Assignment 1: Network Consultation for DesignIT - Coursework Example

Introduction The document presents design and architecture of computer network to be deployed as per the requirements provided by the DesignIT. The document suggests the hardware and software applications to be deployed and implemented in the DesignIT, along with the associated costs of the hardware and software. Moreover, the human resources required to deploy the network along with their costs and service cost. The wiring considerations (guidelines) are provided in the document for developing the Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The document contains the guidelines to be considered for implementation of the security (including Firewall and Antivius Software) while the deployment of the LAN. In the end, the document identifies the single point of failure and recommends the strategies to be utilized for the failure mitigation. Wiring Consideration The network design given below shows that the topology of the network is Star. Therefore, the cables from all the devices (computers, servers, wireless access points, etc.) would be terminated into the switch. The size of the space undertaken by the DesignIT is 56’ x 36’, therefore, after analysis it is determined that a roll of cable would be enough for connecting the computers, printers, servers, routers and wireless access points to the Switch. Moreover, it is recommended that the Design utilizes the cable of Category Five (Cat 5) for connecting the devices to the switch utilizing RJ45 connector. The following diagram shows the network design and architecture to be deployed in the DesignIT. Network Design and Architecture Hardware Options and Costs The following table shows the hardware already procured and configured by the DesignIT, but require re-location only. S # Hardware Software Quantity 1. Web Server Operating System: MS Server 2008, MS IIS Server 1 2. File Server Operating System: MS Server 2008 1 3. Application Server Operating System: MS Server 2008 1 The following hardware is required to purchase as per the requirements of the DesignIT. S. # Hardware Quantity Unit Price Total Price 1. Computer System 6 $700 $4,200 2. Wireless Access Point 1 $350 $350 3. Managed Switch (12 ports) 1 $1,800 $1,800 4. Firewall 1 $350 $350 5. Color Printers 3 $300 $900 6. Cable Roll 1 $300 $300 From the above table, it is evident that an amount of $7,900 is required for the required hardware equipment. Security Considerations In order to prevent the network and digital information either from an unauthorized access from the intruders or viruses and malware, there are various hardware and software required to be implemented. For instance, in terms of hardware, the Firewall and Intrusion Detection System (IDS) are used disallow the unauthorized persons to access information available over the network and sniff the network to detect the abnormal content trying to enter the network. However, on the other hand, it is recommended for the DesignIT to install the antivirus software applications to prevent the viruses to enter into the network. From the many available antivirus software applications, it is suggested that the DesignIT should install Symentic Endpoint Protection. Moreover, it is suggested that the company would implement a strong password policy. Software Options and Costs A wide range of software applications are available to install on the computer systems, however, it is suggested that the DesignIT may install only the required applications to avoid the cost overrun. As the document pertains to the network design, therefore, apart from the Operating Systems and Antivirus software applications, the DesignIT should install Microsoft Network Monitoring tool. The Micosoft monitoring tool would facilitate the DesignIT company to view, manage, analyze and capture the traffic on the network. Moreover, in order to monitor the internet speed, the DesignIT is recommended to install the BandWidthD tool (Tabana, 2013). It is pertinent to mention here that the document does not suggest any personalized and utility applications, therefore, the DesignIT can install them as per its requirements. An amount of $900 is required for software, The cost breakup of the software applications is as follows: S. # Software Quantity Unit Price Total Price 1. Operating Systems: MS Windows 7 6 $100 $600 2. Symantec Endpoint Protection, Antivirus Software (Licenses) 6 $50 $300 3. MS Network Monitor 1 Free 0 4. BandWidthD 1 Free 0 Costing There are mainly four (4) types of cost involved in the project include: hardware cost, software cost, human resource cost and service cost. The hardware and software costs are already illustrated above in the document. The labor (HR) cost is given below: S # Designation Consultation Fee 1. Network Manager $1,000/- 2. Network Administrator $800/- 3. Assistant Network Administrator (ANA) $500/- 4. Help Desk Assistance $300/- Total Cost Summary S # Cost Head Cost 1. Hardware / Equipement Cost $7,900/- 2. Software Cost $900/- 3. Human Resource Cost $2,600/- 4. Service / Operating Cost (internet access) $300/- Total $11,500/- Single Point of Failure It is evident from the design and architecture of the network that the Star topology is used for deployment of the network. And in the Star topology, the biggest issue is the single point of failure i-e if the central device (Hub / Switch / Router, however, the ‘Switch’ in our case) fails, the whole network does not work. Therefore, in our case, as the ‘Switch’ is utilized to connect all the devices over the network, therefore, if the switch fails (central device) the network of the DesignIT fails to work. The single point of failure can be mitigated by implementation of redundancy. The redundancy refers to the provision of replica or using redundant software / hardware (or both) components. For instance, as the switch is the single point of failure, therefore, in order to mitigate, the DesignIT is required to install redundant Switches and upon failure, the other Switch starts to operationalize. In this regard, disadvantage of the Star topology can be mitigated, but it is pertinent to mention here that the cost would increase (Oracle, 2011). References Tabana, A. Z. (2013). The Top 20 Free Network Monitoring and Analysis Tools for Sys Admins. Retrieved from: http://www.gfi.com/blog/the-top-20-free-network-monitoring-and-analysis-tools-for-sys-admins/ Oracle. (2011). Oracle Server Deployment. Retrieved from: http://docs.oracle.com/cd/E20295_01/html/821-1217/fjdch.html Read More