2. An enterprise level company wishes to set up a network to support several hundred business users as well as manufacturing equipment in a new building. Describe what network device or devices you would recommend they purchase and explain why. Note, you are not required to detail the media or topology utilized, but thinking about these will help you to choose and justify your device choices.



3. Make a list describing different common types of server applications. Show which of these applications you would combine together on a single server and which you would use separate servers for. Explain your choices of which to combine and which to leave separate.



4. For the network that you have chosen to characterize, identify all network devices utilized and explain the purpose of each in the network.

A family wishes to set up a small home network, consisting of three computers, one in a room with a Bluetooth printer, the other two in a separate room. They have an Internet enabled TV they want to connect to their network, and they want to make use of a voice over Internet Phone (VoIP). We will have to spend a little money to accomplish this, unless they already have everything they need.

First, we have to look at the assumptions. I have to assume that they already have either cable internet, or DSL service (or better), so they should have the proper modem and the cabling from the wall to the modem, and from the modem to at least one computer. I assume that the computer in the room with the Bluetooth enabled printer is also Bluetooth enabled. I also assume their Internet enabled television has a WiFi-n feature, as that is fairly common today. Going with these assumptions, here is what I would recommend (which incidentally, is similar to what I have in my home).
First and foremost, I would have them buy a wireless-N router. This would connect inline between the cable/DSL modem and the computer in the room with the printer. I would connect the computer to the wireless router with an Ethernet cable for maintenance purposes. That way, when settings or updates, or settings are applied, the user is not disconnected while settings are updated. This computer will become the main computer. From this computer, settings will be applied to the wireless router to allow the other devices access to the network and internet. This computer will be set up as a print server as well, handling all print jobs. As the print jobs come in to the computer, it will send the spooled jobs to the printer through the Bluetooth connection. Once the wireless settings have been applied, the family will have to follow the on-screen prompts of the TV to connect it to the network. If security was set up on the wireless router (I hope it was) they would have to input any security passphrases to gain access. To use VoIP, the user simply needs to use a VoIP ready phone, and using an Ethernet cable, plug it into a NIC card on one of the computers after installing a free or low cost VoIP software application. Another option is purchasing a ATA connector (analog telephone adapter) that would allow the use of exiting phones.
For an enterprise level company wanting to set up a network, the provided information is very general and limited. For example, the manufacturing equipment is not being specified as to the type. Is it CAD machinery that would need network access to download plans? Or just hydraulic presses and cutting machines? SO going on a basic premise I would look at installing: two servers, one for the business users, and the other for the manufacturing division; two switches to connect the Business LAN to the Manufacturing LAN, and vice-versa; and of course the necessary number of workstations for the employees. The recommended cabling would be CAT 6 to allow not only for full-duplex, but future expansion of data transfer needs.
There are several different common types of server applications. Some of these are:
• File Serving-this allows users to share information over the network. The main purpose of a file server is to reduce the amount of storage programs, applications, and files take up on a client’s workstation. A file server can also house database table information. (White, 2011)
• Mail Server-A mail server is a computer that keeps a record of each email that goes in and out of the network. (White, 2011) Depending on the maintenance settings, some the mail kept can be really old, so the potential storage space can be quite large. Another factor in possible storage requirements is the number of employees in the organization. The same machine can host the interface allowing gateway access to the internet. Although normally a separate gateway device provides internet access.
• Print Server-this is usually a computer that is connected to one or more printers that other client workstations can connect to, that accepts print jobs and sends them to the appropriate printer or assigns the print jobs the appropriate priority. (White, 2011)
• Media Server-this setup allows for streaming of videos on demand, and for the storage, and recall, of digital media, including pictures, music, and videos. (White, 2011)
• Monitoring and Distributed Processing-not only can servers be utilized to monitor network resources and health, but when workstations are idle, the processor’s power can be put to good use by applying that power to other processes, thus by increasing overall efficiency. (White, 2011) This is also known as load balancing.

When my parents get their cable Internet installed, the following components will make up their network. A cable modem, this will act as their gateway to the internet. The wireless router is the device that will connect all the computers and printer together on the network, allowing them to communicate and access the internet. Through the wireless access to the network, they will also have access to the print server, which is housed on the main computer, and thus the printer.

References
White, C. M. (2011). Data Communications and Computer Networks – A Business
User’s Approach 6th Edition. In C. M. White, & J. Calhoun (Ed.), Data
Communications and Computer Networks – A Business User’s Approach
6th Edition (6th Edition ed., p. 497). Boston, Massachusetts, USA:
CengageLearning.

2. For an enterprise-level company setting up a network to support several hundred business users as well as manufacturing equipment in a new building, I would recommend the following network devices:

a) Core Switch: This is a high-performance switch that connects multiple distribution switches and provides centralized connectivity and control. It offers high bandwidth and can handle heavy traffic loads efficiently.

b) Distribution Switches: These switches act as intermediaries between the core switch and access switches. They help to aggregate and distribute network traffic to different areas or departments. Distribution switches also offer additional features like VLANs, security, and quality of service (QoS).

c) Access Switches: These switches are deployed at the edge of the network, connecting end-user devices such as computers, printers, VoIP phones, and manufacturing equipment. Access switches provide connectivity, manage local traffic, and may also offer power over Ethernet (PoE) for devices like IP cameras or wireless access points.

d) Firewall: A firewall is a key component of network security. It controls and monitors incoming and outgoing traffic to protect against unauthorized access and threats. A robust enterprise-grade firewall will provide advanced security features like intrusion detection/prevention, VPN support, and content filtering.

e) Router: A router is responsible for routing traffic between different networks, whether it's the company's internal network or external networks such as the internet. It ensures effective communication and can enforce policies such as bandwidth management and network segmentation.

f) Wireless Access Points (WAPs): To support wireless connectivity for mobile devices and IoT devices, deploying wireless access points throughout the building is essential. These devices enable wireless communication, provide network access, and ensure seamless roaming.

g) Network Load Balancer: If the company anticipates heavy network traffic or wants to ensure high availability, a network load balancer can be beneficial. It distributes network traffic across multiple servers or devices, optimizing performance and reducing the risk of overload.

These device recommendations are based on the requirements of supporting multiple users, accommodating manufacturing equipment, ensuring scalability, network security, and efficient traffic management.

3. Common types of server applications include:

a) File Server: Stores and manages files, providing access to shared resources.

b) Email Server: Manages email communication, routing, storage, and security of emails.

c) Database Server: Provides database services, manages data storage, and allows access to databases for applications.

d) Web Server: Hosts websites and serves web content to clients requesting web pages.

e) Application Server: Handles the execution and management of applications and services.

f) Domain Controller: Manages network users, security policies, and authentication in a Windows Active Directory environment.

When deciding which applications to combine or separate on a single server, several factors should be considered such as resource utilization, security, scalability, and performance requirements. Here are some considerations:

- Combining multiple applications on a single server: This approach can be cost-effective, especially for small-scale deployments with low resource demands. Applications like file server, email server, and domain controller can be combined as they usually have low resource requirements and complement each other in terms of user management and collaboration.

- Using separate servers for resource-intensive applications: Applications like database servers and web servers typically require significant resources and high performance. Separating them onto dedicated servers allows efficient resource allocation, isolation, and scalability. This ensures optimal performance and avoids potential bottlenecks.

It's important to note that the decision of combining or separating server applications should always be based on the specific requirements, expected workload, and budget of the enterprise-level company.

4. The network devices utilized in the characterized network may include:

- Core Switch: As mentioned in question 2, it acts as a central point of connectivity, providing high-speed switching for interconnecting all the distribution switches and routing traffic between them.

- Distribution Switches: These switches connect various access switches within different areas or departments, aggregating network traffic and providing local network management.

- Access Switches: Deployed at the edge of the network, they provide connectivity for end-user devices and manufacturing equipment.

- Firewall: To secure the network from unauthorized access and threats, a firewall is used to control and monitor incoming and outgoing traffic.

- Router: Responsible for routing traffic between different networks, ensuring effective communication within the enterprise network and beyond.

- Wireless Access Points (WAPs): Deployed strategically to provide wireless connectivity to mobile devices and IoT equipment throughout the building.

- Network Load Balancer (optional): If required, it distributes network traffic across multiple servers to avoid overload and optimize performance.

Each network device plays a specific role in ensuring connectivity, security, and efficient data transfer within the characterized network.