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Network Design

Proposal
Part I

Michael Anderson
CMIT 265
Professor Francis
Benjamin
Introduction
A new wing of the UMUC school campus has been created. It will consist of a Classroom
Computer Lab, an Admissions office, and a Wi-Fi hotspot for student/staff use. Each of these
components of the new wing will have a separate network, therefore a subnet will have to be
established. There will be a minimum internet connection of 40Mbps with a plan for alternate
networking options. Part one of the proposal will cover the Physical Network design.

Part I: Physical Network Design


Network Topology
A Bus topology (Fig 1) will be used in the new wing. In this topology, a there will a main
network cable that will run through the building and computers or networking devices will be
branched from this cable. The network for the rest of the Admissions office, Computer Lab, and
Wi-Fi will branch from this central networking bus that is connected to the server located on
each floor of the new office. The main wire will be terminated at the furthest opposing end of the
server room.
A Star topology will be used to connect the computers to the respective switches.
This topology has been used before to create student lab networks. Here is an
excerpt of their findings.
Historically, we have accomplished this using a series of hubs and switches to
connect many small networks into one large one. When required, we unplug
the small networks from the switch separating them from the school, the
Internet and/or each other. This process has several inherent drawbacks. This
report documents our experiences using VLAN and router technology to
configure the network topology of our multi-use computer lab, allowing us to
have more control over the network configuration. Advantages include reduced
administration and maintenance costs, allowing the demonstration of router
and switch functionality, and allowing students to be exposed to the
functionality of different network configurations and equipment [8].
This network will allow for a functional network for improvement, training, and
ease of maintenance.
Network Media
Network media is type of cable that an electrical signal passes through. The new network
will use fiber optic cables to meet the required internet connection speeds. There are multiple
choices for network media such as coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber optic cables that can be used
for establishing this network. Cables need connectors which will be used to terminate the
connections between network devices and computer systems. Each cable has properties that may
determine its use in different topologies, but for the purpose of the new wing, we will determine
the best network media, connectors, and estimated distances for the layout.

Fiber optic cables are expensive but the expandability of network size, security, and
capability is a worthwhile investment for the schools new Admissions/Computer wing. These
cables are immune to electromagnetic interference and data interception. Being that this school is
touted as one of the best cybersecurity schools in the United States of America, the functions of
the schools network should protect and demonstrate its scholastic prowess.

Fiber optic cables consist of two fiber strands which carry data light signals encased
multiple stages of material with different purposes (Fig 1) [7]. The first stage is cladding which
maintains the data signal in the cable. The second stage is a protective coat for the fiber optic
cladding. The next stage is a strengthening layer providing structure to the cable. The final outer
coat is a durable weather protective coating.

Proposed network media:


Our new network will use fiber optic cables (Fig 1) to meet the required internet
connection speeds and be prepared for expansion [3]. UMUCs network will require 40Mbps
network speed and fiber optic cables are more than enough to facilitate these needs. Ethernet
cables with RJ45 connectors (Fig 2) will be used to connect the switch to the computers in the
respective rooms.
Fig 1:

Fig 2:

Network Devices
UMUCs new computer lab requires a network for a learning and working environment.
The Admissions star topology that will be used for the Admissions office consists of a router,
server, and switches to operate the network properly. The Classroom bus-star topology will
require a router, server, and switch as well. Our Wi-Fi network will only require a server and Wi-
Fi router to operate.

Network devices are hardware that connect computers and other digital equipment for
interdependent use. The hardware used for networking includes, but is not limited to, hubs,
bridges, switches, and wireless routers. A hub is the central point for dissemination of data within
a chosen topology. A bridge is the next step in expansion where network traffic can be filtered
and physical connection ports can be increased. For more advanced functionality, a switch will
offer the same capability as a bridge and include even bandwidth latency across ports and
customizable port configuration options. Given this fact, we will not be using bridges or hubs in
our network.

A wireless router functions as a hub and bridge but provides wireless functions which is
unrivaled for flexible network connection, but requires much more strategic planning for a
consistent and secure connection. Two wireless access networks will be established, one in the
library and one in the computer lab on the second floor.

Each computer enabled classroom will have a training server rack. These servers will be
connected to the network, but will be able to operate independently as the bus topology can be
configured to use the respective classroom switches as a pass-through medium in the case of
classroom instruction.

Proposed network device:


The network devices needed for the new wing are a wired router, switches, and wireless
routers. Ensuring that these devices have the appropriate security utility is as paramount as their
functionality. With current technology, I am able to get a combined fiber optic switch that will be
able to disseminate network bandwidth across the campus.

A Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960-48TC-S 48-port switch (Fig 3) will be located on the server
rack in each networked classroom. Each server room will house a HP ProLiant Blade Server (Fig
4) that will handle the data sharing, cloud computing, and the processing power required to
manage the services required for networking. I chose this server for its modular expandability
that will adapt to the needs of the new network. As for the wireless router being used in the
building, the FortiWifi 60D (Fig 5) will be used for its enterprise level functionality and
redundant security features.

Fig 3:

Fig 4:

Fig 5:

Network Security Devices


Security devices are very significant and basic requirement of establishing a modern
network. As a web of data transmissions is established, protection of that same data requires
monitoring and encryption that can be provided at different levels of network devices. Security
appliances have been engineered that have the specific purpose of protecting computer networks.
These devices are a hub for a myriad of security function such as VPN (Virtual Private Network),
firewall control, and web filtering.

Proposed network security devices


A security appliance such as the Fortinet FortiWiFi 60D can provide an all in one solution
for protecting data. As mentioned, functions such as a VPN, Firewall, and web filtering can be
controlled from a security appliance and even though these features can be implemented at a
software and hardware level in various stages of the network, a security appliance provides
central fortified functionality. A VPN allows secure access to the new network without being
physically connected which improves remote access for the admissions and IT staff [6]. A
firewall can be implemented from the operating system or switch level to restrict access to
certain websites and web content and with a redundant firewall in a security appliance there is
assured real time updates to protect against network threats and compromises. A web filter is
similar to a firewall, but instead combs accessible website content for unwanted content that may
not be recognized by a firewall. Software such as spyware and ad blockers will provide similar
features, but our IT staff will be able to modify and adapt new policies to network data rules of
access.

Our security appliance will be installed in a physically secured network closet in the
Admissions office to prevent unauthorized tampering. A hub/switch will be installed here as well
and will provide security features as well. The settings and policies on the switch and security
appliance will be mirrored with the security appliance utilizing functionality that cant be found
in other hardware. Access to the network closet will only be given to IT staff to ensure concise
data security.

Computer Systems
In this fast growing era, computer systems are a basic requirement that no organization
can work without. Almost every business and organization needs a computer system to carry out
their daily work as well as attach with a network. Computers allows businesses and organization
to function more efficiently and successfully. Communication is very important in business and
organizations to maintain their customers thus, Computer systems are very important and a basic
necessity [1]. In order to make a network design, the proposed computer systems are described
below.

Like other technologies, there are a various forms of Computer Systems such as
Desktops, servers, tablets, laptops, and smart phones. A server is a computer that distributes work
and resources to clients across a network. Desktops are a personal computer that is a data
processing point for users. Tablets, laptops, and smartphones are more mobile versions of
desktops, but will not be used for our network.

Desktops with office-level capability will be implemented in the Admissions office.


Office-level capability is a computer with sufficient processor, graphics, and networking
functionality to efficiently perform the tasks required of the operating system and Admissions
staff. Data can only be transferred to and from the Admissions desktops via the cloud for security
checks. Data transfers via physical media will not be allowed to maintain a standard for file
sharing.

Proposed computer systems:


Component Model Name
Monitor with Speakers Fujitsu B23T-6
Mouse Logitech B100
Keyboard Logitech K280e
Microtower PC HP 280 G2
Printer HP LaserJet Enterprise
M553DN
USB Hub Trust Vecco 14591
Server HP Proliant Microserver Gen8

These components will be used to create a computer system for the use of the students
and staff. Printers will be located in the library and computer lab. A server will be located on the
second floor server room.
References

[1 E. H. D. Harper and A. F .Wherret, "network topologies for businesses," in


] Nonlinear Optics, vol. 6, NY, New York, Academic, 2000.

[2 A. P. a. G. Bell, in computer networks, Cambridge, MIT Press, 2001.


]

[3 F. W. B. T. C. Rouges, "Casual designs," in Network design, NY. New York, Wiley,


] 1998, pp. 34-56.

[4 E. L. Faulkner and C. B. Stegun, "Guide of Network Functions," in Applied


] Network Series 55, Canberra, DC: Pub,, 1995.

[5 E. P. D. E. Vogues and Z. McCarthy, "Gedanken-tests on progressive networks," in


] Network Lessons, Princeton Univ. Press, , 1992.

[6 "Virtual Private Network (VPN) | Academic Computing and Communications


] Center", Accc.uic.edu, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://accc.uic.edu/service/vpn.
[Accesssed: 01-Oct-2016].
[7]"Fiber Optic Tutorial: Single Mode,Multimode,Attenuation,Cladding,L-com", L-
com Global Connectivity, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.l-
com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=207. [Accessed: 04- Nov- 2016].
[8]R. Belles, S. Gorka and J. Miller, "Flexible network topologies for your
computing lab: VLAN and router technology at work in the classroom", Journal of
Computing Sciences in Colleges, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 53 - 59, 2002.

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