Assessment Descriptions

Please answer the following questions.

1.1 While designing a network for one of ABC Inc’s branch offices, Edward realized that he couldn’t simply use the default “192.168.2.X” IP address for every one of ABC’s hardware. As it turned out this only allows for a maximum of 255 devices while he’s required to set up at least 400 in the start,

they’re expecting this branch to grow within the next 2 years and may need to upsize even further, they already have plans to purchase the land next to their current building and begin construction for it. So far Edward had planned on hooking up one gateway router and then adding a bunch of switches to connect the devices.

What should Edward do differently? Edward’s client tells him that every department will most likely have additional computers added with the exception of a few.

1.2 From the previous question, suppose Edward decided to use a router instead of a switch. What would be the benefits of doing so? What about the drawbacks? What differences are there in switch installation and router installation. What about testing them? Should he consider using a hub?

1.3 During the planning stage, Jessica attempts to find the best way to connect all of the network devices. What are some ways it can be done and what advantages/disadvantages do they offer?

After the devices are set up, how would she describe how communications are handled using the OSI layer model? If she used the TCP/IP model instead what differences would there be?

Once she’s ready her point of contact (POC) approaches her and lets her know that due to the sensitivity of the enterprise data they want to know what methods she’s including for security so that they can evaluate them. What would she say?

Once she gets the go ahead, during her testing phase she finds that one of the devices on the network is unable to access a print server. What steps would she take to figure out why it’s happening?

1.4 As it turns out, the IP addressing scheme Jessica used is not good enough and needs to be modified. What are things she needs to consider when deciding what scheme to use?

Requirements

Read the case study carefully then answer the questions following. You may assume any information that has not been mentioned in the case study, however any assumptions you make must be clearly identified as assumptions.

Case Study:

It’s your first day working for Acme Corp. You were hired by the ICT department during Acme’s rapid growth phase and sent to set up their new branch network in northern Australia. They had finally begun to shift from the traditional marketplace over to the internet, so network security is crucial.

After your arrival on site you’re met by Willy who will be your overseer and your go-to-man for any information regarding the project. After a quick tour he tells you the office will start out rather small at first. They’re planning on starting up a web server among others so there needs to be space on the network for at least 10 additional devices.

They will have two small offices setup side by side but for completely different tasks, one of them, the east office, will have their own file server which should be inaccessible by the other. He lets you know that the servers will be installed later on, they just need you to set up the groundwork.

The east office will be the larger of the two with approximately 50 computers, the west office will have only 15. For the foreseeable future they are not expecting any dramatic changes although they may decide to add other departments and offices later on.

He also mentions that there is some company specific software that will need to be installed on the computers with instruction manuals available. He reminds you that since they are a branch network, they need to connect to Acme Corp’s WAN and leave it to you to decide how that should be done.

Answer the following questions:

2.1 Seeing as you will not be setting up any servers but should leave lines open, computers are available on site as well. What other devices will you need in order to set up this network and why?

You decide to ask for specifications about the web server and find that the bandwidth requirements are triple the maximum speed available. What can you do to resolve this issue?

After the devices are set up, how you will complete the documentation and what you will do with the unused or extra ICT equipment?

2.2 What methods would you use for security? And, importantly, how will you meet the requirements for the file server?

2.3 What would you consider while deciding the network addressing scheme?

2.4 What will you consider while deciding what routers to use and what steps will you take to install it?

2.5 What is a wide area network (WAN) link? How can you tell which one is for WAN as opposed to ordinary connections?

2.6 Suppose some issue rises up on the network. How does the OSI network model help you determine the cause and how can it be resolved? How would you seek feedback about the network performance?