Designing A Secure And Efficient Network Infrastructure

Designing a Secure and Efficient Network Infrastructure for Bluesky Systems

Bluesky Systems is a software development company that requires an upgraded, secure, and compliant networking infrastructure to support its expanding operations across multiple locations. The current infrastructure relies on outdated Windows Server 2003 systems and insecure remote access via Cisco VPN, making it vulnerable to security breaches, system failures, and non-compliance with government security standards. As Bluesky prepares to incorporate a new site in Sierra Vista, the need for a robust, scalable, and secure network becomes imperative. This proposal outlines an integrated plan to modernize Bluesky’s network, encompassing a comprehensive Active Directory structure, improved IP management with DHCP, secure DNS namespace design, and deployment of Windows Server 2008. Additionally, it recommends a secure remote access solution, disaster recovery strategies, and an upgrade plan for workstations to Windows 7, ensuring the network aligns with best practices and governmental compliance requirements.

Paper For Above instruction

The existing Bluesky Network infrastructure faces several critical challenges that threaten its security, reliability, and compliance. The reliance on Windows Server 2003, along with outdated security measures such as unpatched systems and insecure VPN access, exposes the organization to vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. Furthermore, the current single domain structure with limited redundancy jeopardizes business continuity, especially with the upcoming addition of the Sierra Vista site. To address these issues, a multi-layered approach involving restructuring the Active Directory, deploying Windows Server 2008, implementing a resilient IP addressing scheme, and enhancing security protocols is essential. These improvements will not only bolster security and performance but will also ensure compliance with government standards, providing Bluesky with a stable foundation for future expansion.

Active Directory and Domain Configuration

The current single-domain, default OU structure should be reconfigured into a multi-domain forest with a clearly defined OU hierarchy to optimize management and security. A proposed architecture includes a dedicated Forest root domain named bluesky.gov, establishing a trusted relationship with subordinate domains for each site: tucson.bluesky.gov, phoenix.bluesky.gov, and sierra.bluesky.gov. This structure enhances administrative delegation and fault tolerance. The Forest root will host Schema Master, Domain Naming Master, and RID Master FSMO roles. Each site domain controller will run Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), ensuring compatibility with recent security features, and provide redundancy to meet high availability requirements. Trust relationships among domains will be two-way transitive, facilitating seamless resource sharing while maintaining security boundaries (Microsoft, 2021).

Diagrammatically, the organization’s forest can be represented as follows:

[bluesky.gov] (Forest Root)


/       |       \


[tucson.bluesky.gov]  [phoenix.bluesky.gov]  [sierra.bluesky.gov]

This configuration simplifies administration and bolsters security integrity across sites.

DHCP Configuration and IP Scheme

Automation of IP address assignment via DHCP is vital for managing organizational growth efficiently. The DHCP servers will reside on each primary server at each site, with Tucson holding the primary DHCP server, and Phoenix, Sierra Vista functioning as secondary servers. The IP schemes for each site should be organized within specified scopes:

  • Tucson: Scope 192.168.1.25 - 192.168.1.254 for client IPs, with reservations for critical servers (e.g., BlueskyDNS1, BlueskyData). Lease duration should be set to eight days to optimize IP utilization.
  • Phoenix and Sierra Vista: Similar scope ranges within their respective subnets, for example, 192.168.2.25 - 192.168.2.254 for Phoenix and 192.168.3.25 - 192.168.3.254 for Sierra Vista, maintaining consistency across sites.

DHCP options will include default gateways, subnet masks, DNS servers (BlueskyDNS1 and BlueskyDNS2), and domain name (bluesky.local). Relay agents will be configured to facilitate DHCP requests over VPN links, ensuring all remote sites receive proper configuration dynamically.

DNS Namespace and Server Deployment

The DNS namespace should be organized hierarchically as bluesky.local with subdomains for each site. BlueskyDNS1 will host the primary zone for internal name resolution, with secondary zones on BlueskyDNS2 for redundancy. The DNS servers' physical placement will ensure high availability: BlueskyDNS1 located in Tucson (primary), BlueskyDNS2 in Tucson as backup, and BlueskyPhoenix in Phoenix as both a domain controller and DNS server. This structure ensures DNS resolution continuity even during server or connectivity outages, supporting internal and external resolution needs (Microsoft, 2021).

Remote Access and Security Measures

Securing remote access is critical, especially for external users connecting to sensitive government data. The existing Cisco VPN infrastructure will be enhanced with VPN clients configured for certificate-based authentication, leveraging Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) with certificates. This improves security by eliminating username/password vulnerabilities. Network Access Policy (NAP) controls will be implemented to enforce compliance before granting access, including checks for endpoint security posture such as anti-malware status and OS patch level (Cisco, 2022). Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be integrated to further bolster remote access security.

Additionally, establishing a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for publicly accessible services will isolate internal resources from external threats. Firewall policies on Cisco ASA devices will be tightened to allow only necessary traffic, with Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) enabled for real-time threat detection.

Upgrading Workstations and Application Deployment

All client workstations will be upgraded to Windows 7 Enterprise to support new security standards and improve management capabilities. The deployment process can be streamlined using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for automated image deployment, patch management, and software distribution. These tools will reduce operational overhead while ensuring consistency across all workstations. Additionally, with centralized Group Policy management, user permissions and software configurations can be enforced uniformly, improving security compliance and ease of management.

Business Continuity, Backup, and Disaster Recovery

To meet business continuity requirements, regular backups of server data, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP configurations, and critical applications will be scheduled using Windows Server Backup and System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM). Off-site backup storage and redundant server configurations will safeguard against site-specific failures. A disaster recovery plan will include detailed procedures for server restoration, failover testing, and recovery time objectives (RTO) of under four hours to minimize downtime.

Implementation of Virtual Machines (VMs) using Hyper-V will facilitate rapid deployment and scalability, allowing Bluesky to adapt various workload requirements efficiently.

Conclusion: Why Our Proposal is the Optimal Choice

Our comprehensive network upgrade plan addresses Bluesky’s current vulnerabilities while future-proofing the organization’s infrastructure. By transitioning to Windows Server 2008, restructuring Active Directory, and deploying resilient DHCP and DNS schemes, we establish a secure, manageable, and highly available network environment. The enhanced remote access solution, coupled with standardized workstation deployment, guarantees operational efficiency and security compliance. Our approach emphasizes risk mitigation, scalability, and alignment with government standards, setting Bluesky on a path toward a resilient, secure, and compliant IT infrastructure. Choosing our proposal ensures robust security, seamless user experience, and strategic growth, making us the trusted partner for Bluesky’s ongoing success.

References

  • Microsoft. (2021). Active Directory Domain Services Overview. Microsoft Docs. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/active-directory-domain-services
  • Cisco. (2022). VPN and Network Access Policy Configuration Guide. Cisco Systems. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security-vpn/vpn-client/116840-configure-vpn-policy.html
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2020). Guide to Securing Public Key Infrastructure. NIST Special Publication 800-32.
  • Krutz, R. L., & Vines, R. D. (2020). Cloud and Virtualization Security. Wiley.
  • Stallings, W. (2017). Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards. Pearson.
  • Microsoft. (2019). Planning for DNS in Windows Server 2016. Microsoft TechNet. https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831393.aspx
  • Howard, M., & Ford, M. (2022). Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT. IT Governance Publishing.
  • Gordon, R., Loesche, B., & Bissell, A. (2020). IT Security Risk Management: Practical Approaches. CRC Press.
  • Shinder, D., & Shinder, S. (2016). Implementing Windows Server 2016 Active Directory. Sybex.
  • Gibson, D., & Madsen, S. (2018). Virtualization for Dummies. Wiley.

Related Assignments