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..Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows. Note that the scenario below is an
extension of the scenario presented in Part 2. When answering the POE question ensure that you
keep in mind the scenario in Part 2.
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.
Q.1.1 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 information.
Ensure that you address the following in this part:
A. A description full network solution is provided.
B. The updated LAN and WAN diagrams.
C. The solution must clearly indicate the main considerations, including, scalability,
security, server redundancy, etc. are provided.
D. The solution must indicate how the connectivity of offices and routing will be
achieved.
E. A brief justification for the need for the devices in your solution as well as brief
justifications for all protocols involved in your solution.
F. The details of the QoS involved.
The proposal must be presented in a well-structured and well-formatted report. The
structure of your report must be professional and must include an introduction, the main
body, and a conclusion. The main body of your report must use headings and paragraphs
to structure the report. Use the table below to guide you.
Network Solution Proposal for Mr. Khoza's Small Business
Introduction:
This network solution proposal aims to address the needs of Mr. Khoza's small business, which has been steadily growing since its inception despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 lockdowns and economic issues. The proposed solution will provide a secure and cost-effective network that caters to the current setup and future expansion plans, allowing for connectivity, remote work, communication, and information sharing among all offices.
A. Description of the Network Solution:
The network solution consists of a combination of hardware, software, and protocols that ensure reliable and efficient communication and data sharing within and between offices. The proposed solution includes the following components:
1. Local Area Network (LAN):
The LAN will be designed to connect all devices within each office, including desktops, laptops, servers, and BYOD devices. This will be achieved using Ethernet switches, which provide high-speed and secure connections. Each office will have its own LAN, ensuring efficient communication and data transfer.
2. Wide Area Network (WAN):
The WAN will connect all offices, including the current location in Midrand and the two future branches in Roodepoort and Pretoria North. The WAN will utilize leased lines or dedicated internet connections to ensure reliable and secure connectivity between branches. This will enable remote work, communication, and information sharing across all offices.
3. Servers:
A dedicated server room will be set up in the small storeroom at the current location. This server room will host the necessary servers to support the business operations, including file sharing, data backup, email, and applications. Server redundancy will be implemented to ensure high availability and data protection.
4. Network Security:
To ensure the security of the network, a firewall will be implemented at the main office location. This firewall will provide protection against external threats and unauthorized access. Additionally, each office will have its own network security measures such as antivirus software and secure authentication methods.
5. Printers and Printing Solution:
To improve printing efficiency, a centralized printing solution will be implemented. Network printers will replace the current setup where printers are connected via USB cables. Users will be able to send print jobs directly to the network printers, eliminating the need for USB flash drives or reliance on specific PC users.
6. Guest Network Access:
To accommodate visitors such as customers and suppliers, a separate guest network will be implemented. This network will provide internet connectivity for mobile devices while ensuring secure isolation from the main business network.
B. Updated LAN and WAN Diagrams:
[Insert the updated LAN and WAN diagrams here]
C. Considerations and Requirements:
- Scalability: The network solution must be scalable to accommodate the current and future expansion plans, ensuring seamless integration of the Roodepoort and Pretoria North branches.
- Security: The network solution must prioritize security, with measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, secure authentication, and isolation of the guest network.
- Server Redundancy: The server setup must include redundancy to ensure high availability and minimize data loss in case of hardware failure.
- Connectivity and Routing: The WAN will be established through leased lines or dedicated internet connections, allowing seamless connectivity and communication between all offices. Routing will be implemented to optimize data flow and enable remote access.
D. Connectivity and Routing:
- Each office will be connected via Ethernet switches, forming individual LANs.
- The WAN will connect all offices, allowing for communication and data sharing.
- Routing protocols, such as OSPF or BGP, will be implemented to ensure efficient data flow and optimize network performance.
E. Justification for Devices and Protocols:
- Devices:
- Ethernet switches: Provide reliable and high-speed connections within each office.
- Firewall: Offers network security by filtering and monitoring traffic.
- Network printers: Improve printing efficiency and eliminate reliance on specific PC users.
- Servers: Enable file sharing, data backup, email, and applications.
- Protocols:
- OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) or BGP (Border Gateway Protocol): Dynamic routing protocols that optimize data flow and ensure efficient communication.
- VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks): Facilitate network segmentation and increase security by isolating guest network access.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Enables secure remote access and data transfer between offices and remote workers.
- QoS (Quality of Service): Ensures that critical network traffic, such as voice or video conferencing, receives priority to maintain performance and user experience.
F. Quality of Service (QoS) Details:
QoS will be implemented to prioritize critical network traffic and maintain optimal performance. This will be achieved through techniques such as traffic shaping, prioritization of specific applications or protocols, and bandwidth allocation. With QoS, important applications like voice or video conferencing will receive higher priority, ensuring a seamless experience for users.
Conclusion:
The proposed network solution provides a secure and cost-effective setup that caters to the current and future needs of Mr. Khoza's small business. It encompasses LAN and WAN connectivity, server redundancy, network security measures, and improved printing efficiency. With the implementation of appropriate devices, protocols, and QoS, the network will enable seamless communication, remote work, and information sharing among all offices while ensuring scalability and security.