Uh Oh: The Legal Department And HR Department ✓ Solved

Uh Oh The Legal Department And The HR Depar

Uh-oh, the Legal department and the HR department are demanding their own network. The departments feel that their data is sensitive enough that their data should be separated from the other departments. In addition, the Outside Sales department has gotten brand new Apple iPads for all of their users. So there needs to be a Wireless network setup so they can go online. So, you need to build out a change order for the network to account for these two curveball requests. Your submission should be in a Word document and should cover the following (not a complete list):

  • How will you separate the networks, physically or virtually?
  • What type of WiFi network will you setup?
  • What hardware will you use?
  • What encryption method will you use?
  • Will you limit the WiFi signal via physical means?
  • What additional hardware is needed? Software? Etc?

Remember to justify your choices. *Turnitin Report needed

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The task of segregating sensitive departmental data and establishing a secure, functional wireless network for the Outside Sales team requires a comprehensive approach that combines strategic planning, appropriate hardware selection, and robust security measures. In this paper, I will discuss how to separate the networks, the type of WiFi setup, necessary hardware, encryption protocols, physical signal limitations, and additional hardware or software requirements, providing justifications for each decision.

Network Segmentation: Physical vs. Virtual

One of the primary considerations in this scenario is defining how to separate the networks for the Legal, HR, and Outside Sales departments. Two main options are physical segmentation and virtual segmentation through Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs).

Physical segmentation involves establishing separate physical infrastructure—distinct switches, routers, and cabling—for each department. While this offers maximum security and isolation, it incurs higher costs and maintenance complexity. Conversely, virtual segmentation using VLANs allows multiple logical networks to operate on the same physical hardware, segmented by VLAN IDs, which are managed through switches and routers.

Given cost-efficiency and ease of management, deploying VLANs to separate the networks is the optimal solution. Implementing VLANs on managed switches ensures each department's traffic remains isolated, with access controls enforced through network policies. VLAN segmentation also offers flexibility for future modifications or additions without significant hardware changes.

Type of WiFi Network Setup

The WiFi network for Outside Sales must be flexible, secure, and easy to manage. A dual-band WiFi setup, utilizing both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, provides better coverage, higher speeds, and less interference. Considering the security and performance needs, implementing WPA3 encryption (discussed further below) and deploying multiple SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers)—one for each department—will facilitate separate logical networks on the same physical infrastructure.

An enterprise-grade, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) access points will be used to ensure high throughput, better user capacity, and future-proofing. This setup supports multiple devices, necessary for departments like Outside Sales using iPads, which demand high and reliable connectivity.

Hardware Selection

For the hardware, a central enterprise-grade wireless access point (AP), such as the Cisco Catalyst 9100 Series or Ubiquiti UniFi AP-X series, will be employed. These APs support multiple SSIDs, VLAN tagging, and advanced security features. Managed switches, supporting VLAN configurations, such as Cisco Catalyst series or Ubiquiti UniFi switches, will connect these APs to the existing network.

Additionally, a robust enterprise-grade router with support for VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and advanced security, such as the Cisco ISR series or similar, will manage traffic flow and enforce security policies.

Encryption Method

Security is paramount, especially for departments with sensitive data like Legal and HR. WPA3 encryption is the current standard offering enhanced security over WPA2, including individualized data encryption and stronger password protection. For the wireless network, WPA3 Personal or Enterprise modes can be used depending on the size and security requirements of the organization.

For departmental networks handling highly sensitive data, deploying WPA3-Enterprise with IEEE 802.1X authentication provides the best security, leveraging RADIUS servers for centralized account management and authentication.

Physical Signal Limitation

Limiting WiFi signal range by physical means can prevent unauthorized access from outside the premises. Using directional antennas, signal attenuators, and placement strategies can confine wireless coverage within designated areas, reducing potential security risks and interference. For example, deploying directional antennas targeting specific floors or sections of the building minimizes the signal leakage.

This physical limitation complements encryption and network segmentation, providing a layered security approach.

Additional Hardware and Software Needs

Beyond the core access points and switches, additional hardware such as network firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) will reinforce network security. Implementing captive portals for guest access and network monitoring tools will enhance management and visibility.

Software-based solutions, including centralized network management platforms like Cisco DNA Center or Ubiquiti Network Management System, allow for easy configuration, monitoring, and updates of the network devices. These management tools ensure consistent security policies across all devices and simplify troubleshooting.

Finally, deploying network access control (NAC) solutions ensures devices are compliant before network access is granted, providing an additional layer of security crucial for sensitive departments and mobile devices like iPads.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a secure and efficient network environment for Legal, HR, and Outside Sales departments requires a combination of VLAN-based virtual segmentation, high-performance WiFi 6 access points, robust security protocols such as WPA3, and physical measures to limit signal spread. Carefully selected hardware, combined with centralized management and additional security tools, will ensure the network meets both performance and security requirements, allowing each department to operate safely and effectively.

References

  • Cisco Systems. (2023). Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points. https://www.cisco.com
  • Ubiquiti Networks. (2022). UniFi Access Points. https://unifi.ui.com
  • Federal Trade Commission. (2021). Data Security and Encryption Standards. https://www.ftc.gov
  • IEEE Standards Association. (2020). IEEE 802.11ax-2021 - Wireless LAN amendments. https://standards.ieee.org
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2022). Guidelines for Wireless Security. https://www.nist.gov
  • Ardito, L., et al. (2020). Network Segmentation Strategies in Enterprise IoT Security. IEEE Communications Standards Magazine, 4(2), 36-43.
  • Dutta, P., et al. (2019). WiFi 6 and Its Security Implications. Journal of Network and Systems Management, 27(3), 677–690.
  • Khanna, R., & Singh, P. (2021). Implementing VLANs in Enterprise Networks. Computer Networks, 193, 108056.
  • Rose, S., et al. (2020). Guide to Network Security. National Security Agency (NSA).
  • Goyal, S., & Sinha, P. (2022). Physical Layer Security in Wireless Networks. IEEE Wireless Communications, 29(1), 102-109.

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