Background:

NorthWestern Loan (NWL) is requesting a proposal for the installation of a local area networki at its loan office. NWL has purchased a new software package for loan administration and would like to replace its existing PCs and network cabling. The current network uses an old version of Novell and coaxial cable. The software vendor for the new system has told NWL that these cables might need to be replaced. The new system includes the following:

- Software package and sever. The server is a Pentium 750, has 256M RAM, and runs Microsoft Windows 98.

- Eleven client computers that will need to be connected to the server. These clients are all running Microsoft Windows 98 and the loan client software. All 12 of the clients are Pentium 500 computers and have 128 Meg RAM.

- There are 4 printers. Three of the printers are located on the wall next to the managers' offices and the other is located on the front desk. All four printers have RJ-45 network connectors.

NWL also wants a high-speed Internet access line. Both DSL and cable modem services are available at their office location, though the company has not subscribed to either at this time. NWL has contacted the DSL and cable Internet providers in their area; prices for both services are equivalent. If one of these (or an alternative) is proposed, please explain why one is being chosen over the other.

The layout of NWL's office is shown below. The office space is a 50 x 50 foot (15.24 x 15.24 meters) store front, with two 12 x 12 foot (3.66 x 3.66 meter) offices for the manager and assistant manager, each containing one PC. There is an open space with eight desks used for loan processing, each with one computer. The front counter is about 10 feet (3 meters) from the front of the office and is used to take payments. There is one computer placed on the counter. The entire office is carpeted and has drop-in ceiling tiles.

Assumptions:

For the equipment price list, make up the price list based on fair market value for each peice of equipment. Do the same for the labor costs.

Instructions:

Develop a detailed case proposal for this job including:

- description of the network design plan

- complete list of all necessary equipment with prices

- reasonable estimate of labor costs

- list of any assumptions made