Mr. Khoza runs a small business in Midrand, Gauteng. His business has been steadily growing since
its inception in February 2019 in spite of the ill-effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns as well as the
ripple effects of the economic issues and financial markets such as rising fuel prices and inflation.
He, Mr. Khoza, has asked you to design a secure network for his small business. Additionally, he
would like you to design and build a cost-effective network for his business.
The current setup is such that every PC and laptop user uses a 3G dongle to connect to the Internet.
When users need to print, they either copy the work that needs to be printed to USB flash drives
or email their work to any one of the five users whose PCs are attached to a printer – all printers
connect via USB cables.
The new network, according to Mr. Khoza, should cater to at least thirty devices, fifteen desktops
(PCs), seven laptops including Mr. Khoza’s laptop, two servers and four BYOD devices. Additionally,
Mr. Khoza wants to allow visitors such as customers and suppliers to connect mobile devices to get
Internet connectivity. All users with PCs and laptops should still be able to print.
The premises where Mr. Khoza runs his business has six offices (rooms). All the rooms are located
on the same floor. Mr. Khoza has an office and does not share office space. There are two open-
plan offices, the first open-plan office houses seven desktops and the remainder of the PCs are
housed in the second open-plan office. Two laptop users share an office while the other three
laptop users share a separate office. A small storeroom has been selected for use as a server room.Mr. Khoza is looking at opening two new offices within twelve months, one in Roodepoort and
the other in Pretoria North. The two branches will be launched at the same time. The
Roodepoort branch is expected to launch with ten computer users. The Pretoria North branch is
expected to kick off with 25 users.With all the work completed in Part 2 and additions to this Part, you are required to write
a network proposal for Mr. Khoza’s network. The network solution for Mr. Khoza must
enable all offices to connect, work remotely, communicate and share informationThe solution must indicate how the connectivity of offices and routing will be
achieved.
Network Proposal for Mr. Khoza's Small Business
Objective:
To design a secure and cost-effective network that enables connectivity, remote work, communication, and information sharing for Mr. Khoza's small business in Midrand, Gauteng. The network should cater to at least 30 devices, allow printing for all users, and provide internet connectivity for visitors. Additionally, the proposal should include a plan for future expansion to two new branches in Roodepoort and Pretoria North.
Network Design:
1. Internet Connectivity:
We recommend replacing the current 3G dongle setup with a dedicated internet connection through a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP). This will provide a stable and high-speed internet connection for all users in the office and allow for future scalability.
2. Local Area Network (LAN):
a. Wired Network:
Each office room should be equipped with wired network connections to ensure reliable and secure connectivity. Category 6 Ethernet cables can be installed to connect PCs, laptops, printers, and servers.
b. Wireless Network:
Deploy wireless access points strategically across the premises to provide Wi-Fi coverage throughout the office. This will enable mobility and support connectivity for BYOD devices, visitors, customers, and suppliers.
3. Network Devices:
The network infrastructure will require the following devices:
a. Router: A robust router should be installed to handle internet connectivity, security, and network routing functions.
b. Switches: Ethernet switches will be needed to connect devices within each office and establish wired connections.
c. Wireless Access Points: Deploy multiple access points for seamless Wi-Fi coverage across the premises.
d. Print Server: Introduce a centralized print server to allow all users to print directly to the printers connected via USB cables.
4. Server Room:
The selected small storeroom should be converted into a secure server room. It should be equipped with necessary infrastructure, including climate control, power backup, and physical security measures like locking systems.
5. Security Measures:
To ensure network security, the following measures should be implemented:
a. Firewalls: Install firewalls at the network edge to protect against external threats.
b. Antivirus Software: Deploy antivirus software on all devices to prevent malware and virus attacks.
c. VPN (Virtual Private Network): Implement a VPN solution for secure remote access to the network and data encryption.
6. Future Expansion:
To accommodate the future expansion to the Roodepoort and Pretoria North branches, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be set up to securely connect the three offices. This will ensure seamless communication and information sharing between branches.
7. Hardware and Software Requirements:
a. PCs and Laptops: Provide the required number of desktops, laptops, servers, and BYOD devices to meet the current and future needs of the business.
b. Operating System and Software: Ensure that all devices have the necessary operating systems and software licenses.
8. Support and Maintenance:
Offer ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure the proper functioning and security of the network. This can include regular updates, patches, and troubleshooting assistance.
Cost-Effective Considerations:
To keep the network implementation cost-effective:
- Utilize existing infrastructure where possible (e.g., repurposing the storeroom as a server room).
- Consider reliable and cost-effective network equipment from reputable vendors.
- Opt for scalable solutions that can accommodate future growth.
- Negotiate with ISPs for competitive internet service plans.
In conclusion, this proposed network solution for Mr. Khoza's small business will provide secure connectivity, remote work capabilities, efficient communication, and seamless information sharing. With a robust network infrastructure and future expansion plans, the business will be well-equipped to adapt to its growing needs.