Assignment

The assignment allows you to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of computer networks.

This assignment is based on the development of a computer network for a manufacturing company that supplies components to the oil and gas industry. The network will connect all relevant departments and enable private communication with key clients.

Scenario

EngCo manufacture components for the oil and gas industry. It is a cross-discipline engineering company, which combines electrical, mechanical and process engineering skills. The purpose of the company is to produce custom-made components for large gas and oil companies across the globe.

The company is housed in a large manufacturing facility with most of the space taken by the manufacturing area. Alongside the manufacturing space, there is the non-manufacturing area which incorporates a large raw material and component storage area on the ground floor, as well as offices on the first floor.

The first floor offices are divided with one large office for each of the following departments:
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Planning
• Raw Materials and Purchasing
• Administration
The head of each department also has a small office, as does the Company Manager.
The data network to be installed will need to serve all of the departments and have Internet connectivity. The manufacturing area and stores will also have workstations for access to planning documents and engineering drawings. It also holds workstations for recording the arrival and usage of raw materials and components. The company also needs to communicate with clients securely over the Internet when discussing potential work, providing quotes and delivering updates on key projects.
Your role is to write a report outlining the options for the EngCo when setting up their data network, including details of how all services will be provided. Although the detail of your report is given in the tasks below, you should provide a range of options and make recommendations as to which you think is the best option.

Task 1

All sections of the manufacturing facility need to be connected to each other for the company to operate. Therefore, the network needs to be robust. The network needs to take into account the heavy machinery used on-site, vibrations and other possible sources of interference, which may occur during manufacturing operations.

Provide a network diagram showing the physical topology of the network to be installed.

You should also write a commentary giving detail of the reasons for your choices - of hardware, firewalls and operating system required for the network to function securely.

Your commentary should include:

a) Description of the chosen topology.
b) Explanation of why this topology was chosen.
c) The hardware required to connect the network.
d) The operating system required to run the network.
e) Details of firewalls including their positions in the network.
f) Description of the protocols used by the chosen network topology.
This task requires approximately 550 words plus a diagram.

Task 2

Write a report that investigates network cabling options available in your country for the network you have designed. Your report should provide recommendations for the cabling and connectors to purchase. Your report should also include the following:
a) The media used.
b) The connectors used.
c) The cost of cabling and installation.
d) The data transfer rates that will be required.

Task 3 -

EngCo require private networks to communicate with key clients across the globe. Write a short report explaining how the private networks will be created. Your report should include the following:

a) A brief explanation of how the private networks are created.

b) The Hardware required.

c) A description of the protocols used by the private network, including how they promote privacy and how they operate together.
The task requires approximately 200 words.

Task 4

EngCo require that the network is fully operational before a formal handover. Write a test plan, with instructions, of how you would check that the network (and all its parts) is functioning successfully.

This task requires approximately 200 words.

Task 5

In no more than 150 words, write a review of your work. Describe any assumptions you have made, any weaknesses in your work and any changes you could introduce to improve your work.