The CEO Of A Growing Company Has Asked Your Company To Redo

The CEO of a growing company has asked your company to redesign their infrastructure

The CEO of a growing company has asked your company to redesign their infrastructure. The current setup includes 6 computers, each with a desktop printer, and an application server. They operate using a bus network design. They plan to add 5 computers, a network printer, and an email server. If additional equipment is required, explain what is needed and why.

Create a drawing for the proposed layout, provide a description, and explain why you chose this layout.

Create a memo to the CEO explaining the new design, the equipment needed, and the basic consultant fee for your services.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The rapid growth of a company's operations necessitates the redesign of its existing computer network infrastructure to meet increased capacity, efficiency, and future scalability. In this context, the current infrastructure comprising six computers, desktop printers, an application server, and a bus topology requires expansion and optimization. This paper presents a proposed network layout, justifies design choices, identifies additional equipment requirements, and outlines a communication memo to the CEO detailing the design and associated costs.

Current Infrastructure Overview

The existing network employs a bus topology, which involves all devices sharing a single communication line. Each of the six computers interacts with a desktop printer and an application server. While bus networks are simple and cost-effective for small setups, they pose limitations in scalability, maintenance, and fault tolerance (Stallings, 2018). As the company grows, these limitations can hinder operational efficiency and increase downtime risks.

Proposed Network Layout and Design

Network Topology Choice

Given the company's growth plans and the need for increased reliability and scalability, a star topology is recommended. Unlike a bus topology, a star network uses a central switch or router to connect devices, reducing network congestion and isolating faults more effectively (Tanenbaum & Wetherall, 2011). The switch-based network supports higher data transfer speeds and can accommodate additional devices with minimal disruption.

Network Diagram Description

The proposed layout features a central network switch connected via Ethernet cables to all devices. The devices include the existing computers, new computers, printers, the application server, and the email server. The layout enhances manageability, security, and scalability. Each device connects directly to the switch, facilitating efficient data communication and simplifying troubleshooting.

Justification for Layout Selection

A star topology is preferred because it offers increased fault tolerance; a failure in one cable or device does not bring down the entire network. It simplifies the process of adding new devices, which aligns with the company's plans for expansion. Additionally, deploying a managed switch allows for network monitoring, security management, and segmentation, further improving overall network performance (Kurose & Ross, 2017).

Equipment Requirements and Justifications

Existing Equipment

- 6 desktop computers

- Desktop printers

- Application server

Additional Equipment Needed

- Network switch: A gigabit Ethernet managed switch to connect all devices efficiently (Cisco, 2020).

- Ethernet cables: CAT6 cables for high-speed data transfer.

- Switch or network interface cards (NICs): For any new devices lacking integrated NICs.

- A dedicated email server: For internal email management, security, and control.

- Additional desktop printers, if necessary, or modernization of existing printers.

Optional Equipment

- Wireless access points (if wireless connectivity is desired in the future).

- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): To protect critical devices from power fluctuations, ensuring uptime.

Implementation Plan

The transition will involve physically installing the switch in a central location, connecting all existing and new devices via Ethernet cables, configuring network settings, and testing connectivity. Staff training on new equipment management will be necessary to optimize network use and security.

Cost Estimation

The basic consultation fee for the redesigning process is projected at approximately $3,000, covering planning, design, and initial setup supervision. Equipment costs are estimated as follows:

- Managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch: $500

- Ethernet Cables: $200

- Servers and additional computers: already in place or as negotiated

- New email server hardware/software: $1,500

- Printers and other peripherals: depends on specifications

Additional costs may include installation labor, which can vary based on site specifics, and future maintenance fees.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a bus to a star topology enhances network reliability, scalability, and manageability, aligning with the company's strategic growth objectives. Upgrading the infrastructure with a managed switch, new servers, and appropriate cabling ensures future readiness and operational efficiency. The outlined design and equipment recommendations provide a robust foundation for the company's expanding technological needs.

References

• Cisco. (2020). Managed Switches for Enterprise Networks. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com
• Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
• Stallings, W. (2018). Data and Computer Communications (10th ed.). Pearson.
• Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer Networks (5th ed.). Pearson.