Network Design Consultation - Literature review Example

?NETWORK DESIGN Network Design Consultation Word Count: 2,000 (8 pages) I. Introduction The next-door neighbor is starting a small billing business and has asked you to design the network. Currently, the neighbor has nothing, but needs the following: ?2 workstations, 2 laptops, and 1 server supporting 3 users; wireless networking;?1 quality networked printer; file and folder sharing; Internet access; multiple email addresses; basic security environment (similar to home environment); initial investment $5,000 or less; and recurring costs less than $200 per month. This piece will take into account the following: the recommended design that meets the customer’s needs; an original diagram of the configuration; suggested network architecture and Internet access configuration; recommended hardware; recommended software; a cost table; a basic recommended configuration; and a conclusion. These elements will all certainly be discussed very in-depth in this piece. II. Recommended Design, Hardware, & Software That Meets The Customer’s Needs A recommended design that will meet the customer’s needs will have 3 computers; a printer will also be included. File sharing is included, along with wireless internet access, several Gmail and Yahoo! and/or Admin addresses at the organization’s official address; additionally, basic security like Norton Antivirus, can be purchased. This would all be within the ballpark of $4000, $1000 under budget, with running costs about $200 per month. There have been several studies done showing that good technical writing yields helpful results, especially when it comes to task-oriented information.  According to Pringle and O’Keefe (2003), “Task-oriented writing makes up the bulk of technical documentation—installation manuals, getting started manuals, and user guides, for example” (pp. 91).   III. Original Diagram of the Configuration IV. Suggested Network Architecture and Internet Access Configuration The project to be presented has three main components:  the C++ code for a supervisory schedule; proof that the code works; and finally, a written report explaining the code. Basically, the C++ code to be developed in order to make scheduling easier.  The proof that the code works is an additional bonus to prove to coders and programmers that the program can actually be used in a real-life setting.  This would probably be done with the help of an online site such as CodePad (at http://www.codepad.org) or others which helps a programmer figure out if his or her C++ (or other type of code) works functionally.  Thus, one can test one’s own code being entered intothe online program and see if one’s code works.  Finally, the written report would basically demonstrate how the code works, why it would be used, and how it would be beneficial to the organization that would be utilizing it.  To be brief, basically the written report would demonstrate the facility of use and usefulness of the scheduling code for the supervisory roles or Admins.  It might also be a code which could be marketed to other organizations and/or business or be put online as open source code in order to enhance businesses’ functioning so they would run more smoothly. V. Cost Table Listing All Items Needed to Purchase and Associated Costs ITEM COST Virus Protection (Norton Antivirus) Subscription for One Year $100 3 computers (1 Mac OSX, 2 Windows 7) $2000 Admins’ Salary $1900 Total Cost $4000 VI. Basic Configuration Recommended for a Secure Computing Environment The core activities to be focused upon are to provide clear purpose and direction to the workforce, optimize use of financial and other resources, increase operational efficiency and effectiveness, plan and prioritise projects and activities and deliver on time, and remain within budget and achieve performance targets. There are six important activities that lay at the heart of organizational dealings, many of which are aligned with becoming a “green” or environmentaly-friendly company. These are technical, commercial, financial, security, accounting and managerial aspects. The five basic managerial functions of management include: Planning, Organizing, Commanding, Coordinating and Controlling. Planning is a process that managers indulge in to select and identify the appropriate goals and actions one wishes to pursue. One must insist that the course of actions taken will incorporate unity, consistency, adaptability and accuracy keeping in perspective the resources in hand. The three steps in the planning process are: 1) Deciding which goals the organization intends to pursue; 2) Zeroing down on the course of actions to adopt whilst attaining those goals; and 3) Deciding how to allocate organizational resources in achieving those goals. How well a manager’s plan is implemented determines how effective and efficient the performance level one’s organization is at, and will be at in the long run. Controlling ensures that the managers are doing all they can within their means to ensure that the organization performs at its best. It could be maintained that manager should evaluate how well their organization is performing while taking action to improve its performance in the process. For instance managers should monitor the performance of individuals, departments, and organization as a whole to see if they are meeting their desired standards. They should have a complete knowledge of the employees working under them. This will inculcate unity and internalize commitment to the organization as a whole. One must also be emphatic about coordination within the organization. It is important to strike a balance between the various facets of an organization’s activities. For this reason it is proposed that weekly conferences under the auspices of departmental heads be held. The conferences are conducted to resolve issues of common interest. A good supervisor should advocate for leadership as well and should call on managers for articulating a clear vision and energizing and enabling organizational members so they could understand the part they play in achieving organizational goals. Leadership depends on the use of power, influence, vision, persuasion, and communication skills to coordinate the behaviors of individuals and groups so that their activities and efforts are in complete harmony. These strategies can be employed even today and have proven to be a landmark for contemporary management. Looking at one’s role and job description, it is clear to see the five (5) elements of management throughout the job description in line with what has been explained in various teachings around managerial control and leadership.  A major aspect of the supervisor’s core activities is to provide clear purpose and direction, inspire trust, respect and shared values, communicate clearly and succinctly, develop and support individuals and team members, resolve problems and conflicts with positive outcomes, consistently apply strategic thinking and adapt a leadership style to take account of the very diverse situations a manager is required to deal with. In respect of change management end, one will have to encourage others to be creative and innovative, identify opportunities for change and development, scope, plan and drive change, manage others through the change process and take account of all user issues.  Where service users are concerned, supervisors are expected to develop effective customer relationships, create customer-driven improvements to serviced, manage activities to meet customer requirements and work to improve levels of customer service and satisfaction. At the same time, the good supervisor will have to:  establish information management and communication systems; provide and use appropriate information to support decision-making; develop and exploit organizational knowledge and skills; and manage complexity to produce a positive effect.   Similarly, optimize use of financial and other resources, increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness, delivered on time to budget and to the standard required will be some other key activities for the supervisory role. Here it has been outlined for the reader in great detail the responsibilities of the management/supervisory role.  So, not only should a supervisor be concerned with the elements of his or her job that deal with the business aspect—saving time and money—but the supervisor should also be concerned about ways to improve the physical environment of the organization, an organizational goal.  This is because everyone wants to work in an environment that is people-friendly and stress-reducing. The reason that a C++ code is being formed in order to implement the project are for both business and technical reasons.  Systems analysis will also be briefly explained here.  The business reasons for having such a C++ code in place is because it will make the implementation of the schedules for shift supervisors much easier when they can just plug in a few numbers and their schedule for working will automatically be determined by the system based on other supervisors’ availability and schedules.  Whereas scheduling might be a nightmare for one human to do, the computer will be able to sort out schedules automatically using “if” and “then” statements as well as being able to concisely comprise, in a fast manner, the proper scheduling that is needed assuming there is more than one supervisor—which would probably not be all that uncommon.  So, for business reasons this makes good business sense in order to form a scheduling bloc or blocs for each supervisor so that they know specifically when each of them will be working.  This causes less hassle for the administration or secretary that handles the scheduling, and secondly that frees up a lot of time for other things to be accomplished in the office.  Since time is money, this saves both time and money so it makes good business sense for those reasons also.  Technical reasons for producing this scheduling program are that the entire process will be computerized, thus enabling other time and resources to be devoted to other areas besides scheduling. Systems analysis is also a key component in ensuring that whatever networks are being used are not only a) being used properly but that b) they are in good working order.  Of course, network security is the concern of any good supervisor, and he or she will want to ensure that net security are top priorities while he or she is working—whatever shift in which he or she may be working.  In order to maintain network and Internet security, the supervisor is probably going to be in a chief Admin role, which will allow him or her to monitor the system and protect the system against DDoS attacks.  Also, the Supervisor wants to make sure that any necessary maintenance that needs to be done takes place by keeping a log and recording any problems that may come up during the course of the shift, especially noting questions or issues that may be beyond his or her expertise.   However, the supervisor is expected to be very knowledgeable about most issues, and only have to worry about more highly technical issues beyond his or her control by annotating them in the log book and having follow-ups with tech support arranged accordingly.  Thus, it is important that the supervisor maintain his or her awareness, which is going to be a key factor in his or her ability to keep his or her position and maintain the lab or LAN network accordingly—factors to take in consideration. There are three main goals to be realized with the creation of the project at hand.  The first two are business goals and the third goal or objective is an organizational goal—which are, respectively:  to save time; to save money; and to be more “green” or environmentally conscious of the choices being made within the organization.  All these goals can be achieved through effective management and supervision. Writing the C++ code for the scheduling of supervisors will definitely save the business money; therefore, this goal is a business goal which is reflected in the fact that creating this project is respectful of peoples’ time.   Time is a resource that can’t be wasted since it is limited; therefore, every second must be used wisely.  The manager is the person responsible for planning and directing the work of a group of individuals, monitoring their work, and taking corrective action when necessary. VII. Conclusion This piece has taken into account the following: the recommended design that meets the customer’s needs; an original diagram of the configuration; suggested network architecture and Internet access configuration; recommended hardware; recommended software; a cost table; and a basic recommended configuration. All necessary elements have been put into place in this piece. BIBLIOGRAPHY Browne, C. (2011).  The Unix operating system.  Available: . iWebTool Computer Glossary.  (2011).  What is system hardening?  Available:        . McIlroy, M.D. & Reeds, J.A. (2011).  The IX multilevel-secure UNIX system.  Available: .         Pringle, A.S., & O’Keefe, S.  (2011).  Technical writing 101:  areal-world guide to planning and writing technical documentation.  US:  Scriptorium Publishing. Read More