A. Network Topology
Business Needs
The new building that was recently purchased by the University of Maryland University College in Adelphia, Maryland gives us an opportunity to install a new network designed to the needs of students, faculty and staff. It is important to install a network that has the option for growth along with very low maintenance. The network will be set up to give students and faculty multiple locations within the building to work on different tasks in numerous locations.
Proposed Topology
The network will be set up with computers in all different areas of the building. We would install a star topology to connect all the computers to the same network. A star topology would allow easy detection for problem solving.
Justification
A star topology allows for multiple computers to be set up to the same network to avoid relying on other devices to complete a task. A star topology also allows for other computers to function properly in case one computer is not working at the time. In turn, this will prevent a whole room full of computers from being down due to one computer not working properly. [6] A star topology is easy to install and wire.
B. Network Media
Business Needs
The new building which UMUC recently purchased will have multiple computers working at once and it will be important to install the proper wiring. The proper wiring will allow for computers and other devices to communicate over a certain distance without losing any signal strength. We will need to have a cable that will transmit our incoming T1 line which will give us internet service provided by Verizon.
Proposed Network Media
I would propose using mainly CAT6 Shielded Twisted Pair cabling for our new network. I would choose CAT6 STP cabling because this will allow us to run the wire over a long distance which is needed across the building. We will also use fiber optic cabling to connect the servers to each other on first and second floor.
Justification
The building is 240 feet long and our choice in cable is able to make runs of 300 feet without losing any speed. [5] The CAT6 is also a great choice because it will reduce interference and crosstalk within the network. Although a fiber optic cable offers many more benefits, it is too expensive to use throughout the whole building. We will install multi-mode fiber optic cabling to connect the servers on first and second floor to each other due to the rooms being above/below each other.
C. Network Connecting Devices and Network Security
Business Needs
Computers will need to be properly connected to routers and switches which will allow for each device to communicate with each other. A router will allow our T1 line to connect to our system, bringing in our internet service. A switch will allow the IT department to have complete control over the network by monitoring and adjusting a manual switch. There will also be a need to implement a security device to help protect the network.
Proposed Connecting Devices and Network Security
To have the network function properly, I would recommend installing a Cisco SLM2048 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch. [2] This reliable switch comes with a lifetime warranty and is a very high performance smart switch. It has forty-eight 10/100/1000 switched RJ-45 ports that allows speeds up 2000Mbps. It also allows 128 VLAN and also has expansion slots for fiber optic cabling. To help mange the system centrally, the DHCP relay switches will be enabled. In terms of security, we are proposing using a [1] Barracuda Security Suite to help protect all devices that are connected, both wired and wireless.
Justification
A [2] 800 Series Integrated Services Router from Cisco will be installed in a server room on each floor. We will install three Cisco Smart Switches on each floor, which will be required to connect each device and also allow for room expansion in the future. The servers will be connected with a VLAN network for each subnet. A Barracuda Security Suite will give our network complete protection from any attack or harm the network. [1] A Barracuda Security Suite will combine a firewall, web filter and spam protection all in one product to make sure all the devices are protected.
Barracuda Security Suite | $17,597.00 |
Cisco SLM2048 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch | $1,213.99 (x6) |
| Total = $18,810.99 |
D. Computer Systems
Business Needs
It will be important to purchase computers that are able to handle the work load done by students and faculty. The school will need computers that can handle high speeds and are able to connect to our cables. Also, our school needs to be able to hand out information to students or allow students to print information for projects and assignments.
Proposed Computers
I recommend that we will purchase and install [4] Dell OptiPlex 7440 All-in-One. This computer will come with Windows 10 installed as the operating system. We will install the same computers in the classrooms and offices to allow for easy usability. I would also recommend installing HP Color LaserJet printers to allow students and faculty to print and scan any material needed, in color or in black and white.
Justification
The [4] Dell OptiPlex 7440 All-in-One comes with an Intel Core i5 Processor. The memory of 8GB is more than we will need but will be useful for the computers in the offices to save different files from various years. The computers will be wired to the internet using the RJ-45 connection on each computer. We will install [3] HP Color LaserJets in each classroom, office, and library, providing students with multiple locations to print material.
HP Color LaserJet MFP M477fnw (x15) | $529.00(x15) |
Dell OptiPlex 7440 All-in-One | $1,699.00(x207) |
| Total = $351,693.00 |
1st Floor
Classroom 1 | 26 Computers |
Classroom 2 | 26 Computers |
Classroom 4 | 26 Computers |
Library | 15 Computers |
Office 1 | 1 Computer |
Office 3 | 1 Computer |
Office 4 | 1 Computer |
Office 5(Admin) | 5 Computers |
2nd Floor
Classroom 1 | 26 Computers |
Classroom 2 | 26 Computers |
Classroom5 | 26 Computers |
Computer Lab | 25 Computers |
Office 1 | 1 Computer |
Office 2 | 1 Computer |
Office 3 | 1 Computer |
Bibliography
[1]"Barracuda Security Suite", Barracuda, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.barracuda.com/assets/docs/Datasheets/Barracuda_Security_Suit.... [Accessed: 05- Mar- 2016].
[2]"Cisco SLM2048 48-Port Gigabit Smart Switch", Cisco, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/slm2048-48-por.... [Accessed: 02- Mar- 2016].
[3]"HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdw | HP® Official Store", Store.hp.com, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-color-laserjet-pro-mfp-m477fdw. [Accessed: 05- Mar- 2016].
[4]"OptiPlex 24 7000 Series All-in-One (7440) Desktop", Dell, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/optiplex-24-7000-aio/pd. [Accessed: 02- Mar- 2016].
[5] S. Weaver, "Differences Between Cat6 and Cat6a Cables", Cableorganizer.com, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.cableorganizer.com/articles/what-is-difference-between-cat6-c.... [Accessed: 01- Mar- 2016].
[6]"What is Star Toplogy, Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology", Omnisecu.com, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.omnisecu.com/basic-networking/network-topologies-star-topolog.... [Accessed: 03- Mar- 2016].
