West Consulting Modular Design Proposal Michael Boddie Netwo

West Consulting Modular Design Proposalmichael Boddienetwork Design As

Develop a comprehensive and detailed network design proposal for West Consulting that addresses their current infrastructure issues, growth plans, and specific requirements. The proposal should include a hierarchical network architecture comprising access, distribution, and core layers, with considerations for scalability, redundancy, security, and performance optimization. Define suitable hardware and software components, design strategies for WLAN deployment, unified communications, server connectivity, virtualization, internet link improvements, and security enhancements. Support your recommendations with industry best practices, technical justifications, and a project implementation timeline of 4 to 6 months. Include a detailed explanation of how your design aligns with organizational goals and addresses challenges posed by expansion into new locations such as China.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving technological landscape, organizations such as West Consulting face significant challenges in maintaining a robust, scalable, and secure network infrastructure. Their current network architecture, though functional, suffers from issues related to capacity, latency, and limited redundancy, especially as the organization plans to expand geographically and increase user base. Consequently, reengineering their network into a modular, hierarchical design becomes imperative. This proposal elucidates a comprehensive, scalable, and resilient network architecture, aligning with industry best practices to support West Consulting’s current needs and future expansion ambitions.

Understanding Organizational Needs and Business Goals

West Consulting’s objective to expand into new markets like China and accommodate additional users necessitates a holistic redesign of their network. The core business goal is to ensure high availability and secure, high-performance connectivity across multiple locations. To achieve these, the network design must facilitate seamless communication, optimal resource access, efficient data transfer, and robust security measures. The design approach should prioritize scalability, manageability, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness, effectively aligning the technical infrastructure with strategic business objectives.

Hierarchical Network Architecture Design

The backbone of the proposed network design is a three-tier hierarchical architecture, comprising access, distribution, and core layers. This model supports scalability, simplified troubleshooting, policy enforcement, and reliable redundancy. Each layer has tailored functions, ensuring an organized structure that enhances network performance and manageability.

Access Layer

The access layer interfaces directly with end-user devices, including desktops, laptops, and wireless devices. It incorporates high-density switches, such as Cisco Catalyst 9300 series, supporting 10G uplinks to the distribution layer. These switches enable features like port security, VLAN segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS), and Power over Ethernet (PoE), supporting wired and wireless clients. For security, implementation of port-based access control (PACL) and 802.1X are recommended to prevent unauthorized access.

Distribution Layer

The distribution layer acts as a policy control point, aggregating traffic from access switches and applying policies related to routing, security, and traffic management. It employs multilayer switches like Cisco Catalyst 9500 series to facilitate high-speed routing, ACL enforcement, and redundancy through Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP). This layer also establishes secure, high-throughput links to the core and data center, supporting features such as link aggregation (LACP) for bandwidth aggregation and redundancy.

Core Layer

The core layer comprises high-performance routers and switches such as Cisco Catalyst 9600 series or Nexus series, designed for fast, reliable inter-branch connectivity. Redundant, high-capacity links (10 Gbps or higher) and dual-than-necessary backbone switches ensure minimal downtime. The core must support scalable routing protocols, such as OSPF or EIGRP, optimized for high throughput and low latency.

Wireless LAN and Security Enhancements

To support mobility and flexible workspace environments, a secure WLAN system should be implemented in each building. Deploying Cisco AireOS or Cisco Catalyst wireless controllers with IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) access points will provide high density, enhanced security via WPA3 encryption, and seamless roaming. Upgrading existing WLAN infrastructure and integrating centralized authentication through RADIUS servers boosts security and manageability.

Security enhancements include deploying firewall and intrusion prevention system (IPS) solutions at the network perimeter and in critical segments like the data center. Implementation of VPN tunnels for secure remote access, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and network segmentation through VLANs and Access Control Lists (ACLs) significantly reduce attack surfaces and improve overall cybersecurity posture.

Unified Communications and Data Center Design

A robust unified communications system is essential for seamless international videoconferencing, requiring Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization for voice and video traffic. Deploying Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) and supporting infrastructure will ensure minimal disruptions. For the data center, adopting virtualization technologies such as VMware vSphere and Cisco UCS servers enables resource pooling, reduces hardware costs, and simplifies disaster recovery.

Bandwidth and Internet Connectivity

Upgrading backbone links to 10 Gbps fiber connections ensures ample bandwidth for high-volume data transfer between sites. For redundancy, dual uplinks at each switch, employing Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), provide resiliency. Internet connection improvements may include dual ISP providers with automatic failover configurations to guarantee uptime and load balancing.

Implementation Timeline

Given the requirement to complete the new design within 4 to 6 months, a phased approach is recommended:

  1. Month 1–2: Planning, procuring hardware/software, detailed design documentation.
  2. Month 2–3: Deployment of core and distribution layers, establish redundancy, and implement security policies.
  3. Month 3–4: WLAN infrastructure installation, integration with security systems, server virtualization setup.
  4. Month 4–5: Migration testing, user training, and optimization.
  5. Month 6: Full system go-live, monitoring, and contingency planning.

Alignment with Organizational Goals

This modular, hierarchical network design aligns with West Consulting’s strategic goals by enabling scalable growth, ensuring high availability, and enhancing security. The design facilitates expansion into Chinese markets with consistent performance and manageable complexity. It also paves the way for technological advancements like network virtualization and cloud integration, supporting future innovations and market competitiveness.

Conclusion

Implementing a layered, modular network architecture tailored to West Consulting’s growth trajectory addresses critical operational challenges. Emphasizing redundancy, security, and scalability, the proposed design ensures continuous service availability, optimized performance, and cost-effective management. Adhering to a structured implementation plan within the allocated timeline guarantees seamless transition and sets a foundation for sustainable organizational expansion and technological evolution.

References

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