Jan And Kim Levering Have Decided To Expand Their IT Consult

Jan And Kim Levering Have Decided To Expand Their It Consulting Busine

Jan and Kim Levering have decided to expand their IT consulting business. They have leased space in a nearby building. The following are the details: They will have an entire floor that has the following: a receptionist area, 2 offices (one for Jan and one for Kim), a conference room, an office that will accommodate 15 cubes for their consultants, and a computer room to house their server(s). They currently have 8 Windows XP systems set up in a workgroup. They would like you to develop a 2-phased plan. The first phase involves moving from the current office to the new office. In a 4-page report, you need to do the following: Diagram the network and identify the topology and components: Their existing equipment is as follows: 8 XP systems, 1 each in Jan and Kim’s offices, 6 systems cubes (1 per cube), 1 Windows Server 2008 (standard edition) system in the computer room, and 1 printer in the computer room. Include the following: IP addressing scheme (use static addressing), subnetting/supernetting, subnet mask for phase 1. Provide an installation guide on how to set up the Windows Server 2008 system and the network, including the following: illustrations of the server installation process, a minimum of 8 Windows Server 2008 screenshots with detailed explanations, descriptions of the settings for the following: server roles, naming conventions, disk format (NTFS or FAT), joining security, centralized versus decentralized administration, a discussion of TCP/IP configuration, a comparison of settings between workgroup and domain, and an explanation of typical installation problems/difficulties related to hardware, software, and the network. The second phase, to be completed later, will be to expand their network to accommodate additional equipment. Must be a 4-page Word document in APA format, with at least 3 references. This must be original and non-plagiarized.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The expansion of an IT infrastructure requires meticulous planning and structured implementation, especially for a growing business such as Jan and Kim Levering’s IT consulting firm. Moving into a new office space presents an opportunity to design and deploy a modernized network that supports both current needs and future expansion. The first phase involves migrating existing systems to the new office and establishing a robust network architecture, while the second phase focuses on scaling the network to accommodate additional equipment and users. This paper details the network topology, IP addressing schemes, installation procedures for Windows Server 2008, and addresses potential challenges during setup.

Network Topology and Components

The proposed network adopts a star topology, characterized by a central switch connecting all devices within the new office. This topology ensures easy management, fault isolation, and scalability. The network components include:

  • Switches to connect client systems, printers, and servers
  • Routers for outbound communication and Internet access
  • Servers for centralized management and file sharing
  • Workstations (Windows XP systems) in various offices and cubes
  • Printers in the computer room for shared access

Existing Equipment and Configuration

The existing hardware consists of:

  • 8 Windows XP systems, with 1 located in each of Jan and Kim's offices and 6 in cubes
  • 1 Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition in the computer room
  • 1 network printer in the computer room

These devices are connected via Ethernet, using switches to form the star topology. The current configuration operates in a workgroup environment, which simplifies initial setup but limits centralized management.

IP Addressing Scheme and Subnetting

Static IP Addressing

Given the need for reliable and consistent network communication, static IP addresses are recommended for servers and other critical devices. An example IP scheme could be:

  • Network: 192.168.1.0/24
  • Default gateway: 192.168.1.1
  • Server: 192.168.1.2
  • Workstations and client systems: 192.168.1.10 - 192.168.1.50
  • Printer: 192.168.1.100

Subnet Mask

The subnet mask for phase 1 is 255.255.255.0, which allows up to 254 hosts within the subnet. Supernetting is unnecessary at this stage because the current number of devices is well within this limit.

Server Installation Process and Configuration

The deployment of Windows Server 2008 involves multiple steps, beginning with hardware preparation, BIOS configuration, and proceeding through installation, configuration, and role assignment.

Installation Steps

  1. Insert the Windows Server 2008 installation DVD or boot from USB.
  2. Boot the server system and select the language and regional preferences.
  3. Follow the prompts to select the installation type (Custom for fresh install).
  4. Choose the disk where Windows Server will be installed, format it using NTFS for security and reliability, and proceed with the installation.
  5. Set administrator passwords and configure initial settings.
  6. Complete the setup and log in for the initial configuration.
  7. Assign static IP addresses consistent with the network plan via Network and Sharing Center.
  8. Configure server roles, such as Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, and File Services.

Screenshots and Explanations

While physical screenshots cannot be provided here, typical Windows Server 2008 installation involves screens for language selection, disk partitioning, role selection, and configuration. Examples include the "Server Role Selection" window, "Disk Partition" screen, and "Initial Configuration Tasks" page. These steps are crucial for establishing a server that supports domain services and centralized administration.

Server Role Configuration and Naming Conventions

Designating clear role names improves manageability. For example, the primary server could be named "LEVERING-SERVER." Roles installed include Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), DNS Server, DHCP Server, and File Server. Using consistent naming conventions facilitates quick identification and management of resources.

Disk Format and Security Settings

NTFS is the preferred disk format due to its support for security permissions, encryption, and efficient management. Setting appropriate permissions on shared folders restricts access to authorized users, safeguarding sensitive data.

Joining Security and Administering the Server

Creating a Windows domain allows centralized user management, password policies, and security settings. Joining the server to a domain ("levering.local") enables administrators to manage user accounts more efficiently compared to a workgroup setup, which lacks centralized control and security enforcement.

TCP/IP Configuration and Network Settings

Configuring TCP/IP involves setting static IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS servers. Proper configuration ensures device communication and Internet access. Configurations differ significantly between workgroup and domain environments; domain-joined systems rely on DNS for name resolution and efficient resource access, whereas workgroups depend more on broadcast-based name resolution methods.

Common Installation Challenges

Hardware issues:

  • Incompatible hardware components may prevent proper OS installation, especially with older or unsupported hardware.

Software issues:

  • Driver incompatibilities or missing drivers can cause hardware devices to malfunction post-installation.

Network issues:

  • Incorrect IP configurations or cabling problems can hinder communication or lead to network isolation.

Addressing these difficulties involves verifying hardware compatibility, updating drivers, and testing network connections before finalized deployment.

Conclusion

The first phase of migrating Jan and Kim Levering’s IT infrastructure centers on designing a scalable, secure, and manageable network using static IP addressing, and deploying Windows Server 2008 with proper configuration. This setup provides a foundation for centralized management, enhanced security, and future expansion. Challenges during installation can be mitigated through thorough planning and testing. The second phase will further extend the network to support additional equipment, requiring careful planning for IP address management, hardware compatibility, and scalable infrastructure design.

References

  • Bishop, J. (2010). Windows Server 2008: The Complete Reference. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • James, D. (2012). Networking Fundamentals. Cisco Press.
  • Microsoft. (2008). Windows Server 2008 Documentation. Microsoft TechNet. https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc758520.aspx
  • Snyder, L., & Williams, F. (2015). Network+ Guide to Networks. Cengage Learning.
  • Stallings, W. (2013). Data and Computer Communications. Pearson Education.
  • Ramos, J. (2014). Practical Windows Server 2008 Administration. Packt Publishing.
  • Roberts, A. (2011). Designing and Implementing a Windows Server 2008 Environment. Wiley.
  • Schwartz, D. (2013). IT Infrastructure Architecture - Infrastructure Building Blocks and Concepts. Cisco Press.
  • Turner, K. (2016). Implementing Windows Server 2008. O'Reilly Media.
  • Whitaker, R. (2014). Mastering Windows Server 2008. Sybex.

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