Networking Systems

Networking Systems

Discuss your intrabuilding networks. At Headquarters, you will need: two hosts in the Executive offices, four hosts in R&D, one host in Reception, four hosts in Guest Offices, two hosts in Accounting, and VoIP service to each area. Layout your hosts on the diagram, discussing the type and grade of structured cabling, mapping cable runs, placement of jacks, and the physical and logical topology. Include details about the building connection to the ISP through the telecom room, such as patch panel types and demarc locations.

At Therall Remote, you will need: sixteen hosts in Engineering, four hosts in each production area, one host in Reception, and POTS service throughout. Similar to Headquarters, layout your hosts, specifying cabling type and grade, cable routing, jack placement, and topology. Discuss the building's connection to the ISP, including patch panels and demarc points.

The secure communications channel should allow employees at both offices to communicate securely with each other and headquarters servers, and enable remote work. Describe the security features, protocols used, and how the network is formed to ensure security and privacy, explaining the workings of VPN, PPP, PPTP, or L2TP protocols.

The WAN communication channel from both ISPs to the facilities is a T3. Explain its operation, bandwidth of 44.736 Mbps, and how it communicates over long distances such as Houston and Ada, including how it is terminated at the demarc point.

Set up the wireless network at each facility, describing the device types (access points), operating bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), placement within the buildings, and expected connection speeds. Highlight the high-speed dedicated wireless link between the CEO and receptionist in Headquarters.

In Remote, there are six Dopolar Presserstops in Production 1 and seven in Production 2, monitored through a PAN in each room, communicating via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with a range of approximately 10 meters. Explain the operation, frequency (2.4 GHz band), communication methods, and considerations for the small networks.

If interbuilding communications fail, troubleshooting steps include checking physical connections, verifying router and switch configurations, inspecting demarc and patch panels, and contacting the ISP if necessary.

A ransomware or malware attack likely caused the engineer’s data loss, with the message demanding a ransom. Discuss possible response strategies, including disconnecting affected systems, restoring from backups, and preventing future attacks with updated security measures.

Explain to Tom the OSI seven-layer model and its purpose—layers from physical to application—highlighting how headers and footers encapsulate data. Then, describe the TCP/IP model and illustrate how web page requests and responses involve protocols like HTTP, TCP, IP, and DNS, demonstrating how data encapsulation works from the browser to the server and back.

Ensure your submission is neat, well-organized, and articulates these concepts clearly and thoroughly, demonstrating understanding of network design, security, troubleshooting, and models.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective computer network design involves a multi-faceted approach that ensures efficient communication within and between organizations. The networks at Therall Industries’ headquarters and remote facility must be meticulously planned, incorporating appropriate hardware, cabling, security protocols, and topology to support operational requirements while safeguarding data integrity and confidentiality.

Intranetwork Design at Headquarters and Remote

At the headquarters, the network configuration includes key departments such as Executive Management, R&D, Reception, Guest Offices, and Accounting. Each section comprises several hosts interconnected through structured cabling, specifically twisted pair cables rated for high data transfer speeds (e.g., Cat6 or Cat6a) to support VoIP and general data traffic. Jacks, typically RJ-45, are installed strategically in each department, ensuring easy access and minimal cable clutter. The logical topology is a star configuration, which relies on a central switch that facilitates communication while reducing collision domains, thus optimizing network performance.

The building's connection to the Internet is managed via a telecom room equipped with patch panels, switches, and possibly a firewall. The demarcation point, where service provider facilities end and the internal network begins, is clearly established, facilitating maintenance and troubleshooting. The fiber or high-grade copper cabling connects the building to the ISP, supporting high bandwidth demands.

Similarly, in the remote facility, structured cabling connects sixteen hosts in engineering and decentralized workspaces in the production zones. Given the campus size (~600 feet length and 400 feet width), the cabling follows a star topology, with switches placed in central locations within each department for optimal coverage. POTS and structured cabling are installed throughout to support voice and data communication. Patch panels and demarc points are located within telecom rooms to manage external connections effectively.

Securing Communications

Providing secure interoffice and remote access involves establishing VPN tunnels using protocols such as PPTP or L2TP over the internet. These protocols encrypt data streams, making it difficult for unauthorized entities to eavesdrop on transmissions. The VPN creates a virtual private network, encapsulating the data securely, even over public or untrusted networks, while maintaining authentication and integrity. The VPN setup involves configuring routers with VPN capabilities and deploying security certificates and strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access.

Understanding T3 WAN Channel

A T3 line, also known as DS3, offers a dedicated point-to-point leased line with a bandwidth of approximately 44.736 Mbps. It consists of 672 individual channels, each 64 Kbps, multiplexed together through SONET or SDH frameworks for long-distance transmission. The T3 channel forms the backbone link between headquarters and remote sites, supporting high-speed data and voice traffic. Termination points include demarcation frames and CSU/DSU devices at each end, which convert digital signals into usable format for internal network equipment.

Wireless Network Deployment

High-speed wireless networks are established using enterprise-grade access points operating in dual bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). These access points are strategically positioned in central locations such as the Executive Suite and main hallways, ensuring coverage and capacity for bandwidth-intensive applications like VoIP and video conferencing. The setup supports Wi-Fi standards such as IEEE 802.11ac or ax, delivering potential speeds exceeding 1 Gbps in optimal conditions.

Personal Area Network (PAN) Operations

Within each facility, PANs are employed to control and monitor small peripheral devices such as Dopolar Presserstops. These networks utilize Bluetooth (2.4 GHz) or Wi-Fi for short-range communication (approximately 10 meters). Devices communicate through predefined protocols, ensuring real-time monitoring and control, crucial in manufacturing environments for machine coordination and safety protocols. The PAN's simplicity and low power consumption make it ideal for localized control within rooms.

Troubleshooting Interbuilding Communication Failures

When interbuilding comms are disrupted, troubleshooting begins with physical inspections: verifying cabling, connectors, switches, and routers, followed by testing the demarcation point and service provider connections. Configuration checks ensure no misconfigurations are causing the failure. If physical checks are satisfactory, contacting the ISP helps determine external issues. Restoring the connection involves rechecking configuration settings and potentially recycling network equipment.

Addressing Ransomware Attacks

The engineer’s system was likely compromised by ransomware, encrypting data and demanding payment. Immediate steps include disconnecting affected systems from the network to prevent spread, restoring files from backups, and performing malware scans with reliable security tools. To prevent future incidents, implementing firewalls, updated antivirus software, employee training, and rigorous access controls are essential. Reporting the attack to relevant authorities can also aid in investigation and mitigation efforts.

Explaining the OSI and TCP/IP Models

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model describes a layered architecture with seven levels: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application. Each layer adds headers and footers—collectively called encapsulation—around data as it moves down the layers, enabling standardized, modular communication. For instance, during web browsing, the application layer formats an HTTP request, which encapsulates into TCP segments, IP packets, and so forth, until transmitted over physical media.

The TCP/IP model, primarily used in practical networking, consolidates similar OSI layers into four: Link, Internet, Transport, and Application. It emphasizes protocols like IP, TCP, UDP, and HTTP. When requesting a webpage, a browser initiates an HTTP request encapsulated in TCP segments, which are further encapsulated in IP packets. These packets traverse routers and the internet, ultimately reaching the web server, which responds by sending data captured again through TCP/IP stacks, ensuring the correct webpage loads in the browser. This process exemplifies how encapsulation and de-encapsulation facilitate seamless global communication.

Conclusion

Designing and securing a network demands comprehensive planning, implementation, and management strategies. From selecting appropriate cabling and topology to establishing secure VPN tunnels and deploying efficient wireless and PAN networks, each element plays a critical role in reliable operation. Understanding foundational models like OSI and TCP/IP further enhances one's ability to troubleshoot and communicate effectively about complex network processes, underpinning a robust infrastructure capable of supporting organizational goals and security requirements.

References

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  • Peterson, L. L., & Davie, B. S. (2012). Computer Networks: A System Approach. Morgan Kaufmann.
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  • Tanenbaum, A. S. (2003). Computer Networks (4th ed.). Prentice Hall.
  • Stallings, W. (2017). Data and Computer Communications (10th ed.). Pearson.
  • Cisco Systems. (2021). Cisco Wireless Devices Deployment Guide. Cisco Press.
  • Gonzalez, J., & Martinez, P. (2019). Securing VPN Communications with L2TP/IPsec. Journal of Network Security, 15(2), 45-60.
  • IEEE Standards Association. (2020). IEEE 802.11ax-2021: High-Efficiency WLAN. IEEE.
  • Krishnan, R. (2018). Fundamentals of PAN Networks: Bluetooth and ZigBee. Communications of the ACM, 61(4), 62-67.
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2018). Guide to Obstacle-Related Propagation Loss in Wireless Networks. NISTIR 8240.

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