CIS225 Networking II Unit 2 Lab Assignment 2 Planning A Netw

Cis225 Networking Iiunit 2 Lab Assignment 2planning A Network Topo

Draw a network. Demonstrate your current knowledge of networking as compared to the knowledge at the beginning of Networking I. Scenario: The Smallish Company has 20-30 people in each of three networks and a separate network for the IT servers and services needing 6 nodes. Additionally, the southern branch office has 14 employees and there needs to be a dialup connection to the home office. Requirements: All offices need internet connections. All network services should be as automated as possible. Choose a topology. Choose a Network OS. Choose a Network Addressing Scheme. The network should be labeled with Servers, IP Addresses. Determine what you might do to secure the network. Create a plan/proposal to meet the Smallish Company’s needs. Draw the topology using Smartdraw, Visio, Paint, or any other type of graphic utility that you have. Be creative!

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires designing a comprehensive network topology for the Smallish Company, emphasizing efficient planning, security, and automation. This process involves selecting an appropriate topology, operating system, and addressing scheme to meet the company's needs. Given the company's structure — three regional networks and a separate server network, with an additional branch office— a logical topology must ensure seamless communication, scalability, and security.

To start, the selection of a network topology should favor a scalable and reliable design. A star topology is often suitable for small to medium-sized organizations because it centralizes control around a switch or hub, simplifying management and security (Leung et al., 2020). Alternatively, a hierarchical or hybrid topology combining star and bus features could be beneficial to accommodate expansion without disruption. For this scenario, a star or hierarchical topology is advisable to ensure robust connectivity, especially with multiple sites and a separate server network.

The choice of Network Operating System (NOS) plays a crucial role in managing network resources efficiently. For this setup, a versatile and enterprise-grade NOS such as Windows Server or a Linux-based server OS like Ubuntu Server would be appropriate. Windows Server provides comprehensive management tools, Active Directory services, and security features, making it suitable for organizations with Windows-based client systems (Microsoft, 2021). Linux offers stability, security, and customization but may require more technical expertise. Given the company's scope and need for automation, Windows Server is a practical choice, facilitating centralized administration, security policies, and network services.

Defining a network addressing scheme is essential for organization, scalability, and security. A private IP addressing scheme using IPv4 CIDR notation, such as 192.168.0.0/16, allows ample address space. Subnetting can allocate segmented ranges for each network: for example, 192.168.1.0/24 for the main office, 192.168.2.0/24 for the branch office, and 192.168.3.0/24 for the server network. This segmentation simplifies management and enhances security by limiting broadcast domains and isolating network segments (Odom, 2018). Assigning static IP addresses to servers and network infrastructure ensures consistent access and easier management, while Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) can allocate addresses to client devices.

Security is paramount. Strategies include implementing robust firewall policies, VLAN segmentation, VPNs for remote connectivity, and regular software updates. For instance, deploying a enterprise-grade firewall (such as Cisco ASA or pfSense) can control inbound and outbound traffic, while VLANs can separate user groups, servers, and management networks, reducing broadcast traffic and containing potential threats (Scarfone & Mell, 2012). To secure remote dial-up connections, strong authentication protocols like RADIUS or MFA should be used, combined with encrypted tunnels such as VPNs.

Automation of network services can be achieved through centralized management tools. For example, using Windows Server's Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce security policies, deploying network monitoring tools like Nagios or SolarWinds for real-time oversight, and configuring automated updates help maintain network health and security. Additionally, employing SNMP-based management allows for proactive problem resolution and network configuration adjustments (Zhao et al., 2020).

In conclusion, the plan involves choosing a star or hierarchical topology managed by Windows Server OS, implementing a structured IP scheme with subnets for different office locations, and securing the network through firewalls, VLANs, VPNs, and authentication protocols. Automation tools will help streamline management, ensure security, and accommodate future expansion. Visualization of this design through diagrams created in Visio or SmartDraw will enhance understanding and implementation readiness. Overall, the plan aims to provide a reliable, scalable, and secure network aligned with the Smallish Company's operational needs and growth projections.

References

• Leung, C., Lee, K., & Chan, W. (2020). Network Topologies and Their Application in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 151, 102479.
• Microsoft Corporation. (2021). Windows Server Documentation. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/
• Odom, W. (2018). CCNA Routing and Switching 200-125 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.
• Scarfone, K., & Mell, P. (2012). Guide to Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS). NIST Special Publication, 800-94.
• Zhao, L., Zhou, J., & Chen, X. (2020). Automation and Management of Network Security Using Centralized Network Management Tools. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 22(1), 462-478.