Project Preparation - Assignment Example

Network Design Student’s name Course Institution Date Executive Summary After careful reading and understanding, the clients’ needs in relation to communication, the perfect network design is WAN connection, which will serve between the main office and branches. In addition, the business will do with LAN connection, which will be essential in communication, in the branches of the business. Natro group has a main office in Sydney and two other branches in Melbourne and Griffith. In their proposal, the company hopes to expand in terms of branches and the new station will be in Perth. With this expansion in business, there is a need for communication upgrade especially between the branches. The technology field keeps changing with the introduction of new modes of communication and for this reason; the current network infrastructure seems insufficient in serving the needs of the company. Expansion of business means there is a need for expansion in communication, as the current network infrastructure cannot sustain the business growth. LAN and WAN network will be instrumental in solving the business communication problem. Implementation of the LAN network will be helpful in sustaining the communication in the business’ branches. Noteworthy is the fact that LAN network will allow universal access to business applications, and in this instance, the spotlight is on the branches. LAN network design provides all its users, whether they work in Perth or Griffith, to have access to similar business applications and business data. When the group information has LAN network storage, then the employees of Natro can easily access this. For instance, the relevant people can immediately access the company’s information on sales figures, incoming car orders, and more. LAN network equally allows co-workers to share office equipment, which helps reduce operating costs. Examples of equipment, which co-workers can share, include storage devices, printers, and faxes. On the other hand, implementing WAN network design at the main offices will be helpful in communication between the branches and main office. The reason behind this proposition is so that the main office can share the resources of the network in other city. For instance, WAN user can print documents or send instant messages by just one click. In addition, WAN network design allows users to use online software for communication. This will also allow users to work on the server database at the same time. It is almost certain that implementing the above network designs, WAN and LAN Natro group will manage to solve its communication problem and enhance better service to its customers. Project Goals The project proposes the implementation of LAN network at the head office, which has six departments. Each department in the head office has just about fifty clients and the new network should be strong enough to serve all these departments. The installation of LAN network at the main office will be the biggest and most complicated process as it will be home to all the servers and control network of other branches. The main of objective of LAN network at the main office is to provide the clients the capacity to share documents, fax machines, printers. The installers hope that LAN network will allow clients’ access to the fastest, error-free and secured connection. The LAN network will also include firewall setting up and the right to use endorsement process to moderate the data branch. The same network installation will be in the branches although it will be less complicated and faster because of server centralization at the main office. At the branch level, the client can access its server at the main office through a WAN connection, which is also in the proposal. The WAN network connection between branches aims at balancing the cost, speed, and security of the connection. In this case, there will be installation of all the servers in the main office only. Installation of WAN network ensures servers store all server software, company promotions, and data information about the clients, products, and employees. Clients from other branches can have access to database in the servers, update, and modify information in the servers. All the stored information can have backup and stored in the backup server after working hours. The project hopes that all connections, through WAN network, must be secured so firewall should be used in every branch. In the event, the group implements the installation of the WAN and LAN network, then the network designs should meet the project goals highlighted under this section. In the following section, the study paper will explore the physical network designs, which the project proposes in curbing the communication problems in the company. The paper will first explore the physical design- network topology. We will then investigate the LAN and WAN technologies, justifying the choice of technologies for the various project goals (Elahi & Elahi, 2006). Physical Design Network Topologies Before buying equipment or choosing on a hardware platform, it is indispensable that the business has a clear idea of the nature of the communication problems. In this case, the problem of the company is to upgrade its communication infrastructure to sustain the expanding business and need for communication. In this section, we analyze the physical topology of the proposed networks, which are LAN and WAN network designs. LAN topologies Under the LAN network, there exists for topologies which can be useful in the meeting of the clients’ network requirements. In the head office, we can install the star (Hub and Spoke) topology. Here, all stations get attached by a cable to a central point, which will be by wiring a hub or other device functioning in a similar function. For instance, in Natra group, there are six departments, which will link to a central point by a network hub. A number of diverse cable types can be exploited for this point- to- point connection. Examples of cables applicable in this case include Shielded twisted-pair (STP), fiber optic cable, and unshielded twisted-pair. In addition, star topology can use wireless media for communication links. Shielded twisted-pair is not typically used in a point-to-point configuration. In most cases, the cable applies in Token Ring environment, where the hubs are MSAUs and MAUs. The reason behind this is that there is transmission and receive side, and the transmission is one way. The benefit of the star topology is that no wire subdivision is a distinct spot of breakdown affecting the entire network. This is beneficial for it allows for the better management of the LAN. This means that, in the event, one cable develops a problem, only that LAN-attached station gets affected leaving all the other stations functioning normally (Elahi & Elahi, 2006). Another notable physical network for LAN network is ring topology. In this physical network, all stations play the role of repeaters hence enclosed in a loop. Unlike the above physical network, ring topology has no ends. The function of the repeater is LAN attached station’s network interface card. Each NIC- Network Interface Card in a LAN-attached station is a repeater meaning each station will repeat any signal that is on the network. This operation will be in spite of the destination of the given station in the business. The advantageous aspect of this physical network topology is that the NIC controller is capable of recognizing and handling defective repeater. Once there is the detection, the NIC pulls itself off the ring, which allows the ring to stabilize and continue operating. In Natro group case, we can install Token Ring(IEEE 802.5) or Fiber Data Distributed Interface (FDDI), which are perfect representation of ring topology. In LAN topologies, we can also install bus topology also known as linear-bus topology. This physical network uses a single length of cable, with directly attached LAN stations. In this setting, all set stations share this cable segment and sees broadcasts from every other posting on the wire division. In communication, the process falls under the broadcast medium category. In addition, the setting has definite endpoints to the cable segment- bus network-termination points. This may not be the best recommendation for Natro Group because of the fact that failure of the cable leads to failure of the entire system. Finally, there is the option of tree topology, which is a reasonable expansion of the bus topology. In this setting, the physical plant where all stations are attached is branching tree. This connection starts at the root, heads to the pinnacle point, and then spreads to the network endpoints. This topology is advisable as it allows a system to spread out with dynamism with simply one vigorous data path linking any two-network endpoints. This topology does not use loops as the tree ideology disables all the loops in the network (Elahi & Elahi, 2006). WAN topologies WAN network connection will apply to the network link between the group’s departments and in the future, other new departments. WAN topologies make use of both LAN add enterprise-wide topologies such as building blocks. However, the topologies exhibit more involvement since they have to cover a longer distance than other topologies. In addition, WAN topologies serve a large number of users, and they can easily handle heavy traffic of the network. Given WAN topologies, depend on the distance, size, and network traffic in its operations. The first applicable WAN topology is Peer-to-Peer. This topology operates with a single interconnection point for each location, and it relies on the other site network to transmit and receive its traffic. WAN peer-to-peer topology applies diverse positions, with each one connected to another one by dedicated circuits. Since Natro group only has two branches, this will be the suitable topology because of its capability to use dedicated circuits. This means that the connection uses constantly obtainable communications canals involving tow access points that are leased from a telecommunications provider like an ISP. In a ring WAN topology, each site links to two other sites so that the downright WAN creates a ring prototype. Although similar to the ring LAN topology, ring WAN topology links locations rather local nodes. It is recommendable to install the ring WAN topology instead of peer-to-peer topology because of the twofold aspect. This indicates that a single cable failure will not affect the whole network, and if so, routers at any site can redirect information to an alternative route. In the case of peer-to-peer topology, this will call for expansion of the entire network. Since Natro group currently has two branches, ring topology will be beneficial because it is practical for connecting fewer than four or five locations. The star WAN topology works with a single site, which represents the central connection point for several other points. This is a beneficial arrangement as it creates separate routes for data between any two stations. Most organizations install the star WAN topology because of its arrangement. This topology increases consistency with the number of probable routes information can tag along. In addition, this topology provides shorter data routes between any two stations in the event all of its dedicated circuits are operating. Another possible option for WAN topology is mesh, which incorporates many expressly intertwined nodes especially geographical locations. In mesh WAN topology, data can travel expressly from its origin to the defined target. This setting is advantageous in the event one connection develops traffic issues, routers can redirect information quickly and easily. The fact that this topology offers multiple routes for information flow between any two points, most organizations prefer this option. Finally, we have tiered WAN topologies, which connects sites in a star or ring formation. This interconnection occurs at different levels, with the interconnection points arranged into layers. Tiered topology is more flexible than the other WAN topologies, which makes it quite practical. Natro group can find installation of tiered WAN topologies advantageous because the network allows for development and insertion of superfluous links to prop up intensification (Elahi & Elahi, 2006). LAN technologies LAN technologies best suit situations that require a single geographical location, such as an office building, school, and many other locations. In the proposal, the group wishes to install the LAN technologies at the head office of the company. This will be a reasonable option because the technology has typically high speed and it is cheaper to install. LAN technologies comprise of various technologies, which can be applied to the development of the communication network. In this case, the best proposal is Ethernet and IEEE 802.3. This technology, initially developed by Xerox, is the most popular LAN technology. Ethernet enjoys popularity because of the good balance between speed, cost, and ease of installation. After its initial development, Digital Equipment Corporation and Intel further established Ethernet technologies to better levels. The later developments included Ethernet standard (IEEE Standard 802.3), which defines rules for configuring the technology together with specifying the interaction of elements in Ethernet. More so, IEEE Standard works for companies in need of networks with faster transmission speeds. This development raises Ethernet speed limit from 10Mbps to 100Mbps, and this occurs with minimal alterations in the cable structure. The strong points the technology possesses increase its wide acceptance in the computer marketplace. In addition, Ethernet has the ability to support virtually all popular network protocols, making the technology an idyllic networking technology for most computer users today. Recommending implementation of Ethernet network technology will be helpful to Natro Company because it supports virtually all network protocols. The constant revisions in the network also allow companies to make further upgrades on the network. This will be helpful to Natro group because of its plans of expansion in business. Implementation of Ethernet technology makes use of Manchester encoding. This uses the actuality that hardware can identify a change in electrical energy more without difficulty than a fixed value. In this case, the hardware is border triggered, with the transformations known as mounting or falling edges. The dispatcher broadcasts a falling edge to predetermine a 0 and a mounting border to encode a 1. The voltage modification that encodes a bit occurs exactly half way through the time slot. Application of Manchester encoding uses a preamble to allow for synchronization and it comprises of 64 alternating 1s and 0s sent before the frame. Sharing Ethernet is another mode of implementing the LAN technology, and it requires multiple computers to share access to the ether. Here, a sender transmits a signal, which propagates towards both ends of the cable. The conveyance processor has restricted application of the wire during the broadcast of the frame. However, multiple frames cannot be sent at the same time, all other computers must wait. WAN Technologies A wide area network is a data communication network that covers a comparatively extensive geographic region and often uses broadcast services provided by ordinary carriers like telephone companies. WAN technologies task at the subordinate three layers of the OSI suggestion model- the bodily layer, the information connection film, and the set of connections level. The first proposal for WAN technologies is Dialup Services, which is a cost effective method for connectivity cross WANs. Two well-liked dialup installations are dial-on-demand routing (DDR) and dial backup. DDR is techniques whereby a router can with dynamism set off and shut a circuit-switched session as transmitting end location command. In this case, a router will be configured to consider certain traffic engrossing (just like traffic from a particular protocol) and other traffic uninteresting. At this point, when the router receives stimulating interchange destined for a remote network, there is creation of circuit and the interchange transferred. In the event, the router receives uninteresting interchange and a circuit is in existence, that traffic also transfers usually. In this set up the router sustains an idle timer that is resetting only when gripping interchange is received. This allows the router to terminate any transmission in case the router receives uninteresting traffic before the expiry of idle timer. Similarly, when uninteresting interchange is received, and no path exists, the router crashes the interchange. However, receiving of engaging traffic enhances the initiation of a new circuit. DDR can be useful in the replacement of point-to-point links and switches multi-access WAN services. Dial backup is a WAN service that activates a backup serial line under certain circumstances. The secondary line can act as a backup link that is essential in the event the primary link fails. In addition, the secondary serial line acts a source of additional bandwidth when the load on the primary link reaches a certain threshold. This will be the best WAN technology for the branches communication in Natro group. Dial backup offers protection against WAN performance degradation and downtime. This is exactly what the group requires in upgrading its communication system between the branches. In general, dial up networking enables users to connect their computers to a network using a modem. Conclusion Natro group being a leading car distributer in America will need a better communication system and the above-mentioned networks will allow for this upgrade. Installation of LAN and WAN technologies will help resolve the group’s communication problems and enhance their systems. WAN technologies, through the dial up back network, will enhance branch communication in the business. LAN network is already set up in the branches and WAN network will backup the communication between the main office and branches. These technologies will also be instrumental in sustaining the business expansion project in terms of communication as they hope to launch a new branch in Perth. The growing number of clients in the business will require a better communication system that will help in storage of client information. There has to be head office, and branches communication and the LAN and WAN networks allow for the different stations to access information at any station. This will enhance the company’s effectiveness and activity. WAN network covers a large geographical area that allows the branches to connect in their operations. In addition, the branches can share software and resources with the other departments and workstations. There will efficiency in the group’s work because messages can be sent every quickly to other users of the network. The sharing of resources such as printer, fax machines, or phone lines makes the installation of the network a cost-effective decision. Since it is a business dealing in one line of business, the network allows for the use of the same data. References Elahi, A., & Elahi, M. (2006). Data, network, and Internet communications technology. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning. Read More