This paper presents a network design recommendation for Best Consultancy Inc., a small management consultancy firm in the United States. The design addresses the company's requirements for wireless networking, file sharing, internet access, multiple email addresses, and basic security — all within an initial budget of $5,000 and recurring monthly costs under $200. The paper details a physical network diagram, recommended hardware (including HP laptops, desktops, a ProLiant server, and a Cisco 2900 series router), software (Norton Antivirus), and ISP selection (Verizon). A full cost table is provided, along with guidance on securing the computing environment through firewalls, encryption, IDS/IPS systems, and employee IT policy training.
Best Consultancy Inc. is a small business organization specializing in management consultancy for various businesses in the United States. Recent growth has led the company to integrate network technology to support greater business agility. The owner of the business requested assistance in designing a network system suited to the company's operational needs.
Best Consultancy requires the following in its network infrastructure: 2 laptops, 2 workstations, and 1 server supporting 3 users; wireless networking; 1 quality networked printer; file and folder sharing; internet access; multiple email addresses; and a basic security environment similar to a home environment. The initial investment must not exceed $5,000, and recurring costs must remain below $200 per month.
The objective of this project is to recommend a network design that fully meets the needs of Best Consultancy Inc. The report uses a physical network diagram to address those needs. A physical network diagram presents the physical layout of the network, provides vital documentation of the network architecture, and offers a visual representation of the equipment required for the system.
As shown in Figure 1, the customer requires the following items: 2 laptops, 2 workstations, and 1 server supporting 3 users; wireless networking; 1 quality networked printer; a router to connect all network components; a firewall for network security; internet connectivity; multiple email addresses; a small business server; and file and folder sharing.
From the network diagram, the router connects all company laptops, desktops, the server, the internet, the printer, and all other network devices. Because the client requires wireless networking, a Wireless Access Point will be installed to allow users to work without physical cable connections. A firewall will also be installed to protect the network system against unauthorized access.
The network architecture for Best Consultancy Inc. will comprise the following components: a Local Area Network (LAN) configuration, a router, a server, and internet access.
Because Best Consultancy is a small business operating within a single building, the company requires a Local Area Network (LAN) to connect all network components. A LAN provides data communication within a limited geographical area and typically offers high-bandwidth communication over cost-effective media. The purpose of the LAN is to facilitate data communication between the company server, office computers, and printer. The LAN will incorporate three hardware elements: coaxial cable, fiber optics, and a network interface to connect the network to the host computer (Clark, Pogran, & Reed, 2008).
A high-end router is critical for network connectivity and will serve as the backbone for internet access. Best Consultancy will use the Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Router due to the multiple advantages it offers. The Cisco 2900 router provides secured voice and video service and is designed for high-speed delivery of concurrent data. It also includes several security features such as encryption acceleration, firewall functions, and an intrusion detection system. Additionally, the router offers power-saving capabilities and provides access to a multi-gigabit fabric that enables connection through switch ports without the need for external ports (Cisco, 2010).
A server is a computer device that provides shared resources to a computer network, including hardware access, storage, and email services. This report recommends the HP (Hewlett-Packard) ProLiant ML150 G6 Tower Server for Best Consultancy. The HP ProLiant server is well suited for small businesses, offering a dependable method to organize and share network resources. Key benefits include automatic data backup, quick retrieval of files and folders in the event of accidental data loss, and a rich web-based experience with reduced infrastructure costs. The cost of the HP ProLiant ML150 G6 is $1,038. The ProLiant platform increases the flexibility and reliability of the server environment and responds efficiently to evolving business needs.
Best Consultancy Inc. will access a secured internet connection through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Connection speed is an important factor when selecting an ISP. To ensure reliable transmission, Best Consultancy will require an internet connection with speeds exceeding 64 kbps (Jenkins, 2003).
Verizon is recommended as the ISP for Best Consultancy. Verizon offers high-speed internet for small businesses at $54.99 per month, with a connection speed of 768 Kbps and download capability of up to 5 Mbps. Verizon provides a Self-Install Kit that includes a modem and router combo, phone cord, power cord, high-speed internet filters, an Ethernet cable, a USB cable, and a 2-for-1 adapter. Additionally, Verizon allows customers to select a dynamic IP address for business identification, provides an internet security suite to protect computers from worms, viruses, Trojan horses, and other malicious traffic, and offers online backup and sharing. Best Consultancy will also benefit from Wi-Fi access at over 1,000 hotspots across the United States.
Best Consultancy Inc. should use business email addresses tailored to the company name. In the contemporary business environment, professional email addresses are critical for establishing business integrity and building customer trust. It is recommended that Best Consultancy use email addresses that clearly identify the organization. The company can order business email accounts through Yahoo Small Business at $9.95 per month. The report recommends ordering five business email accounts, which amounts to $298.50 over six months.
"Laptops, desktops, printer, and firewall specs"
"Antivirus, encryption, IDS/IPS, and IT policy"
The report provides a network design that meets the needs of Best Consultancy Inc. The Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Router and HP ProLiant ML150 G6 Tower Server are recommended for the company's core network infrastructure. HP laptops and desktop workstations are recommended for end-user computing, and a hardware firewall is incorporated into the network diagram to provide baseline security. The total cost of all hardware, software, and associated services is $4,767.41, which satisfies the client's requirement of an initial investment of $5,000 or less.
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