IT Development: Adding 3 New File Servers By Mario Ji 359225

It Development Adding 3 New File Serversby Mario Jimenezin This Pres

Identify the assignment prompt: Analyze the project of adding three new file servers to an internal network, including project background, objectives, feasibility assessment, solution alternatives, resource allocation, and current project status.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The rapid expansion of organizational data and network users necessitates the enhancement of existing IT infrastructure to ensure reliable, efficient, and secure data access. The initiative to add three new file servers aims to address current challenges such as slow access times, single points of failure, and network overload. This paper examines the project background, objectives, feasibility assessment, potential solutions, resource allocation, and current progress to provide a comprehensive understanding of this critical infrastructure upgrade.

Project Background

Currently, the organization relies on a single file server that all internal network users access to retrieve and store documents. While functional initially, this setup has become inadequate due to the network's growth, leading to issues such as increased file access latency, system downtime, and vulnerability to failure. The overgrowth of users and computers has strained the existing infrastructure, causing slower performance and potential data access disruptions. Additionally, dependence on a single server introduces a single-point failure risk, which could result in widespread data inaccessibility in the event of hardware or software malfunctions.

To mitigate these problems, the organization recognizes the need for additional server resources. Distributing the load across multiple servers will reduce data access times and improve overall reliability. The strategic deployment of three new file servers will provide redundancy, increased processing power, and greater storage capacity, helping to sustain organizational growth and ensure business continuity.

Project Objectives

  • Identify the hardware and software resources necessary for deploying three new file servers effectively.
  • Configure and install server software, including RAID configurations and Windows Server 2016 storage services.
  • Implement network modifications to integrate new servers seamlessly into the existing infrastructure.
  • Enable local file storage at remote locations for improved access and redundancy.
  • Distribute workload among servers to optimize file access speeds and system performance.
  • Enhance system uptime and reduce file access delays.

Potential Features and Solutions

The project explores multiple potential features aimed at improving file storage and access. These include the deployment of Windows Server 2016 with various roles, local storage options, and remote access capabilities. Specifically, the features encompass:

  • Implementation of Windows Server 2016 for central file storage and network services.
  • Local storage options at remote sites for resilience and performance enhancement.
  • Distributed workload management across servers to ensure faster data access and availability.
  • Network services such as DNS, DHCP, print management, and Active Directory to support comprehensive network operations.

Among various solutions, localized file servers are deemed most advantageous due to their manageability, security, and independence from internet connectivity—remaining accessible during network outages.

Feasibility Assessment

Several solutions have been evaluated to improve file storage stability and performance, including external options like USB drives and cloud services such as Google Drive. However, these alternatives present limitations related to security, management complexity, and reliance on internet connectivity. The feasibility assessment favors localized file servers, which offer significant benefits:

  • Enhanced security through internal monitoring and control.
  • Increased uptime even during internet outages.
  • Robust data protection and backup capabilities.
  • Reduced dependency on external service providers.

Local servers are better suited for organizational needs requiring secure, reliable, and manageable storage solutions aligned with internal policies.

Solution Alternatives

  • Alternative 1: Basic file storage using Windows Server 2016. Provides access to files across the network, emphasizing simplicity and reliability.
  • Alternative 2: Enhanced file storage combined with DNS and DHCP services for comprehensive network management. Ensures seamless network connectivity and file access.
  • Alternative 3: Full-featured network server setup including file storage, DNS, DHCP, print services, and Active Directory Domain Controller (ADDC). Enables remote access from remote locations, centralized user profile management, and improved network security.

Resource Allocation

The project requires both hardware and software resources to ensure successful deployment:

Hardware Resources

  • File server machines with sufficient processing power and memory.
  • RAID-configured hard drives for data redundancy and performance.
  • Peripheral devices such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and Ethernet cables.
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to safeguard against power failures.
  • Mounting hardware and power tools for physical setup and installation.

Software Resources

  • Windows Server 2016 with roles such as File Server, DNS, DHCP, Print Management, and Active Directory.
  • Remote Desktop Services for administration and remote management.
  • Standard security and management software for server maintenance.

Current Project Status

The project has progressed through initial planning stages with the documentation of requirements and resource lists finalized. The procurement phase for hardware and software components is underway, ensuring timely acquisition to facilitate installation. Preparations are being made for hardware configuration, including RAID setup and network modifications. Once resources are assembled, the implementation phase will commence, leading to software installation and network integration, ultimately culminating in operational servers that enhance the organization's file storage capabilities.

Continued progress hinges on effective procurement, configuration, and testing to guarantee minimal disruption and maximum performance gains.

Conclusion

Enhancing the internal network with three new file servers represents a strategic move toward a more resilient, efficient, and scalable IT infrastructure. By carefully assessing feasibility, selecting appropriate solution architectures, allocating necessary resources, and meticulously planning deployment, the organization can mitigate current limitations while positioning itself for future growth. This upgrade will ensure reliable access to critical documents, bolster data security, and enhance overall network performance, thus supporting organizational objectives and operational continuity.

References

  1. Microsoft. (2016). Windows Server 2016 Technical Overview. Microsoft Documentation. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/
  2. Stallings, W. (2013). Data and Computer Communications (10th ed.). Pearson.
  3. Lai, C., & Yu, D. (2020). Designing and Managing Network Infrastructure with Windows Server 2016. Journal of Network and Systems Management, 28(3), 618–636.
  4. Kim, W. (2018). Network Security Essentials. Wiley.
  5. Ben-Tovim, B., & Forouzan, B. (2019). Data Communications and Networking. McGraw-Hill Education.
  6. Odom, W. (2014). Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2016. Sybex.
  7. Russinovich, M., & Solomon, D. (2018). Windows Internals, Part 1: System architecture, processes, threads, memory management, and more. Microsoft Press.

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