Design A Network Telecommunications Upgrade For Lafleur

Design A Network Telecommunications Upgrade For The Lafleur T

Design A Network Telecommunications Upgrade For The Lafleur T

Develop a comprehensive plan to upgrade the network and telecommunications system for LaFleur Trading Company. The current infrastructure relies on Windows Server 2003, with a Cisco 2811 router and a smart switch bank capable of 200 connections. The goal is to enhance security, enable remote access, improve communication, and ensure efficient operations. The plan should consider integrating UNIX or Linux systems, address necessary hardware and software changes, and incorporate security measures such as firewalls and protected access. The proposed network must support secure internal communication, external email, web and intranet access, remote access for key personnel, and effective telephony solutions, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness and scalability.

Paper For Above instruction

Designing a comprehensive telecommunications and network upgrade for LaFleur Trading Company necessitates careful analysis of the existing infrastructure, user needs, security requirements, and future scalability. The current network, based on outdated Windows Server 2003 systems, presents limitations in security, functionality, and compatibility. To address these issues, a layered approach encompassing hardware upgrades, software enhancements, security fortifications, and strategic infrastructure changes is essential.

Assessment of Current Infrastructure

The existing network includes three Core2 Duo Processor E6320 servers, a Cisco 2811 router, and a smart switch bank that supports 200 connections. The servers host vital applications such as the web server and customer database, with network connections managed through T1 links. The legacy Windows 2003 server environment, although operational, lacks recent patches and updates, exposing vulnerabilities and incompatibilities. The proximity of the server room to the CIO’s office facilitates management but also underscores the importance of physical and network security.

Identifying Business Needs and Objectives

To create a resilient, scalable, and secure network, several key business functions must be prioritized:

  • Shared access to customer order databases to ensure accurate inventory and order fulfillment.
  • Real-time monitoring of deliveries for operational efficiency.
  • Secure internal and external email communication for all employees.
  • Web access and intranet services for staff and stakeholders, with appropriate safeguards.
  • Remote access capabilities for executives, sales teams, and delivery personnel.
  • Cost-effective telephony solutions, possibly integrating Voice over IP (VoIP).
  • Robust firewall and internet gateway security to prevent unauthorized access and cyber threats.
  • Protection of corporate and customer data through encryption and access controls.

Proposed Infrastructure Changes

To meet these objectives, the network upgrade plan involves both hardware and software components:

Integration of UNIX/Linux Systems

Introducing UNIX or Linux servers as part of the network enhances security due to their inherent stability and reduced vulnerability to malware. These systems could host critical applications like databases or web services, providing redundancy and load balancing. The adoption of Linux also reduces licensing costs and facilitates customization to meet specific security policies.

Server and Network Hardware Upgrades

Replacing the Windows Server 2003 with current Windows Server editions (such as Windows Server 2019 or 2022) is critical for security and compatibility. Supplementing or replacing the Cisco 2811 router with more modern units that support advanced security features, IPv6, and higher throughput is necessary. Network switches should be upgraded to managed switches supporting VLAN segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS), and Power over Ethernet (PoE) for VoIP.

Enhancement of Security Measures

Implementing firewalls with deep packet inspection, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and virtual private network (VPN) for remote access ensures secure connectivity for remote employees. Deploying encryption protocols for emails (e.g., S/MIME or PGP), HTTPS for web applications, and secure Wi-Fi access points protects data in transit. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security for accessing sensitive systems.

Support for Telecommunication and Remote Access

Adopting VoIP solutions integrates telephony and internet services, reducing costs and increasing flexibility. For remote access, a VPN infrastructure enables secure connections for traveling or telecommuting staff. Access controls and role-based permissions guarantee that employees only access relevant data and applications.

Supporting Web and Intranet Services

Implementing a secure intranet ensures quick, safe access to internal documents and resources. A dedicated web server with SSL/TLS certificates guarantees secure web transactions. Firewall configurations and network segmentation prevent unauthorized external access to sensitive internal systems.

Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability

The proposed upgrades aim to balance cost and future growth. Use of open-source Linux systems, virtualization to optimize hardware utilization, and scalable cloud solutions for hosting web and email services can significantly reduce long-term expenses and enable incremental expansion.

Implementation Considerations

Phase-wise deployment minimizes operational disruption, with initial focus on security enhancements and hardware upgrades, followed by software migrations and remote access configurations. Staff training on new systems and security policies is vital for user adoption and maintaining security integrity.

Benefits to Stakeholders

Employees gain reliable, secure access to resources and communication tools, improving productivity. Management benefits from real-time data monitoring and enhanced security measures to protect corporate assets. Customers experience seamless, secure interactions via web and email channels, boosting trust and satisfaction. Overall, the upgraded network fosters operational efficiency, security, and scalability, positioning LaFleur Trading Company for future growth.

Conclusion

The network upgrade plan integrates modern hardware, robust security protocols, and middleware enhancements, fulfilling business needs while optimizing costs. Emphasizing security, remote access, and efficiency, this comprehensive approach ensures LaFleur Trading Company remains competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

References

  • FitzGerald, J., & Dennis, A. (2019). Systems Analysis and Design (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Stallings, W. (2021). Network Security Essentials (6th ed.). Pearson.
  • Odom, W. (2020). Cisco Networking Simplified. Cisco Press.
  • Hagen, J. (2018). Linux Security Fundamentals. O'Reilly Media.
  • Rouse, M. (2022). VPN explained. TechTarget. https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/virtual-private-network
  • Brewster, T. (2017). VoIP Security. SANS Institute.
  • Scarfone, K., & Mell, P. (2007). Guide to Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS). NIST.
  • Microsoft. (2023). Windows Server documentation. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/
  • Cisco. (2023). Cisco Security Solutions. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/index.html
  • ISO/IEC 27001. (2013). Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements. International Organization for Standardization.

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