Network Design Consultation - Essay Example

NETWORK DESIGN CONSULTATION P number: Module: Module deadline: In the current constantly advancing technological world, small, big, medium-size and all other types of business organizations around the globe are fighting tooth and nail to ensure that they are in touch with all advancements. Among the major subjects of concern in the implementation of these daily advancing technologies are network configurations. In other words, network design and architecture has always been the focal point in ascertaining that there is significant success in the network configuration of a particular organization. To achieve a successful computer network configuration it is always highly essential that key features namely confidentiality, integrity and availability are perfectly met (Benvenuto & Zorzi 2011). A network architecture acts as one of the most important points of concern or baseline to the implementation of a quality computer network (Mccabe 2007). In simple terms, a network architecture refers to a well-strategized layout of a computing devices. This is always made up of computer hardware, software, and connectivity protocols necessary for effective data transfer (Ciampa 2012). It is very essential to comprehend that knowledge of the network architecture principles play a crucial role in the success of a business. This includes information about areas to be covered in a particular configuration leading either a Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). In addition to this, the topology applied in the network layout is also a crucial aspect of a network architecture. These topologies include the star, loop, bus or mesh (Benvenuto & Zorzi 2011). In this sense, this paper focuses on a network design process of quality computer network via an account of a small business. The main aim of this design is to aid the business in smooth implementation of its day-to-day activities (Ciampa 2012). For our small business, it is hereby suggested that the client-server architecture is put into very close consideration and implemented for successful and easily manageable network configuration. This architecture makes it very easy to design, configure and manage a small business network (Benvenuto & Zorzi 2011). In the client-server architecture, the whole network configuration is decomposed into two key segments. These are the client and server processors. The client side requests for data from the server while the server side delivers the requested data to clients. In other words, the client-server architecture makes the server to provide computerized resources for the clients to consume (Mccabe 2007). As indicated in the diagram above, the client server architecture involves a number of clients requesting and sharing data through a common server. Our business is projected to apply the client server architecture on the basis of one to many relation where one server interacts with three user clients. In general, this architecture will be of great importance to the small business since it also supports separation of networking functionality based on the service concept as requested by a particular client (Ciampa 2012). Based on the client server principle, it is very important to make it clear that star topology perfectly fits as the suggested internet access configuration. This is because, this topology supports speedy and easy integration of the components of small business. Additionally, it is flexible enough to support future business expansion (Benvenuto & Zorzi 2011). In the star topology, a single router will be connected to the client computers used around the business environment. The router will be the focal point of the network access process since it acts as the gateway to the internet. It also aids in easier management of the network particularly in the implementation of security mechanisms (Ciampa 2012). It is vital to note that there is a significant number of devices and software crucial in the implementation of the projected small business network. These are as indicated in the cost table below. Device Name Number of Devices Cost Per Device/meter Total HP Server 1 $500.00 $500.00 HP Printer 1 $100 $100 Cisco Linksys Wireless Router 1 $250 $250 Personal Computer 2 $150.00 $300.00 Laptop 2 $550.00 $1100.00 Printer 1 $200.00 $200.00 Networking cables (copper straight through) 50 meters long $5.00 $250.00 RJ45 Connectors 6 $2.00 $12.00 Windows 8 Operating System 1 $50.00 $50.00 Microsoft Server 2012 1 $100 $100 Kaspersky Antivirus (Enterprise Version) 1 $100.00 $100.00 $2962.00 Gathering the best quality hardware components is a very important subject of concern in the design of the projected small business network. Firstly, a HP Server machine with a minimum storage volume of ten thousand terabytes has to be brought at a cost of five hundred dollars (Ciampa 2012). Two HP Personal computers should be bought each at a cost of one and fifty United States dollars. The hardware configurations on these personal computers should be three hundred gigabytes (300 GB) on hard disk, four gigabytes (4 GB) on Random access Memory and processors of a minimum of four gigahertz (Benvenuto & Zorzi 2011). A Cisco router, specifically, Linksys (WRT300N) wireless router with four Ethernet ports and one internet port should be bought to act as the network gateway and facilitating communication among the networked devices (Mccabe 2007). This device should cost around two hundred and fifty dollars. Two user laptops with internal (hard disk) memory of five hundred gigabytes each (500gb), a Random Access Memory of four gigabytes and speed of four gigahertz should also be bought to aid in promoting smooth operations of the business (Ciampa 2012). It is also important that a HP color Printer integrated with a photocopier and scanner has to be bought to ensure that the business is in touch with all crucial technological advancements. This device should cost around one hundred dollars (Mccabe 2007). Lastly but certainly not the least, RJ45 connectors and copper straight cables of the length of fifty (50) meters should be made available to aid in the connectivity of the business networking devices. Each meter of the cable goes at a cost of five dollars while the RJ45 connectors cost of two dollar each (Benvenuto & Zorzi 2011). In the software end, a windows eight (8) operating system will be very essential in promoting the day-to-day operations of the business. This goes at a cost of fifty dollars. Additionally, for security purposes, an enterprise version of Kaspersky antivirus also has to be bought at a cost of one hundred dollars (Mccabe 2007). In conclusion, to ensure that the business server functions as per the current speedy advancing global server needs, it is vital that Microsoft Server 2012 operating system is bought and installed. This software goes at a cost of around one hundred dollars (Benvenuto & Zorzi 2011). References Benvenuto, N & Zorzi, M 2011, Principles of communications networks and systems. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K., Wiley. Ciampa, D 2012, Security+ guide to network security fundamentals. Boston, MA, Course Technology, Cengage Learning. Mccabe, D 2007, Network analysis, architecture, and design. Amsterdan, Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann Publishers. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10188254. Read More