Network Design And Security For Patrician LLC’s Disaster Rec

Network Design and Security for Patrician LLC’s Disaster Recovery

Patrician LLC, a company specializing in wireless transmission technology with a focus on civilian and military markets, faces a critical task to design a robust, secure, and highly available network infrastructure. The strategic relocation of its headquarters to Tucson, Arizona, and the establishment of a disaster recovery site in Cheyenne, Wyoming, require a meticulously planned network topology that guarantees seamless connectivity, security, and resilience. This paper outlines the proposed network solution considering hardware infrastructure, cabling standards, security measures, and redundancy to meet the specified operational and security requirements.

Network Topology and Hardware Recommendations

The core of the network architecture involves a mirrored topology between the Tucson headquarters and the Cheyenne disaster recovery site, ensuring synchronization and immediate failover capabilities. Both facilities will feature multi-layered networks that include core, distribution, and access layers. In both buildings, the third-floor data centers will house critical servers—file, database, web, and external sales servers—configured with high availability via clustering and load balancing technologies.

The core network backbone will utilize high-speed fiber optic cabling, supporting connectivity between data centers, wiring closets, and key network components. This fiber will connect the two sites via dedicated, redundant high-capacity (minimum 100 Gbps) links to ensure the minimum throughput requirement of 32 Mbps is vastly exceeded and to support future growth. Wireless link technology, such as point-to-point microwave or millimeter-wave links, can supplement fiber, especially for flexible or hard-to-wire areas, offering high throughput with redundancy.

Each floor will have multiple wiring closets equipped with enterprise-grade switches capable of supporting 100 network connections. These switches will be interconnected with redundant cabling to prevent single points of failure. For wired connectivity, Category 6a Ethernet cabling will be used throughout, supporting Gigabit Ethernet at minimum, with the possibility of upgrading to 10Gbps where necessary. Wireless access points (WAPs) configured with Wi-Fi 6 technology will provide flexible connectivity, especially for mobile devices and remote users.

Security Measures and Logical Protection Strategies

To safeguard against attacks and ensure continuous monitoring, the network will incorporate layered security controls. Firewalls, both perimeter and internal segmentation firewalls, will be deployed at strategic points to monitor and filter traffic between divisions, data centers, and external networks. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) will be implemented to detect anomalies and potential threat vectors in real time.

Logical traps such as honeypots and decoy servers will be employed to lure attackers away from critical assets and analyze their methods. Segmentation of the network into security zones ensures that even if a breach occurs in one segment—such as the research division—it cannot easily spread to sensitive production or administrative systems.

Advanced encryption techniques, including VPNs with IPsec and SSL/TLS protocols, will allow secure remote access for personnel, especially for non-local research staff. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be required for accessing sensitive data and management interfaces. Regular security audits, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing will be scheduled to verify the integrity and effectiveness of security controls.

Protective measures also include the deployment of physical security controls, such as biometric access, CCTV monitoring, and security guards at wiring closets and server rooms, combined with logical controls like access control lists (ACLs) and role-based access controls (RBAC). These layers of defense ensure comprehensive protection against unauthorized physical and digital access.

Wiring and Connectivity Planning

Reliable cabling practices are vital for a secure, scalable network infrastructure. Category 6a Ethernet cables will run from wiring closets to all workstations and servers, supported by well-planned cable management systems to prevent interference and maintain organized pathways. In critical points, fiber optic cables will be used for backbone connections to support high throughput and low latency.

Wiring closets will be strategically located on each floor to enable optimal cable runs and ease of maintenance. All wiring closets will be equipped with environmental controls, redundant power supplies, and surge protection to prevent hardware outages due to power fluctuations or environmental factors.

The WAN will leverage dedicated fiber links supplemented by wireless point-to-point microwave links where direct fiber installation is impractical, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi 6, will provide mobility support, especially for remote research staff or temporary setups, with encrypted links to prevent eavesdropping.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

The Cheyenne site is designated as a hot site, with real-time data replication from Tucson to ensure minimal data loss and rapid recovery. Data replication will utilize synchronous or asynchronous methods based on distance and latency considerations, and all critical servers will be configured with redundant hardware and power supplies to maintain high availability.

To verify the security measures, regular testing of backups, failover scenarios, and intrusion detection protocols will be conducted. Automated alerts for security breaches or hardware failures will facilitate immediate response, minimizing downtime. Additionally, periodic review of security policies and updates to hardware configurations will keep the infrastructure aligned with evolving threats and best practices.

Conclusion and Justification

The proposed network design addresses the immediate requirements of secure, high-capacity, and resilient connectivity between the Tucson headquarters and the Cheyenne disaster recovery site. The use of fiber optic cabling and redundant links provides the necessary throughput and fault tolerance. Strategic segmentation, layered security controls, and advanced monitoring tools defend against cyber threats, while physical security measures protect critical infrastructure.

By integrating wired and wireless technology with robust security policies, Patrician LLC can ensure continuous operations, safeguard sensitive research and corporate data, and meet compliance standards. The design’s flexibility allows for future expansion and adaptation to emerging technologies, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to secure and reliable communications.

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