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.
Given the details in the scenario as well as making your own assumptions, provide a
fully labelled LAN diagram for Mr. Khoza’s network. Your diagram must show the
inclusion of the wireless network infrastructure. Accompany your diagram with a
detailed explanation of how the LAN network will work and how it will support and
solve Mr. Khoza’s problems.
A. An adequate fully labelled diagram is provided.
B. The diagram adequately shows the wireless network
infrastructure.
C. The diagram is accompanied by an adequate explanation of how
the LAN network will work.
D. The diagram is accompanied by an adequate explanation of how
it will support and solve Mr. Khoza’s problems.
Unfortunately, as an AI text-based assistant, I am unable to provide visual diagrams. However, I can provide a description of the LAN network setup and how it will address Mr. Khoza's problems.
LAN Network Setup:
1. Internet Connectivity: A high-speed broadband connection should be established to provide internet access to all devices in the network. This can be achieved through a router or modem connected to the ISP's network.
2. Wireless Network Infrastructure: To cater to the need for wireless connectivity, wireless access points (WAPs) should be strategically placed throughout the premises to ensure sufficient coverage. The number of WAPs required will depend on the size of the premises and the expected number of wireless devices.
3. Wired Network: For desktops and servers, wired connections should be used to ensure reliable and fast network access. Ethernet cables should be used to connect each device to the network switch.
4. Printers: To enable printing from all PCs and laptops, network printers should be installed in each office or in a central location accessible to all users. These printers should be connected to the network switch using Ethernet cables.
5. BYOD Devices: To allow employees to connect their personal devices (BYOD), a separate wireless network can be set up with secure access controls. This network should be isolated from the main business network to ensure data security.
6. Visitor Access: A separate network can be set up specifically for visitors, such as customers and suppliers, to connect their mobile devices and access the internet. This network should also be isolated from the main business network to maintain security.
7. Server Room: The small storeroom selected as the server room should be equipped with suitable ventilation, power supply, and physical security measures to ensure the safety of the servers and network equipment.
How the LAN Network Will Solve Mr. Khoza's Problems:
1. Improved Internet Connectivity: By establishing a high-speed broadband connection, Mr. Khoza's employees will no longer need to rely on 3G dongles, resulting in faster and more reliable internet access for all devices.
2. Centralized Printing: The installation of network printers will eliminate the need for USB drives or manual email transfers to print documents. All users with PCs and laptops can directly send their print jobs to the network printers, improving efficiency and reducing time wastage.
3. Enhanced Device Connectivity: The LAN network will support the connection of up to 30 devices, including desktops, laptops, servers, and BYOD devices. This will enable smooth collaboration and improved productivity within the business.
4. Wireless Access for Visitors: Setting up a separate network for visitors will provide them with secure internet access without compromising the security of the main business network. This will enhance customer and supplier satisfaction.
In summary, the LAN network setup, including the wireless network infrastructure, will provide a secure and efficient network solution for Mr. Khoza's small business. users will have reliable internet access, centralized printing, improved device connectivity, and separate networks for visitors, leading to enhanced productivity and customer satisfaction.