IT329_IP4
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Colorado Technical University *
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329-1701B-
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Information Systems
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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by carant417
1
Network Infrastructure Design
IT329-2105A-01
Instructor: Professor Gleghorn
January 12, 2022
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Table of Contents
Target Organization
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3
Network Requirements
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3
Internal Network Design
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5
Network Diagram
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8
Network Topology
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8
Internet Infrastructure
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9
Internet Infrastructure Diagram
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11
Network Implementation
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12
Network Management
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16
References
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Target Organization
The target organization is called Global Television Services, (GTP), and their primary function is to serve as a dealer / installer and sales organization for various communication companies such as Comcast, AT&T, DIRECTV, RingCentral, ViaSat and other phone, internet, and television providers. The organization is a small business made up of an owner, 3 technicians
(installers / repair), an office manager / receptionist and a sales team of 8 sales agents. The business has two buildings that are adjacent to one another. The first building contains the sales staff, the second building is for the technicians, which includes the warehouse, and is where management is located. The overall size of the company may fluctuate as technicians and sales agents come and go but should consistently fall between 15 to 20 employees. Network Requirements
Networking is an absolute essential for this organization. Every employee requires internet access in order to perform their job functions. The sales agents all need access to the internet to research new leads, as well as to send emails to existing leads and confirmation emails
to confirmed sales. As well as the internet, the sales agents need to be able to send reports to management that include all the details of their sales. Leads also need to be able to be shared between agents so that customers always have support even if a sales agent is currently unavailable. Technicians need to be able to access the internet to view maps and to view and share documents such as site surveys and schematics as well as plans for installations or repairs. The office staff needs to be able to access the database of existing customers as well as billing documents and scheduling.
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Networking is important for internal and external purposes. External network solutions will be covered by redundant internet connections to two separate Internet Service Providers, (ISP). Comcast Business and AT&T fiber are both available at this physical location, this allows us the security to still have a connection if one network goes down so that business is not interrupted. The requirements for this portion of the network will be a business class modem to connect to the internet, Gigabit internet speeds will be a requirement to handle all of our workstations and connected devices and will actually be more than what is necessary which allows for future scalability. Internal solutions will be handles with a LAN, (Local Area Network) that will be supported by a gigabit business class router and two gigabit network switches, one located in each of the companies two buildings. The LAN will allow internal business to continue in the case of a complete failure of both ISPs and an entire disconnect from the internet.
Also important to the business networking needs is Wi-Fi, this will enable tablets and smart phones to access schematics so employees can share data while not at their physical computer or workstation. This also allows for easy access to resources such as Google Maps for planning or Google searching for research. E-Commerce addition will come in the form of creating a website to allow a platform for customers to view products and services and schedule a consultation, estimate or request a callback via the website. Metrics can be monitored via analytics provided by a cloud-based hosting service such as Amazon Web Services (
Cloud services - amazon web services (AWS)
). Some metrics to be considered can be click through rate, to see how many customers view all pages of the website, as well as how many customers request a contact after viewing the offers.
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Internal Network Design
Since the business will be using two ISPs for redundancy, Comcast Business and AT&T Fiber, a Dual WAN Gigabit Router will be used to allow a constant connection to the internet, int the even that one provider goes down. The router selected and recommended for this purpose is the Linksys LRT224 Dual WAN Business Gigabit Router (
Linksys LRT224 Dual Wan Business Gigabit VPN Router
2015). This router will connect to the two modems provided by our ISPs and will provide
Wi-Fi for the entire business. This model also has 4 ethernet ports that will be used to connect to our switches in each of the two buildings.
An important feature about this Router is that it includes Dual-WAN load balancing. Since we will have many users simultaneously working to download and upload documents, this load balancing enables us to split the load across both of our ISPs, so that each individual user can maintain a consistently fast speed (Rathnam, 2019). Having dual WAN also will allow cost savings because it eliminates the need to purchase the absolute fastest speed / bandwidth package
from each provider. Since the business already intends to subscribe to services from two ISPs for
redundancy and stability purposes, purchasing a middle tier speed and balancing the load will be sufficient. A second critical feature of this router is WAN Failover. This feature automatically monitors the connection to the ISP and if one is disconnected or experiences diminished speeds, the router can automatically route connections to the alternate ISP, allowing for a consistent connection, regardless of which ISP is providing the service. According to the website untangle, (
Wan Failover
2021), an additional feature of WAN Failover is that it logs the downtime for each
provider, which provides beneficial details when contacting the ISP to report an outage or service
issue.
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Security is also a concern and this router providers an integrated physical firewall. There are many advantages listed by the website Inc.com (Scheeres, 2006). The reason these advantages provide a perfect fit for this organization, as explained by Inc.com, is that this individual firewall located directly on the router, between the internet and the internal network, provides coverage and protection for all of the multiple devices on the network. This eliminates the need to install software on each individual computer and mobile device on the network, reducing the time for installation and setup. This also means that the hardware resources on each individual workstation will not be utilized to run firewall software, which can improve the device’s overall performance and free resources for other tasks and processes. A disadvantage of a hardware firewall listed by Scheeres is that they could be potentially difficult to setup and configure, and states specifically “especially for novices”. This issue is mitigated by the fact that Linksys has developed an Administrative Interface specifically with small businesses in mind and with the purpose of not requiring professional IT technicians to setup and provide maintenance on the firewall (
Linksys LRT224 Dual Wan Business Gigabit VPN Router
2015). The reason this business will be utilizing two network switches is because of the physical
situation. Since two buildings are being connected, even though they are adjacent suites in a strip
mall style business center, and the Wi-Fi connection will cover both locations, it would be impractical to run a bundle of long ethernet cables from the administrative suite to the sales unit, and then to each individual workstation, which currently requires 8 wired connections. Based on the number of connections required in each building, and to allow for scalability
, two different models will be used. All routers and switches will be using Linksys products to aid in a seamless integration with similar user interfaces and administrative controls, and because they have
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similar if not the same features so there is no need to worry about one device having capabilities that another is lacking. In the administrative side, which has 5 workstations currently, Linksys LGS308P 8-Port Business Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switch, (Linksys LGS308P 8-port business smart gigabit poe+ switch 2016), has been selected. This will allow the expansion of potentially two additional workstations in the future. Since the sales side already has a need for 8 workstations, we will use a 16-port switch to allow for additional staff to be added in the future, and the chosen device is Linksys LGS116P 16-Port Business Desktop Gigabit PoE+ Switch (Linksys LGS116P 16-port business desktop gigabit poe+ switch 2016). An important feature that both of these switches have that is relevant to this business is Quality of Service, (QoS). According to Netgear, this is especially important with VoIP (Voice over IP) phones, which all of our workstations use, through RingCentral service (How qos improves performance). QoS prioritizes what information
gets the highest consideration within the LAN, before it is sent to the ISP. Both switches were also selected due to their Gigabit capability, and in keeping with the need for easy setup that doesn’t require dedicated IT professionals, Linksys advertises them as “Plug-and-Play”.
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Network Diagram
Network Topology
The topology implemented in this business will be a star topology. A star topology is when each workstation (client) is connected to a central hub which can be a server, router or switch. In a star topology, each client doesn’t connect directly to one another, they send the data to the hub when then forwards it to the destination client (
What is star topology? - definition from Techopedia
2021)
. The explanation of how this is a star topology in our organization is that our central router serves as a hub and the spokes go to the switches and the data server. Each switch then acts as a hub with spokes going out to each workstation in their building. This topology was
chosen because, in contrast to a ring topology, where each workstation would pass along data to the next station until it got to its destination, with a Star topology, if any single workstation goes down, the network still functions, and all other devices can still communicate.
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Internet Infrastructure
Dial up and DSL connections to the internet will provide far to slow speeds for the multiple users that the business has that are uploading and downloading documents, performing searches on Google, video conferencing for meetings, making phone calls using Voice over IP (VoIP), etc. As a result, the need for high speeds and bandwidth concludes that a broadband cable
modem will be the solution of choice. The company will use a standard 1 Gigabit per second business internet package, one with Comcast and one with AT&T. This speed was determined to be acceptable based on the review of the business and taking into consideration the number of users and the types of activities being performed by each user at any given time. Not all users will be streaming video calls at the same time and the files they are uploading and downloading are only a few megabytes in the form of Word documents for service contracts / receipts, photos of site surveys and completed jobs, etc. In order to optimize Bandwidth utilization, an Acceptable Use Policy
will be created to ensure that the limited resources are not being used for unnecessary activities and slowing the network for other users. Some important topics in the Acceptable Use Policy, (AUP) include but are not limited to: 1. Prohibiting personal use of company VOIP phones. All personal calls should be made using a personal cell phone, or if a work phone needs to be used for a non-
business-related call, prior approval from a supervisor should be obtained. 2. Streaming of media
for personal use is strictly prohibited at all times. This includes video services such as Netflix, Hulu and YouTube as well as music services such as Spotify. Streaming services on multiple devices would quickly take up excessive amounts of bandwidth and data usage. Buckeye Broadband uses Netflix as their source and states that streaming in High Definition can use up to 3 Gigabytes of data per hour, (How much data does streaming netflix use?). 3. Web browsing for
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personal use should only be done during non-working time, for example, during lunch and breaks. This allows employees the privilege and flexibility to handle personal issues such as scheduling an appointment, paying a bill, ordering a meal, etc. but ensures that all internet use at any given time is not being consumed by non-work-related activities, since breaks will be staggered. 4. The AUP will also clearly state that employees have “no right to privacy” and that all activity and communications using company internet can be monitored. 5. Employees may not engage in any sort of illegal activities using company assets. The AUP is subject to change at any time.
Another way to further optimize bandwidth is with scheduling. Meetings and breaks can be staggered so that everyone is not using the network at the same time. Also, solutions can be put into place such as having all employees meet in a single location such as the conference room and have one device stream / record the audio and video for a conference call to a big screen instead of having each user’s device in their separate offices on the call. The security from the firewall is provided by the Linksys router that was selected when determining LAN infrastructure in the previous section. For web hosting, the business website serves mostly to advertise the services that are offered and to provide contact information for new customers to reach out to a sales professional or existing customers to a customer service representative. There are no sales transactions being placed on the website and it is not expected to see a high level of traffic. The website is rather basic with only a few pages and images, so it does not require a lot of storage space for hosting. For this reason, since it is not very complex, the web server will be handled internally and will not be out-sourced to a web-based hosting company.
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Internet Infrastructure Diagram
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Network Implementation
The first major task required will be to get the external wiring connected to the building. This will be performed by the ISPs, Comcast and AT&T so an appointment needs to be made to have them come setup the external wiring so that the coaxial outlets in the walls will be live and have service. The next major task will be to build our server rack. A single rack will be able to hold the servers, router, one switch and the modems all in one place for ease of access and security purposes. By having all of these located in a single room, the door can be locked, and access restricted to only necessary personnel. Moving on with hardware, once the server rack is built and the equipment is installed onto it, wiring needs to be ran through the walls to each office / workstation. This will be easy to do because the office building has a dropped ceiling so cables can easily be ran in the ceiling and
dropped down inside the wall to each individual ethernet outlet. This wiring will be installed prior to setting up each workstation so there is not furniture such as desks and computers to move out of the way.
Once all the wires are installed in the walls and outlets are available to plug right into the ethernet network, then the individual workstations need to be put into place and setup, connecting monitors and computers, etc.
The final major task, once hardware is in place, is to configure all the software. The necessary programs and applications need to be installed onto each workstation. The router needs
to be configured, the firewall configured, and the servers need to be setup. Administrative functions such as creating user groups with various levels of access and privilege and assigning usernames or IDs for all of the known employees.
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Resources required will be a steel server rack, preferably one with a locking door for added security, Cat 5e cables to run between each workstation and the switches, as well as some shorter patch cables between the server, router and switches. Coaxial cables to go between the wall outlets and the modems should be provided by the ISPs, but if not they will need to be purchased. Smaller supplies to be considered are the actual wall outlets for the ethernet ports, as well as surge protecting power strips for each workstation. A surge protector and battery backup are also required for the server room. Every electronic asset of the company is required to be always plugged into a surge protector and is not allowed to be plugged into an unprotected outlet.
Tools to perform the installation should also be purchased and can be kept for minor repairs or updates in the future. These tools required at the minimum are screwdrivers, pliers, tape measure,
battery powered drill, small handheld saw to cut sheetrock to make room for outlets, a wire fishing rod and electrical tape. The overall targeted timeline is to have the business fully operational in 7 days. The expected time is more likely 4 to 5 days, but if there are any unexpected setbacks or delays, they shouldn't push the implementation phase back further than 7 days total.
Day 1:
ISPs come and setup the external internet connections. The server rack is assembled, and the modems, router, servers and office building switch are mounted and all connected. Power surge and battery backup are connected and put into place.
Day 2:
The ethernet outlets are installed into the walls, the cables are ran through the walls and ceilings to each workspace.
Day 3:
All the individual offices and workspaces are setup, the furniture is put in place and each computer workstation is connected, (Computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.).
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Days 4 – 5: Software is installed on all the workstations. Security functions are put into place and the servers are configured as well as the router and firewall. The administrative functions of creating each user should also be done on these days.
Days 6 – 7: Allotted time for overruns or delays
A risk that could threaten the implementation phase could be a physical barrier in the construction of the facility, such as a wall or pipe that is in the way of where the cables need to go. A way to minimize this risk is to conduct a site survey prior to launching the installation, to investigate and identify the desired path for each cable. A lack of supplies when it comes to cable
length or miscellaneous screws, etc. could also pose a potential risk, so purchasing extra will eliminate that risk and should not be considered a cost overrun because it can be stored for future
use during times of expansion. Faulty equipment or hardware also poses a risk. For smaller items
such as a mouse or keyboard, it wouldn’t hurt to have spare equipment on file. For larger items such as the servers and routers, it is important to maintain receipts of purchase and have in a list the contact information for both the manufacturer and the retailer so that they can be quickly contacted for troubleshooting, as well as a potential warranty repair or replacement. A physical risk to consider when dealing with wiring in the walls, even though only ethernet cables are being installed and electrical cables are not, it would still be best practice to turn off any electrical breaker if working in the close vicinity of electrical wires. Physical security should be considered since there is valuable equipment and hardware on site. The locks should be changed immediately on day one to secure all the assets. During the software configuration phase, there is a risk that certain software programs don’t function as intended or are incompatible. This risk can be minimized by utilizing a trial of the software to determine its functionality, and by researching system requirements and
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compatibilities. The best way to minimize this risk would be to fully configure one workstation with every program at full capacity, and if everything is functional, use that as the basis to clone onto the other machines.
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Network Management
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References
Cloud services - amazon web services (AWS)
. Amazon. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://aws.amazon.com/
Linksys LRT224 Dual Wan Business Gigabit VPN Router
. Linksys. (2015, October 23). Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.linksys.com/us/business-virtual-private-
network-vpn-routers/linksys-lrt224-dual-wan-business-gigabit-vpn-router/p/p-lrt224
Rathnam, L. (2019, November 5). Multi-wan routers: A comprehensive guide to five of the best. TechGenix. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://techgenix.com/multi-wan-routers
Untangle. (2021, July 20). Wan Failover
. Untangle. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.untangle.com/shop/wan-failover/
Scheeres, J. (2006, November 1). Choosing a firewall: Hardware V. software, internet security article - technology.inc.com
. Inc.com. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.inc.com/security/articles/200611/hardwarevsoftwarefirewall.html
Linksys LGS308P 8-port business smart gigabit poe+ switch
. Linksys. (2016, June 21). Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.linksys.com/us/business-network-
switches/linksys-lgs308p-8-port-business-smart-gigabit-poe-switch/p/p-lgs308p
Linksys LGS116P 16-port business desktop gigabit poe+ switch
. Linksys. (2016, March 14). Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.linksys.com/us/business-network-
switches/linksys-lgs116p-16-port-business-desktop-gigabit-poe-switch/p/p-lgs116p/
How qos improves performance
. How QoS improves performance | Answer | NETGEAR Support. (n.d.). Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://kb.netgear.com/972/How-QoS-
improves-performance
Techopedia. (2021, October 21). What is star topology? - definition from Techopedia
. Techopedia.com. Retrieved December 23, 2021, from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/13335/star-topology
How much data does streaming netflix use? Buckeye Broadband. (n.d.). Retrieved January 6, 2022, from https://www.buckeyebroadband.com/support/internet/how-much-data-does-
streaming-netflix-use