Analysis Plan For SNHU Energy Inc. Network Architecture Expa

Analysis Plan for SNHUEnergy Inc. Network Architecture Expansion

Identify the network applications that are a part of the current network.

Identify and label the components of the network with the appropriate OSI network layer(s) (refer to Final Project Physical Diagram - Current file).

Provide a nontechnical description of the role and functions of key components, including routers, switches, and firewalls.

Provide a brief analysis of the current network configuration in terms of day-to-day business operations.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

SNHUEnergy Inc. is at a pivotal stage of technological evolution, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its current network infrastructure to facilitate future scalability and security enhancements. The organization's current network architecture integrates various applications and hardware components designed to support its business operations across two main offices—Dallas and Memphis. Analyzing these elements from both technical and functional perspectives informs strategic decisions for network expansion aligned with organizational growth and operational stability.

Current Network Applications

Within SNHUEnergy Inc., various applications form the backbone of daily business activities. These include email communication systems, payroll processing, accounting software, human resources services, billing operations, and operational management tools. The Dallas office, housing 90 employees, supports multiple applications necessary for organizational functions, including VoIP-based phone systems and video conferencing capabilities that facilitate internal and external communication. Conversely, the Memphis office, with 30 employees, primarily engages with billing operations, also utilizing VoIP and video conferencing tools to maintain inter-office connectivity.

Network Components and OSI Model Layers

The physical network infrastructure comprises routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and endpoints such as employees' computers and VoIP phones. In the logical design, routers serve as nodes at Layer 3 (Network layer), directing traffic between different network segments and remote locations, such as Dallas and Memphis. Switches operate primarily at Layer 2 (Data Link layer), managing data flow within local subnetworks, ensuring efficient communication among devices like computers, printers, and VoIP phones. Firewalls are positioned at the network boundary, primarily functioning at Layer 4 (Transport layer) or higher, to monitor and filter inbound and outbound traffic, providing security against unauthorized access. End-user devices like computers and VoIP phones functioning at Layer 7 (Application layer) directly interact with applications like email and video conferencing tools, enabling business communication and operations.

Roles and Functions of Key Network Components

Routers are critical for interconnecting distinct networks, such as linking the Dallas and Memphis offices through the Internet. They operate by analyzing IP addresses, making decisions on packet forwarding, and ensuring data reaches its intended destination efficiently. Switches facilitate intra-office communication by creating a network of connected devices, restricting data traffic to relevant recipients and preventing unnecessary congestion. Firewalls serve as gatekeepers, inspecting data packets based on security policies to prevent cyber threats and unauthorized access, thereby safeguarding organizational assets. Network endpoints like computers and VoIP phones are the primary tools used by employees to perform daily tasks, relying on the network's stability and security for seamless operation.

Analysis of the Current Network Configuration

The existing network setup supports daily business functions but presents certain vulnerabilities and operational considerations. The Dallas office's robust setup with multiple switches, firewalls, and redundant internet connectivity ensures high availability for critical applications like payroll and HR services. The Memphis office's relatively simpler configuration, lacking firewalls, introduces security risks but may suffice given its smaller size and scope of operations.

Connectivity between Dallas and Memphis is vital for operational synchronization. The current reliance on routers at both locations, connected via the internet, means any failure in these routers could result in significant disruption, impacting applications that require inter-office communication, such as billing and operational reporting. The absence of redundant routing or failover mechanisms could exacerbate these issues, risking prolonged outages.

Firewalls are effectively deployed at the Dallas site, defending against external threats, but the Memphis office lacks a dedicated firewall, which could expose sensitive data to cyber threats. The centralized security model may be insufficient if threats originate internally or from less protected endpoints.

The network design's overall effectiveness is aligned with daily operational needs, yet it warrants an evaluation of security measures and redundancy protocols. Enhancing firewall deployment and adopting resilient routing protocols would mitigate risks associated with connectivity disruptions, ensuring continuity in business processes.

Conclusion

The current network architecture of SNHUEnergy Inc. effectively supports core business operations across its offices but reveals areas for strategic improvement. Comprehensively understanding the network applications, their placement within the OSI model, and the roles of hardware components ensures a robust foundation for planned expansion. Emphasizing security and resilience through improved firewall placement and redundant pathways will secure organizational data and enhance operational continuity as the company scales. This analysis underscores the importance of aligning technical infrastructure with business objectives, guiding future network design decisions to support SNHUEnergy Inc.'s growth trajectory.

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