Health Systems Inc Also Wants You To Create A Design Documen

Health Systems Inc Also Wants You To Create a Design Document About

Health Systems, Inc. also wants you to create a design document about how to build remote access to their organization. This assessment requires explaining how to design the Local Area Network (LAN) at a secondary branch site and discussing how it will interconnect through a Wide Area Network (WAN) to the main hospital site. For both the main hospital site LAN and the branch site LAN, you need to describe the location of routers and switches, the routing protocols used on each LAN and on the WAN, and the reasoning behind choosing specific switching, routing, and WAN transmission technologies and topology.

Additionally, you should describe the WAN technologies connecting the two LANs, including the specific technology used and the bandwidth offered. The design considerations should include the placement of network devices, the choice of routing protocols to ensure optimal performance and security, and the WAN topology to support reliable remote access. Clear, well-supported explanations backed by credible sources are required, with citations in APA format. The paper should be 2–4 pages, typed and double-spaced, using Times New Roman 12-point font, excluding the title page and references.

Paper For Above instruction

The design of a secure and efficient remote access infrastructure for Health Systems Inc. necessitates careful planning of both local and wide-area network components. The goal is to facilitate seamless communication between a main hospital site and a secondary branch while ensuring data security, high performance, and adaptability for future growth. To achieve this, the LANs at both locations must be meticulously designed alongside a robust WAN connection that interconnects them.

Designing the LAN at the Main Hospital Site

The main hospital's LAN should be centrally located within the facility, ensuring easy access to all departments and administrative units. The core of the LAN would consist of high-performance switches, such as managed Layer 2 switches, which facilitate efficient traffic management and security features. Routers positioned at the network perimeter will serve as gateways to the WAN, with redundancy to prevent downtime. The routers will host routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) to dynamically route data and adapt to network changes efficiently. Internal segments of the LAN can be divided into VLANs to segment healthcare applications, administrative functions, and guest access, enhancing security and traffic management.

Designing the LAN at the Branch Site

The secondary branch's LAN should mirror the main site in terms of device placement, with local switches connecting workstations, medical devices, and administrative nodes. Depending on size, a mix of unmanaged and managed switches can be utilized, with critical areas employing managed switches for security and VLAN implementation. Placement of the router at this site is crucial; it should be positioned to connect directly to the WAN link and include security features such as VPN endpoints and firewalls. Routing protocol selection at the branch should favor OSPF for consistency, allowing seamless communication to the main site and dynamic route management.

WAN Technology and Bandwidth

The connection between the main hospital and branch site should use a reliable, secure WAN technology. Given the hospital setting, a VPN over MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) or leased line such as a dedicated fiber optic WAN can be optimal. MPLS provides Quality of Service (QoS), essential for prioritizing critical healthcare data, and supports scalability. Bandwidth allocation depends on the expected data load; typical hospital branches require at least 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps to handle electronic medical records (EMR), imaging, and video consultations. The bandwidth must ensure low latency and high reliability, supporting real-time data transfer for critical applications.

Routing Protocols and Topology

Both LANs will utilize OSPF as the routing protocol due to its fast convergence and scalability. OSPF automatically detects topology changes and reroutes traffic, thus maintaining consistent connectivity. The WAN topology will likely be a point-to-point configuration, providing dedicated and secure links. Alternatively, a hub-and-spoke topology can be employed if multiple branch sites are involved, with the main hospital acting as the central hub. This topology simplifies management and enhances security, especially when leveraging VPN encryption over public internet connections.

Device Placement and Security Considerations

The routers at both locations should be placed at secure, central network points, physically protected against unauthorized access. Switch placement should ensure minimal latency and optimal cabling routes. All network devices should support ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) where applicable, simplifying device deployment. Security protocols such as IPsec VPN tunnels, firewall rules, and access controls must be implemented to safeguard sensitive health data, complying with regulations such as HIPAA.

Conclusion

The network architecture for Health Systems Inc. must integrate well-planned LANs at the main and branch sites with a strong WAN connection. The choice of high-performance managed switches, routers with dynamic routing protocols like OSPF, and a robust WAN technology such as MPLS or fiber optics ensures resilient and secure remote access. Proper placement of devices, appropriately scaled bandwidth, and comprehensive security measures are essential for operational excellence and compliance with healthcare standards. This holistic approach will enable the organization to maintain efficient communication, safeguard sensitive data, and support future expansions.

References

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