The company has asked you to implement a network to improve how they conduct business within the organization. The company occupies a two-story building in an office park. Their volume of business had been stable for the past three years, but has recently begun to increase. To handle the increased business volume, two new agents will be hired, along with a team of web designers and developers to create a web presence. Everyone in the company has a computer, but the business manager has the only printer. These computers are not connected by any form of network. When agents need to print a document, they must first copy the file to a USB stick and then carry it to the business manager's computer, where they are finally able to print it. Similarly, when staff members want to share data, the only means available is to copy the data to a USB stick and insert it into another computer.
Recently, problems have arisen with the current setup. The business manager is spending too much time printing other people's documents, and it is frequently unclear which copy of a given document is the latest version.
After carefully reviewing the scenario, research a minimum of two additional credible sources that address the topics. (Access the MISM Credible Resource Guide for assistance with finding appropriate credible professional resources.)
Design a network for this company to support file, print, and web services. In a separate attachment, create a high-level network diagram that captures your solution. The diagram needs to show at minimum the cloud (Internet Service Provider), router, switch(es), printer(s), server(s), end-user computers, and how they all connect to one another.
Explain the key differences among hubs, switches, and routers.
Explain how and why the hubs, switches and routers you’ve included in your diagram will be utilized on your network.
Apply standard principles of design to recommend the network topology that would be most suitable for the business needs outlined, and defend your choice with a comparison explanation among the different topology types.
Evaluate the networking needs of the company and suggest either a peer-to-peer or server-based network, and provide the rational for your choice.
Finally, suggest at least two ways to segment this small office network, and evaluate the associated benefits and limitations. Apply telecommunication and network technical knowledge to support your choices.
Full Answer Section
Hubs, Switches, and Routers
A hub is a device that connects multiple devices on a network. It repeats all the data it receives to all the other devices on the network. This can cause congestion and slow down the network.
A switch is a more intelligent device than a hub. It learns the MAC addresses of the devices connected to it and only forwards data to the intended device. This reduces congestion and improves network performance.
A router is a device that connects two or more networks. It routes data between the networks based on the IP addresses of the devices.
In the network diagram, I have included a switch and a router. The switch will be used to connect the computers and printers on the same network segment. The router will be used to connect the network to the internet.
Network Topology
The network topology is the physical layout of the network. There are many different network topologies, but the most common ones for small businesses are the star topology and the bus topology.
In a star topology, each device is connected to a central hub or switch. This is the most common topology for small businesses because it is easy to set up and manage.
In a bus topology, all the devices are connected to a single cable. This is a less common topology for small businesses because it can be difficult to troubleshoot if there is a problem with the cable.
For the company in this scenario, I would recommend a star topology. This is because it is the most reliable and efficient topology for small businesses.
Peer-to-Peer or Server-based Network
A peer-to-peer network is a network where all the devices are equal. This means that any device can share files and resources with any other device.
A server-based network is a network where there is one or more servers. The servers store files and applications that can be shared by all the users on the network.
For the company in this scenario, I would recommend a server-based network. This is because it is more secure and efficient than a peer-to-peer network.
Segmenting the Network
The network can be segmented in a number of ways. One way to segment the network is by using VLANs (virtual LANs). VLANs allow you to divide the network into logical segments, even though the devices are physically connected to the same switch.
Another way to segment the network is by using firewalls. Firewalls can be used to control the traffic between different segments of the network.
For the company in this scenario, I would recommend segmenting the network by using VLANs. This will allow the company to isolate different departments or groups of users, which can improve security and performance.
Benefits and Limitations of Segmentation
The benefits of segmenting the network include:
- Improved security: By isolating different departments or groups of users, you can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
- Improved performance: By isolating different types of traffic, you can improve the performance of the network.
- Increased flexibility: By using VLANs, you can easily add or remove devices from the network without affecting the rest of the network.
The limitations of segmenting the network include:
- Increased complexity: Managing a segmented network can be more complex than managing a non-segmented network.
- Increased cost: Segmenting the network can require additional hardware and software.
Conclusion
The network design I have proposed will meet the needs of the company in this scenario. It is a secure, efficient, and scalable solution that will allow the company to grow and change as needed.
I have also included two ways to segment the network, which will improve security and performance. The benefits of segmentation outweigh the limitations, and I believe that this is the best solution for the company.
