Network Consultation Proposal And Presentation

Network Consultation Proposal and Presentation

This assignment contains two (2) sections: Network Consultation Proposal and Network Consultation Presentation. You must submit both sections as separate files. The owners of DesignIT, a graphic arts company, have purchased a 56'x36' space for their expanding business and seek a network design bid. The space includes four cubicles, one office, one server room, one reception desk, and one conference room. They plan to hire two full-time designers and a receptionist, and currently have three servers: a Web Server (Microsoft IIS), a File Server (Microsoft Server 2008), and a Server (Server 2008 Small Business Server). They want high-speed Internet, firewall, antivirus/malware protection, six computers, three color laser printers, and wireless access for portable devices. Your task is to develop a comprehensive network proposal covering design, architecture, wiring, hardware, security, costs, and failure mitigation. Additionally, prepare a presentation summarizing your proposal for client delivery.

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Introduction

DesignIT’s expansion necessitates a strategic and robust network infrastructure that ensures efficiency, security, and scalability. This proposal delineates an optimal network design, architecture, hardware, security measures, and cost analysis tailored to their new space. Proper planning for wired and wireless components, along with failure mitigation strategies, aims to facilitate smooth business operations and future growth.

Network Design and Architecture

The recommended network design employs a hierarchical Star topology, centralizing core switches connecting all devices directly to minimize latency and simplify troubleshooting (Odom, 2012). This architecture provides scalability, modularity, and ease of management. A Cisco Catalyst switch, capable of supporting gigabit speeds, will serve as the core switch, connecting servers, desktops, printers, and wireless access points (WAPs).

For LAN wiring considerations, category 6 (Cat6) cabling is optimal because it supports gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters, suitable for the office and server room (Cisco, 2019). In the wireless domain, multiple WAPs will be strategically placed to ensure seamless coverage throughout the office space, particularly in common areas and conference rooms. Wireless standards such as 802.11ac or 802.11ax are recommended for high throughput and reliability (IEEE, 2021).

Hardware Recommendations and Costs

The hardware suite includes essential components structured as follows:

• Core Switch: Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series – approximately $1,500
• Servers: Existing servers (Web, File, Small Business Server); additional storage or backup systems as needed ($2,500)
• Workstations: Two high-performance desktops – $1,200 each ($2,400)
• Printers: Three color laser printers – $300 each ($900)
• Wireless Access Points: Dual-band WAPs supporting 802.11ac/ax – $200 each, totaling $400
• Firewall: Cisco ASA 5506-X or equivalent – approx. $900
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): To safeguard critical devices – $500

Aggregated hardware costs are estimated at approximately $8,000, excluding existing server hardware. Software costs include licensing for antivirus programs, network management tools, and security software.

Software and Security Considerations

Security is paramount; deploying enterprise-grade firewall solutions like Cisco ASA or Fortinet FortiGate ensures perimeter protection against external threats. Antivirus and anti-malware software, such as Symantec Endpoint Protection or Sophos, are vital for endpoint security and will cost about $50 per device annually (Gordon, 2019). Software licenses for Windows Server, Microsoft Office, and related tools should be budgeted accordingly, with Microsoft 365 licenses costing around $20 per user monthly (Microsoft, 2023).

Additional security measures include VPN for secure remote access, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regular patch management. These combined approaches minimize vulnerabilities and ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

Cost Analysis

Failure Points and Mitigation Strategies

A potential single point of failure exists in the core switch; if it fails, network connectivity collapses across the office. To mitigate this risk, implementing redundant switches and link aggregations (LACP) provides failover support (Cisco, 2020). Additionally, backing up server data regularly and maintaining off-site backups prevent data loss. Power redundancy via UPS systems ensures devices remain operational during outages.

Conclusion

Implementing this network design offers DesignIT a secure, scalable, and high-performance environment aligned with their current and future needs. By choosing appropriate hardware, secure configurations, and redundancy measures, the organization minimizes downtime and maximizes operational efficiency. This comprehensive plan ensures a solid foundation for their expanding business activities.

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References

• Cisco. (2019). Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series Switches Data Sheet. Cisco Systems.
• Cisco. (2020). High Availability in Campus Networks. Cisco White Paper.
• Gordon, A. (2019). The importance of endpoint security. Journal of Cybersecurity, 5(2), 45-52.
• IEEE. (2021). IEEE 802.11ax Standard Overview. IEEE Standards Association.
• Microsoft. (2023). Microsoft 365 Business Plans. Microsoft Official Documentation.
• Odom, W. (2012). CCNA Routing and Switching 200-120 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.
• Symantec. (2020). Endpoint Protection Solutions. Symantec Security Reports.
• TechTarget. (2021). LAN design best practices. SearchNetworking.
• Torres, R., & Garcia, M. (2020). Network Security Strategies for Small Business. Journal of Information Security, 11(4), 250-265.
• Watters, P. (2018). Building Reliable Networks: Failover and Redundancy. Network World.