Assignment - Design and Implementation of a network for an insurance company

Purpose of this assignment:

The purpose of this assignment is to enable learners to understand computer networking concepts, how they work, how they operate and the protocols, standards and the models associated with networking technology.

Scenario:

A medium sized insurance company hired you as a Network consultant to advise them on the best and most suitable network solution for their business.

The company provided a detailed specification document of their requirements for their network as follows:

The company comprises of 3 different departments.

The sales and customer service department has 10 employees where each employee has access to their own PC, all of which needs to be connected to the network. The department should have access to two printers.

The Accounting department has 5 employees where each employee has access to their own PC, all of which needs to be connected to the network. The Accounting department should have access to one printer.

The Claims & Recovery department has 20 employees where each employee has access to their own PC, all of which needs to be connected to the network. The Claims & Recovery offices should have access to four printers.

In addition to the 3 departments, the company has four different servers.

The servers are:
- A database server
- Email server
- Web server for the company Customer Relationship Management system CRM
- A File storage server

The company has bought a static IP address for external access to the internet. The ISP has allocated the IP address 192.168.10.0 /24 for their business. You will need to divide your network into various sub-networks to allow different functions to operate in various departments as below:

• The Sales and customer service department PCs and printers should be on its own sub network.
• The Accounting department PCs and printers should be on its own sub network.
• The Claims & Recovery department PCs and printers should be on its own sub network.
• All servers should be on their own sub network.

The company has asked you to produce a final report of your design and implementation no later than the 12thJune.

Task 1

Understanding Networking Principles.

1.1 Discuss the benefits and constraints of different networking systems types and topologiesin order to inform the managementof the insurance company. You should consider whether the systems should be peer based, server-client etc.. and you should take into consideration the various logical and physical topology types.

1.2 Evaluate the impact on the insurance company of current network technology, communication and standards. To fully evaluate these areas you should look at bandwidth and throughput effects, conceptual and actual standards models such as OSI and TCP/IP.

1.3 Discuss how various protocols enable the effective utilization of the different networking systems with reference to the benefits for the company. In particular the purpose of employing protocols, a comparison of the various routing protocols and the importance of addressing protocol standards.

Task 2

Understand Networking Components.

2.1 Discuss the role and functions of suitable network software and hardware components needed in order to create a suitable network infrastructure for the insurance company. You should consider client, server and operating system software in addition to the types of hardware to be employed in terms of switches, routers, bridges, the type of cabling or wireless provision and the types of devices required by the company such as PC's, laptops etc.

2.2 Discuss the various server types availableand identify those required for the company network based on a defined selection requirement. Take into account the companies need for firewalls, email and web services, file and database requirements and whether or not terminal services and virtualisation would be needed by the company. You should also consider cost implications based on the above selections and ensure the chosen servers are fit for purpose.

2.3 Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware with the various network components required in order to satisfy the company network requirements. This should include cabling, network card types, user access permissions, memory and processor requirement, I/O devices and local system architecture.

Task 3

Designing a LAN

3.1 Design a networked system using diagramming software to meet the specification given in the assignment scenario in terms of user requirements and network infrastructure. You will need to ensure that bandwidth variations are taken into consideration in terms of peak and average load, the ability to expand the system to meet future needs, the security and quality of service expected by the users and that your design fully meets the commercial requirements of the company.

3.2 Evaluate how the design you have produced can be analyzed in terms of user feedback.This will need you to ensure user expectations with regard to software systems, quality of service and security are achieved and meet expectations.

Note: It is essential to take feedback from the users in order to determine whether design will serve their needs or not. In this case, user's feedback will be given by your lecturer.

Task 4

Implementation of LAN

After completing task 3, you need to make use of the network simulator (Cisco packet Tracer 6.2) to create a reliable and efficient network in a simulated environment.

4.1 By means of simulation software, implement a networked system based on your design established in task 3. This should include server and client installation and configuration, allocation of IP addresses, and the configuration of connection devices such routers, switches and wireless devices.

4.2 Test, document and analyse the functionality of the networked system to ensure that your developed network will operate seamlessly in a physical environment and satisfy user requirements. List the results you have found contrasting them with your expected results. Your tests should include communication efficiency and bandwidth monitoring while ensuring the connection devices perform the tasks required by the brief.

4.3 Recommend potential enhancements for this networked system in order to facilitate the possible future changes required by the company. Here you should consider future bandwidth requirements, system and software utilization levels and user productivity.

4.4 Design a maintenance schedule for the company using either MS Project or a Gantt chartto support the network system. Your maintenance schedule should address various factors such as personnel allocation, backup and recovery policy, maintenance ofnetwork security& integrity; auditing and general administration to support the users.