Network Solution For Extension Site Grading Rubric Category

Network Solution For Extension Site Grading Rubric Categories Points

Design and develop a detailed network report for integrating a nursing school's isolated network into DeVry University’s campus network, considering current requirements, future growth, cost-effectiveness, and proper network device choices. The report should include information about networking equipment, network requirements, and a proposal for cost-effective interconnection, following a template provided, and should be well-organized, error-free, and demonstrate creativity in solution design.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of higher education, technological integration plays a pivotal role in enhancing educational quality and operational efficiencies. DeVry University, aiming to extend its campus network, is confronted with integrating an isolated nursing school's network. This integration necessitates a comprehensive, cost-effective, and scalable solution that aligns with the university’s infrastructure standards and future growth projections. This paper delineates a detailed network solution addressing device selection, network requirements, and interconnection strategies for the nursing school’s network expansion.

Current Network Environment and Needs

The existing campus network at DeVry is designed with a robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 infrastructure, utilizing switches and routers capable of supporting high bandwidth and multiple VLANs. This infrastructure accommodates data traffic, voice services, and surveillance systems efficiently. The nursing school's isolation requires integration into this network via a secure and reliable connection, supporting specific devices and services: a router with three interfaces, a fixed port switch, four VLANs for different subnets (voice, video surveillance, data, and administrative), support for voice, security cameras, and data traffic, as well as accommodating 24 hosts with future expansion plans. Additionally, the network must support a local file server and DHCP services for dynamic IP address allocation.

Device Selection and Network Design

For interconnection, selecting suitable devices that balance performance with cost is essential. A core component is a multi-interface router—preferably a Cisco ISR 4000 series—that can handle multiple subnets and facilitate secure inter-VLAN routing. The router’s three interfaces should be configured as follows: one for connecting to DeVry’s main campus network, one for the nursing school LAN, and a third for management and future scalability.

At the site level, a fixed port switch—such as the Cisco Catalyst 2960 series—will serve the nursing school's LAN, supporting the four VLANs and accommodating current and future hosts through appropriate port and capacity planning. The switch should support Power over Ethernet (PoE) for VoIP and surveillance cameras, enhancing deployment flexibility and reducing cabling costs.

Network Requirements and VLAN Configuration

The four VLANs will segregate traffic types to improve security and performance:

  • VLAN 10: Voice traffic
  • VLAN 20: Video surveillance cameras
  • VLAN 30: Data and hosts
  • VLAN 40: Administrative and management functions

Subnets for each VLAN should be allocated with adequate IP address space, considering future growth. For instance, each VLAN could utilize a /24 subnet, providing 254 usable IP addresses, sufficient for current hosts and expansion.

Cost-Effective Interconnection Solution

The connection between the nursing school and DeVry’s main campus network should prioritize security, reliability, and budget constraints. A feasible approach involves establishing a VPN over the internet to connect the two networks securely, reducing infrastructure costs associated with dedicated leased lines. Alternatively, if physical connection is preferred, implementing a leased line or a fiber optic link may provide higher reliability and bandwidth but at increased cost.

A secure site-to-site VPN configured on the router provides an economical yet robust solution. It ensures encrypted data transfer, supports multiple VLANs, and can be managed centrally. To enhance security, access control lists (ACLs) and robust authentication mechanisms should be enforced.

Supporting Services and Future Considerations

Implementing a local DHCP server within the nursing school network simplifies IP management and supports scalability. A file server at the site facilitates data sharing, while VoIP systems enrich communication capabilities. Surveillance cameras require dedicated VLANs and PoE switches for efficient deployment.

Scalability and future growth are integral to the design. The chosen equipment must support additional hosts, VLANs, and increased bandwidth needs. Cloud-based management tools can assist in ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting, ensuring system resilience.

Conclusion

Integrating the nursing school's network into DeVry’s campus requires a strategic approach combining appropriate device selection, VLAN segmentation, secure and cost-effective interconnection, and scalability planning. A Cisco ISR series router coupled with a Catalyst switch provides a reliable foundation, while a VPN connection offers a flexible, economical inter-campus link. This solution aligns with DeVry’s budget constraints and future expansion goals, facilitating seamless and secure network integration with minimal disruption and optimal performance.

References

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