Narrative Descriptions Of Network Diagrams For International ✓ Solved

Narrative Descriptions Of Network Diagrams For International Plastics

Provide a detailed narrative description of the network diagrams for International Plastics Inc., including its five key network diagrams: the overall network overview, corporate headquarters, Albany, GA facility, Pontiac, MI facility, and China headquarters. For each diagram, describe the physical locations, network infrastructure, devices, connections, and key operational functions, including the types of network backbones, servers, workstations, communication links, and special features such as satellite links and power backup systems. Emphasize the differences and similarities between the facilities, their specific network components, and how they interconnect via WAN links, highlighting the unique features such as satellite communication, fiber connections, and local area networks.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

International Plastics Inc. operates a comprehensive and interconnected network infrastructure across multiple global locations. The company's network architecture comprises five primary diagrams: the overall network overview, the corporate headquarters, the Albany, Georgia facility, the Pontiac, Michigan facility, and the China headquarters. Each diagram offers insight into the specific network components, configurations, and operational functions that support the company's manufacturing, research, administrative, and communication needs.

Global Network Overview

The network overview diagram provides a macroscopic view of International Plastics Inc.'s global infrastructure. It depicts four physical locations interconnected through a Wide Area Network (WAN). The corporate headquarters and the China facility are linked via a satellite communication link utilizing a Ka-band transponder. This satellite link is designed to support an OC-1 data rate with end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for mission-critical applications. The other two locations, Albany, GA, and Pontiac, MI, are connected to the headquarters via standard wired WAN connections, possibly MPLS or VPN tunnels, facilitating seamless corporate data exchange and communication.

Corporate Headquarters Network Architecture

The corporate headquarters network is a multi-segmented, robust infrastructure. Its backbone employs a 100BaseT Ethernet connection, serving as the fundamental network layer. The administrative section comprises various operational functions, including corporate management and human resources, each equipped with computers represented by icons indicating their current employee count. This segment features 36 VOIP telephones, enabling voice communication within the facility and with external partners.

The Research and Development (R&D) department is positioned with a 1000BaseF fiber-optic backbone, which provides high-speed connectivity for a MAC-based environment. The R&D section accommodates 15 employees, each with dedicated high-end computers, complemented by three color printers and a plotter for design and prototyping work. These high-bandwidth connections facilitate quick data transfer necessary for research activities.

Additionally, the network hosts a set of servers, including a Windows server, a Windows Exchange server, and a UNIX server hosting the corporate SAP ERP software. All servers are IBM hardware: the Windows servers are IBM HS20 blade servers, and the UNIX server is an IBM pSeries. Power backup is assured by an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which safeguards these vital assets from power outages.

The communications environment integrates voice and data links. It includes a satellite communication switch that connects to the satellite base station operating in Ka band, supporting secure OC-1 data rates. A VOIP router connects the voice network to other locations, including the China facility. On the external edge, a router and firewall enable T3 level connections to external networks, ensuring secure and reliable access to the internet or other external resources.

Albany, Georgia Facility

The Albany plant hosts approximately 20 office computers, used primarily for administrative functions. Its local network relies on an HP BL460P blade server for hosting local services, including file sharing, email, and printing. The local data backup is handled by a NAS system, which stores critical operational data. Power backup is provided by a 5KVA UPS, which ensures continuous operation during power failures.

The facility connects to the companywide network via a T2 connection through a dedicated router and firewall device. Internally, the factory floor network is connected to the main LAN via a 24-port Cisco switch, facilitating communication between operational equipment and administrative systems.

Pontiac, Michigan Facility

The Pontiac location encompasses 45 office computers for administrative staff. Similar to the Albany branch, it employs an HP BL460P blade server for local network services—file sharing, email, and printing. The system also integrates a NAS for local backups and a 5KVA UPS for power redundancy. Its external connectivity is established through a T2 link via a router and firewall, ensuring secure communication with the central network infrastructure.

The factory floor in Pontiac similarly connects to the internal LAN through a 24-port Cisco switch, supporting factory automation and operational systems. This standardized network architecture promotes operational consistency across the company’s manufacturing facilities.

China Headquarters Network Design

The China headquarters network mirrors the company’s global design principles, with a composite architecture that includes an administration section with 35 VOIP phones and various operational functions, each represented by their respective computer icons and employee counts. The backbone here is a 100BaseT Ethernet, similar to the headquarters’ base network.

The R&D department utilizes a 1000BaseF fiber backbone, featuring 15 employees with high-end computers, three color printers, and a plotter. The fiber network connects to the broader corporate LAN through a network switch, supporting high-speed data transfer essential for research activities.

The server infrastructure includes Windows and UNIX servers, all housed on IBM HS20 blade servers or IBM pSeries servers, hosting essential apps such as SAP ERP. Power backup is supplied through a UPS system. The communication environment includes a satellite link, supporting secure data transfer with end-to-end encryption, and a VOIP router connecting voice communications to other facilities. External connectivity is facilitated through a T3 connection over a firewall, providing secure access to external networks and services.

Conclusion

The network architecture of International Plastics Inc. exemplifies a resilient, scalable, and secure infrastructure tailored to support global manufacturing, research, and administrative operations. The integration of fiber optics, satellite communication, and layered security ensures high performance and reliability. Standardized components across locations, such as IBM servers and Cisco switches, enable efficient maintenance and scalability. This comprehensive network design supports the company's strategic objectives by providing robust connectivity, seamless data sharing, and secure communication channels across its international footprint.

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