Need Problem 2 Answered Only I Included Problem 1 Because It

Need Problem 2 Answered Only I Included Problem 1 Because It Has

This paper focuses exclusively on designing an Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) for a small office of 10 people, as specified in the assignment prompt. The design encompasses high-level network architecture, hardware components, transmission media, and protocols necessary to establish a reliable, secure, and efficient office LAN that supports everyday business operations and facilitates seamless communication with external networks, including the Internet.

Introduction

In today's interconnected world, small office environments require robust and scalable local area networks (LANs) to support activities ranging from internal communication to access to cloud-based applications and external internet services. Designing an effective LAN involves selecting appropriate hardware, understanding transmission media, and implementing protocols suited for the organization's needs. This paper provides a detailed overview of an Ethernet-based LAN setup for a small office of ten employees, emphasizing practical considerations, security, and future scalability.

Overall Design or High-Level Description

The LAN design adopts a star topology centered around a network switch, which connects each workstation via Ethernet cables. The network facilitates high-speed data transfer, efficient management, and scalability. The core components include a central switch, network interface cards (NICs) in each workstation, a router for internet connectivity, and relevant networking protocols to ensure data integrity and security. This configuration allows each device to communicate internally and access external resources through the router's connection to the ISP.

The high-level structure begins with the internet connection, typically via fiber optic or cable modem, which feeds into the office’s router. The router manages external communications, employs Network Address Translation (NAT), and offers firewall capabilities for security. The internal LAN connects to the router through the switch, which manages data traffic between connected devices. Such an arrangement enables centralized control, easy troubleshooting, and efficient resource sharing.

Hardware

The critical hardware components of this LAN include high-quality Ethernet switches, workstations with compatible NICs, and a broadband modem/router. For switches, models like the Cisco Catalyst 2960-X series or Juniper EX Series are suitable, offering Gigabit Ethernet ports, manageable features, and support for VLAN segmentation if needed. Each workstation would use a standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet NIC, commonly integrated within modern desktops or laptops, supporting the latest Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.3). The internet connection is established through a broadband modem—either cable or fiber optic—connected to a router such as the Cisco RV340 or Ubiquiti EdgeRouter, which provides routing, NAT, and security functions.

Transmission Media

The primary transmission media employed in this LAN are twisted-pair copper Ethernet cables, specifically Category 6 (Cat6) cables. Cat6 cables support gigabit speeds over distances up to 100 meters, are cost-effective, and suitable for office environments. They are terminated with RJ-45 connectors and connect network devices to switches and workstations. For future scalability or higher speeds, fiber optic cabling could be incorporated, especially for backbone connections or extending the network across larger premises. Wireless connectivity is also an option for mobility; however, for critical business operations, wired Ethernet connections offer more stability, lower latency, and reduced interference.

Protocols

The LAN relies on well-established Ethernet protocols based on IEEE 802.3 standards for local data transmission. To manage IP address assignments within the LAN, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is implemented, either through the router or a dedicated DHCP server. For internal routing, the network uses Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), with potential future support for IPv6. The Network Address Translation (NAT) protocol enables multiple devices to share a single public IP address when accessing the internet, while internal IP addresses are private, conforming to standards such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x.

Security protocols are critical; thus, measures include implementing IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control, WPA2 encryption for wireless segments, and the use of VLAN segmentation for isolating sensitive systems. The router employs firewall rules and intrusion detection/prevention systems to safeguard against external threats. Management protocols such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) are used for monitoring the network's health and performance.

Lessons Learned

Through this LAN design process, the importance of balancing performance, security, and scalability became evident. Selecting high-quality, manageable hardware like Cisco switches provides better control and troubleshooting capabilities. The choice of transmission media directly impacts network speed and reliability, making Cat6 cables a practical choice for office environments. Additionally, integrating security protocols at multiple layers, including physical, network, and data link, ensures a secure environment against evolving cyber threats. Understanding protocol functions and their interplay is fundamental for maintaining a resilient network infrastructure. Planning for future growth, such as supporting IoT devices or upgraded internet speeds, enhances long-term viability.

Conclusion

Designing an effective LAN for a small office involves careful consideration of hardware selection, transmission media, and network protocols. Employing a star topology centered around a managed Ethernet switch, leveraging Cat6 cabling for high-speed, reliable connections, and implementing robust security measures lays the foundation for an efficient business network. Regular monitoring and scalability planning ensure the LAN can adapt to future technological advancements and organizational needs, supporting productivity and seamless communication within the organization and with external networks.

References

  • Cisco Systems. (2022). Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series Switches. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com
  • Juniper Networks. (2023). Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches. Retrieved from https://www.juniper.net
  • Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2021). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (8th ed.). Pearson.
  • Odom, W. (2020). CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library. Cisco Press.
  • Ubiquiti Networks. (2023). EdgeRouter Series. Retrieved from https://www.ubnt.com
  • Branagan, D., & Rouse, M. (2020). Ethernet LAN Fundamentals. TechTarget. https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com
  • IEEE. (2020). IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Standards. Retrieved from https://standards.ieee.org
  • Rouse, M. (2021). Network Address Translation (NAT). TechTarget. https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com
  • Xu, L., & Zhong, H. (2019). Security considerations in enterprise LANs. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 135, 1-12.
  • Ott, R. (2022). Ethernet cabling standards and best practices. Communications of the ACM, 65(4), 56-63.

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