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Thoroughly examines the network design of the selected business and comprehensively explains the effectiveness and efficiency of the design. Recommends a network design which supports the decisions and operation of the selected company. Distinguishes probable implications of the text for contexts, perspectives, or issues outside the assigned task or beyond the author's explicit message. Utilizes a format, language, or graph (or other visual representation) in ways that enhance comprehension, making clear the interdependence of language and meaning, thought, and expression. Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page. The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas, with all sources cited correctly within the text and included in the reference list.

Paper For Above instruction

In an increasingly interconnected world, the design of a company's network infrastructure plays a crucial role in ensuring operational efficiency, security, and scalability. This paper examines the network design of a fictitious retail business, "Ashford Outfitters," to evaluate its effectiveness and recommend enhancements aligned with the company's strategic objectives.

Ashford Outfitters operates multiple retail outlets complemented by an online shopping platform. Its network architecture primarily comprises Local Area Networks (LANs) within each store, interconnected through a Wide Area Network (WAN) that links the brick-and-mortar locations to a central data center. The data center hosts enterprise applications, inventory management systems, customer databases, and cloud services supporting e-commerce operations. The network employs primarily Ethernet-based wired connections within stores, backed by Wi-Fi for mobility and customer access, and utilizes Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to secure remote access for employees.

The effectiveness of this network design is evident in its capacity to support high transaction volumes, facilitate real-time data synchronization across outlets, and enable remote access for staff and management. The LAN configurations within stores incorporate managed switches and wireless access points, ensuring reliable connectivity and ease of management (Bradley & Smith, 2020). The WAN employs secure VPN tunnels over broadband internet, providing cost-effective yet secure connectivity between locations (Johnson et al., 2021). Cloud integration allows the company to scale resources as demand fluctuates, aiding in disaster recovery and business continuity.

However, certain aspects of the network could be optimized. For instance, upgrades to the wireless infrastructure could incorporate the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, offering higher speeds, reduced latency, and better support for multiple devices simultaneously (Kim & Lee, 2022). Implementing Software-Defined Networking (SDN) could enhance network management, allowing centralized control, improved security, and streamlined traffic routing (Ali et al., 2019). Furthermore, adopting Zero Trust Security models, which assume no actor or device is inherently trusted, could significantly bolster security, particularly given the rising sophistication of cyber threats targeting retail businesses (Smith & Roesener, 2020).

From a strategic standpoint, the proposed enhancements would support Ashford Outfitters' expansion plans, including opening new stores and increasing e-commerce capacity. The integration of cloud services and SDN technologies would facilitate scalable and flexible operations, accommodating future growth without extensive overhauls. Additionally, prioritizing cybersecurity measures, such as multi-factor authentication and continuous monitoring, is vital to safeguard sensitive customer and corporate data (Williams et al., 2021).

In conclusion, the current network design of Ashford Outfitters demonstrates key attributes facilitating operational effectiveness. Nonetheless, embracing emerging technologies like Wi-Fi 6, SDN, and Zero Trust Security would bolster its resilience, agility, and security. These improvements align with the company's goals to expand its footprint and enhance customer experience in an increasingly digital retail environment.

References

  • Ali, S., Hussain, S., & Ahmed, N. (2019). Software-defined networking: A review and research directions. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 127, 42-54.
  • Bradley, R., & Smith, J. (2020). Modern LAN design for retail environments. International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 18(3), 205-220.
  • Johnson, L., Patel, R., & Martinez, D. (2021). Secure WAN configurations for small to medium enterprises. Security Journal, 34, 1-19.
  • Kim, H., & Lee, S. (2022). The impact of Wi-Fi 6 on retail wireless networks. IEEE Communications Magazine, 60(4), 52-58.
  • Smith, R., & Roesener, H. (2020). Zero Trust Security: Strategies for modern enterprise networks. Cybersecurity Review, 12(2), 33-45.
  • Williams, P., Chen, M., & Abbas, S. (2021). Cybersecurity best practices for retail networks. Journal of Information Security, 16(1), 77-92.

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