Dental Office Network Systems - Case Study Example

Despite the robustness of the proposed network, the report will details its risks along with its benefits. Network Requirements The entire organization, which has five offices, must connect to a central repository where all data will be stored. Because of this reason, proposed network must have a server to store all files for the five offices. In addition, the need for a fast and reliable network calls for a fast network connection that supports high throughput such as T1 lines. In the new organization, four dentists are mobile, which calls for a provision of remote connectivity such as VPN along with switching services using routers and layer three switches.

With the network responsible for securing patient’s data as per HIPPA laws, the network must allow data encryption and authentication of users who access the network. Safety of Information Safety of patient’s data is an paramount goal the proposed network must address effectively. Since the organization will be dealing with crucial information about patients, all information about patients including admission and treatment records be safe and secure. This will be possible if the files server will encrypt data using encryption such as EAS.

Moreover, the network must protect data during transmission using encryption techniques and technologies such as VPN. Among the five offices, the network must allow senders and recipients of data to authenticate before transmission of data. The VPN technologies will mobile workers to connect to the central file server securely without compromising on safety of data (Baldauf & Stair, 2011). The network must also have a firewall and intrusion detection system to prevent any unauthorized access to the organization’s data.

Users will also need to authenticate their devices before using the network especially wireless access points due to security concerns. Network Type, Components, Devices, and Equipment for the Network A metropolitan network (MAN) system is the best network type that will match the requirement of the new organization. A MAN network has the capacity to span several cities and capable of delivering high bandwidth connections using existing telecommunication lines (Morley & Parker, 2009). The proposed network will have several components to link the five offices and the remote workers.

Consequently, the proposed network will have five routers connected with serial cables in a mesh topology. These routers connect to layer three switches to enable packet switching and separation of departments using VLANS. The switches must have at least enough number of ports and support security protocols such as IPSEC. For remote workers, each will have a laptop and a VPN enabled dongle that will allow them establish a secure connection to the central database. With security being a vital issue, devices such as firewalls and backups devices must be located within the network to improve security and recovery process.

Most important, the network must have a network server that will store all data and identifiable using a static IP address and a secondary backup in the cloud to provide continuity during an outage. The servers must have power backup and standby power generators not to mention hot swap features to avoid taking the server offline during service. Network Design Diagram The network diagram for the proposed netw