Report Overview:

In this assignment, you are required to deal with problem solving which includes the identification and determining the specification of the problem, strategies for its solution. You also required to design a network for a typical client that requires its computers to communicate with each other and on the internet. Then you will have to evaluate the solution provided through the reflective report writing. You are reminded that you have to provide reference list of your write up using Harvard referencing format.

Current Setup:

Part of your analysis & design task, you are required to identify the resources needed to design and build a network and computing solution for your own business. At the beginning, your plan is to start with two branches. However, you are planning to add two more branches within the next two years). Your business will sell new and used books and allow clients to jump “online” to browse and download books. You also will offer training on how customers can setup their own devices to browse, downloads books and place new orders.

Currently, there is absolutely zero connectivity within and between the two branches, which would prove extremely problematic, when there is a need to share information between both branches. However, it is envisaged that both branches would support both wired & wireless networked office environment.

After seeking advice from a network consultant, the following details have been provided:

– The two branches require 50 – 60 computers

– The two branches require high performance and opportunity for network expansion in the near future

– Switches and routers will be required

– The new network setup should support any modern-day networking standards and offers wireless connectivity and interconnect each building

– 24 computers to be connected to the new network and one computer used for Point-ofSale (POS) services at each branch

– Offer 10 computers in the ground floor where clients can get trained on how to setup their own devices to browse, downloads books and place new orders

– The new network should connect the two branches into one solid network to allow the sharing of the POS services and any other critical business data

– The new network should allow clients to connect wirelessly

– In conclusion, the new network should be capable of supporting a greater number of users, and their diverse requirements (desktop video conferencing alongside the usual business applications such as web, email, and regular office productivity packages). So, it would become critical to thoroughly understand the requirements of different communities of users. Therefore, a new network design is highly critical for this business.

 Requirements:

Your written report should provide good and clear details about the followings:

  1. The design of the network topology. Provide an overview of the network topology and details of the three buildings’ network design. (More details in the network design below)
  2. The type of media you propose to use. This must meet the performance requirements. You must justify your choice of media. Remember this might include copper and fiber options.
  3. Hardware (such as routers and switches) should reflect expected usage.
  4. Server room
  5. A wireless network should be made available to students which allows students access to different online resources while on campus
  6. Allocation of printers for each branch
  7. Internet access for the entire network, this connection should be sufficient for all current users, and scalable to allow for the expected increase over the next 2 years
  8. Identify a freeware tool that can monitor the entire network and show status of each computer in the network. Install and explore this freeware.
  9. Provide two (2) possible security requirements for the new network design
  10. Estimation Costing
  11. Produce a listing of equipment and implementation cost. This includes but not limited to (Hardware, software license, installation, operation and maintenance)

Network design:

Construct the network design in Cisco Packet Tracer simulator. Use appropriate addressing scheme for the network devices and ensure that all the host names and network addresses are well labelled.