Designing A Network For LedGrafix: Requirements And Planning

Designing a Network for LedGrafix: Requirements and Planning

In this project, you are tasked with designing a comprehensive network for LedGrafix, a rapidly expanding video and PC game design company moving into a new facility in Phoenix, AZ. The company’s goal is to develop a secure, reliable, scalable, and high-performance network capable of supporting its growing workforce across multiple departments. The project involves creating a detailed network design, a physical layout diagram, and a complete hardware and software inventory to meet the specified requirements.

The primary requirements include accommodating 62 users across various departments: Accounting and Payroll (4 users), Research and Development (12 users), Sales and Marketing (10 users), Order Processing, Shipping, and Receiving (14 users), Secretarial and Office Management staff (4 users), Upper Management including President, Vice President, and General Manager (10 users), Customer Relations and Support (6 users), and Technology Support (2 users). The network must provide a full T-1 Internet connection for high-speed connectivity, ensuring robust access for all users and departmental needs. Additionally, the network should be designed with security and maintainability in mind, enabling the company to support rapid growth and adaptation as their needs evolve.

Network Design Strategy

The network design begins with understanding the physical layout of the facility to determine optimal placement of network devices such as routers, switches, and servers. A logical topology should be deployed to separate departmental traffic to enhance security and performance. For this purpose, a star topology centered around a core switch connected to departmental switches is optimal. Each department will have a dedicated VLAN to manage traffic segregation effectively.

To support 62 users, the network must incorporate scalable infrastructure. High-quality enterprise switches that support VLAN segmentation and Quality of Service (QoS) policies will be essential. Routers with adequate bandwidth and security features will connect the LAN to the Internet via a T-1 line, providing reliable and fast external connectivity. Firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) should be integrated to secure the network perimeter.

On the server side, dedicated servers will support domain management, file sharing, application hosting, and security functions (antivirus, backup, etc.). Considering security, implementing secure wireless access points with WPA3 encryption will facilitate flexible connectivity for wireless devices while safeguarding data. The network should also include sufficient ports and cabling infrastructure to support future expansion.

Physical Layout Diagram

Using a drawing application, a physical network diagram will depict the placement of all key devices, including the main internet gateway, firewall, routers, switches, servers, workstations, and wireless access points. The diagram should illustrate logical connections, VLAN segregation, and physical cabling routes within the facility — for example, depicting server rooms, office areas, conference rooms, and IT support zones. This layout ensures efficient cable management and ease of maintenance, with the placement of critical infrastructure prioritized for security and accessibility.

Hardware and Software Inventory

The inventory lists essential hardware components and software applications needed to operate the network efficiently. Hardware items include enterprise-grade switches supporting VLANs, high-capacity routers with security features, servers (domain controller, file, email, application), firewalls, wireless access points, desktop computers, laptops, printers, scanners, and peripherals such as backup units and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

Software inventory encompasses operating systems such as Windows Server for servers and Windows 10/11 or macOS for user workstations, as well as server applications including Active Directory, file sharing services, and email systems like Microsoft Exchange. Security suites should include enterprise antivirus and anti-malware tools, along with network management and monitoring software (e.g., SolarWinds or Nagios). Office productivity applications like Microsoft Office 365, specialized multimedia or game development tools, and developer tools—possibly custom or hypothetical—must also be documented to streamline deployment and support.

Security and Maintenance Considerations

Security is integral to the design, incorporating physical security measures, network access controls, VLAN segmentation, and robust firewall policies. Regular updates, patches, antivirus definitions, and ongoing monitoring will maintain network integrity. For maintenance, a detailed documentation of hardware configurations, IP schemes, and software licenses will facilitate troubleshooting and upgrades. Implementing backup solutions, such as off-site cloud storage and redundant hardware, guarantees high availability and disaster recovery preparedness.

Conclusion

This network design for LedGrafix ensures a robust, secure, scalable, and high-performance infrastructure tailored to support a creative and rapidly growing game development company. By carefully balancing technological needs with security and future expansion, the design supports LedGrafix's strategic goals and operational efficiency in their new facility.

References

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