently shortchanged. Too often, we are in a hurry to solve a business problem or to close a sale to a customer. We think we understand the answer before we have properly formulated the question.

Every network design must flow organically from business or organizational needs. In the definition of requirements phase, we seek to identify these needs and to abstract them into quantitative terms that a designer can deal with—nothing more and nothing less.

We designers tend to enjoy the engineering and mathematical aspects of the job. Definition of requirements is largely a business ...

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