Namedate Touchstone Task 1 Planning A Network Review

Namedatetouchstone Task 1 Planning A Networkreview Thescenario And

Review the scenario and client expectations about Greenfield Properties. Based on the information provided by the client, answer the following questions in 2-4 sentences each. Be sure to explain your answers in detail.

How many employees will the new company have, and how many total devices, including PCs, tablets, and smartphones? (Ref: Touchstone Scenario)

What network architecture will be used: client/server or peer-to-peer? Why? (Ref: Types of Networks)

When on-site employees access the network, will it be a PAN, LAN, or WAN? Why? (Ref: Types of Networks)

What type(s) of cable should be used to connect the in-house hosts to the switch or router? (Ref: Coaxial & Twisted Pair Cables)

Describe the types of servers that will be needed in order to meet the company’s networking goals. (Ref: Network Operating Systems)

Do you think the servers should be on-premises, cloud-based, or a hybrid? Why?

What operating system(s) should be used on the servers? Why? (Ref: Network Operating Systems)

Will multiple servers be virtualized on a single physical server? Why or why not? (Ref: Network Operating Systems)

If you chose Microsoft Server software, which edition will you select, and why? (Ref: Network Operating Systems)

If you choose Linux, which distro(s) will you select, and why? (Ref: Network Operating Systems)

Paper For Above instruction

In planning the network for Greenfield Properties, a comprehensive understanding of the company's structure, needs, and future plans is essential. Based on the scenario, it is projected that the new enterprise will employ approximately 150 employees. Considering modern office requirements, each employee will likely utilize at least one PC, with many using additional devices such as tablets and smartphones. Consequently, the total number of devices could be around 300 to 400, accounting for work stations and personal devices interconnected through the corporate network.

The network architecture suitable for Greenfield Properties would predominantly be a client/server model. This architecture offers centralized management, improved security, and scalability, making it ideal for a business expecting growth and requiring reliable data access management. Client/server networks support efficient resource sharing among numerous users and are more suitable than a peer-to-peer setup, which is generally more appropriate for small, less complex environments.

On-site employees will access the network primarily through a LAN (Local Area Network). A LAN is suitable because it connects devices within a confined geographical area such as an office building, providing high-speed data transfer and efficient communication among employees. Depending on future expansion, a WAN might be considered for geographically dispersed offices, but initially, LAN access is sufficient to meet operational needs.

Connecting in-house hosts to switches or routers will typically involve twisted pair cables, specifically Cat6 or Cat5e Ethernet cables. These cables offer reliable, high-speed connectivity suitable for supporting current data transfer requirements and are cost-effective for internal networking. While coaxial cables are less common today for such applications, fiber optic cables may be used for backbone connections if higher bandwidth or long-distance transmission is needed.

The company will need several types of servers to meet its networking goals, including file servers for centralized data storage, application servers to host business applications, domain controllers for network management, and email servers to facilitate communication. These servers ensure secure access, efficient data handling, and support for enterprise applications, aligning with the company's operational and security requirements.

Regarding server hosting, a hybrid approach combining on-premises and cloud-based solutions is advisable. Critical data and core business applications should reside on-premises for security and control, while cloud services can enhance scalability, disaster recovery, and remote access capabilities. This hybrid model provides flexibility and cost-efficiency, accommodating growth and changing business needs.

The operating systems on these servers should primarily be enterprise-grade, such as Windows Server OS or Linux distributions. Windows Server (e.g., Windows Server 2022) is user-friendly, supports a wide range of applications, and integrates well with Active Directory and other Microsoft services. Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server or CentOS can offer stability, security, and cost advantages, especially for dedicated application hosting or open-source environments.

Virtualization of multiple servers onto single physical hardware is recommended to optimize resources, reduce costs, and improve disaster recovery options. Virtualization allows for flexible deployment, easier management, and scalable solutions as the company grows, making it the preferred strategy for modern enterprise networks.

If Microsoft Server software is chosen, the Enterprise edition of Windows Server 2022 would be suitable due to its advanced features, scalability, and robust security options necessary for a growing business environment. It supports virtualization, comprehensive management tools, and integration with enterprise solutions.

If Linux is favored, distributions like Ubuntu Server or CentOS will be suitable due to their stability, security, and extensive community support. These distributions are ideal for those preferring open-source platforms with customizable configurations and lower licensing costs.

References

  • Ahuja, R. (2019). Networking Essentials. Cengage Learning.
  • Comer, D. E. (2018). Computer Networks. Pearson.
  • Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer Networks. Pearson.
  • Odom, W. (2020). CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.
  • Wang, L., & Zhang, W. (2017). Cloud Computing and Virtualization. Springer.
  • Siegel, S., & Martin, L. (2019). Network Security Essentials. Pearson.
  • Shinder, D., & Shinder, T. (2014). Microsoft Virtualization Secrets. Sybex.
  • Higgins, D. (2021). The Linux Command Line. No Starch Press.
  • Microsoft Corporation. (2022). Windows Server 2022 documentation. Microsoft Docs.
  • Canonical Ltd. (2023). Ubuntu Server Documentation. Ubuntu.

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