You Have Been Contracted By Healthfirst Hospital Foundation

Your Have Been Contracted By Healthfirst Hospital Foundation Hhf

Your have been contracted by HealthFirst Hospital Foundation (HHF), a charitable organization serving community clinics in Atlanta, Georgia, that plans to computerize its operations through a Local Area Network (LAN). The project aims to create a fully functional, cost-effective networked system capable of providing department-wide access to information, including a design for a boardroom where any department's data can be accessed and expressed. The new facility includes five six-cubicle work areas, a separate MIS department, and a boardroom, with each work area featuring a closed office for the department head. The organization has determined the LAN installation is feasible within its budget constraints, and the goal is to maintain a low-cost implementation while ensuring the network's reliability and expandability.

As part of this project, I am tasked with selecting appropriate network servers, routers, and hubs that will enable efficient and secure communication across all departments. The design will include a description of the network model and topology, alongside a comprehensive explanation of my choices and their relevance to the overall project goals. This memo is intended for Roger Chen, the chief information officer at HHF, and will serve as a foundational document guiding the implementation process.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The digitization of organizational operations is an essential step for healthcare foundations aiming to improve efficiency, data accessibility, and communication. HealthFirst Hospital Foundation (HHF), with its strategic growth and expanding community services, recognizes the importance of implementing a Local Area Network (LAN) to support its functional requirements. This paper discusses the process of selecting appropriate network hardware, designing the network topology, and justifying these choices in the context of HHF’s objectives and constraints.

Understanding Requirements and Constraints

The primary requirements for HHF are to establish a network that is fully functional, secure, scalable, and cost-effective. This network must support department-specific data sharing and facilitate a central point of access for information in the boardroom. The constraints include a limited budget and the need for a straightforward, easily maintainable system. The existing layout comprises five work areas, each with six cubicles, a dedicated MIS department, and a conference/boardroom, necessitating a design that supports both individual department needs and centralized access to data.

Network Model and Topology Choice

In designing the network, a star topology is the most suitable choice. The star topology connects all devices to a central switch or router, enabling efficient data management and reducing potential points of failure. It offers numerous advantages, including ease of troubleshooting, scalability, and high performance, which align with HHF’s goals of a reliable and expandable network.

The core network will employ a switched Ethernet topology, leveraging modern switches capable of supporting high-speed data transfer and multiple VLANs. This setup allows logical segmentation of departments, particularly to separate sensitive health data (such as in the MIS department) from general communication networks.

Selection of Network Hardware

Servers: A dedicated file server and a printer server will be essential. The file server will store shared department data and facilitate quick access across departments. A resource reflectively server could also host departmental applications, which will enable centralized management and security.

Routers: A commercial-grade router with support for Virtual LANs (VLANs), security features like a firewall, and quality of service (QoS) capabilities will be used. This router will enable secure communication between departments and the internet, with the capacity to enforce access controls, crucial in a healthcare setting.

Hubs and Switches: The network will primarily use switches rather than hubs, as switches reduce network congestion and improve performance by creating dedicated communication channels for each device. For the initial setup, manageable 24-port switches are sufficient to support the department-specific connections.

Additional Equipment: Wireless access points may be considered for flexible workspace access, especially in the conference and common areas, improving mobility while maintaining security protocols.

Network Topology and Design Justification

A hierarchical star topology will be implemented, with switches acting as nodes, connecting workstations, department offices, and servers. The central switch, or core switch, connects to the router, which manages external communications. This design facilitates scalability, easy maintenance, and robust performance.

VLAN segmentation will enable segregation of network traffic between departments, particularly isolating sensitive data handled by the MIS team and the Boardroom. This logical segmentation enhances security, limits broadcast domains, and simplifies management.

The network model emphasizes redundancy for critical components, ensuring that failure of a single switch or link does not cripple the entire network. Implementing redundant links and backup power supplies will improve the network’s robustness.

Cost Considerations

To maintain a low budget, the network hardware will be selected based on cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. Commodity-grade switches, a mid-range router supporting necessary features, and cost-effective servers will be prioritized. Purchasing hardware from reputable vendors offering warranties and support will ensure reliability within the budget.

Bulk procurement and using existing cabling infrastructure where possible will reduce costs further. Additionally, open-source or free management tools will support network administration, further lowering expenses.

Conclusion

The proposed network design for HHF employs a star topology utilizing managed switches and a capable router to meet organizational and departmental needs efficiently. By selecting cost-effective, scalable, and secure hardware, HHF will establish a robust LAN infrastructure supporting current and future growth. The network will facilitate seamless internal communication, secure data sharing, and easy management—core to the foundation’s mission of community health excellence.

References

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  5. Cisco Systems. (2021). Cisco Catalyst Switches Data Sheet. Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/index.html
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