Question 1 (SO 1, AC 1, AC 2, AC 3, AC 4)
you are required to interview users of the LAN network in order to identify their requirements. Once the needs have been identified review user requirements. Follow the steps below;
a) Identify the user requirements
b) Assess and report on the feasibility of the requirements.
c) Identify user objectives and critical performance factors
d) Determine resource estimates and calculate total costs
e) Develop a review procedure which ensures that the final outcome meets user requirements.
Question 2 (SO 2, AC 1, AC 2, AC 3)
Prepare a design for the LAN follow the guidelines below
a) Develop the LAN design ensuring that it fulfils the user requirements that you identified in question 1 above.
b) Select the best LAN topology which makes efficient use of the network resources. Justify your choice.
Question 3 (SO 3, AC 1, AC 2)
You are now required to locate LAN components. Follow the guidelines below;
a) List the LAN components required for this project.
b) List suppliers who can supply the LAN components above.
(6)
c) Explain the criterion that you shall use to select LAN components offered by different suppliers.
Question 4 (SO 4, AC 1, AC 2, AC
Produce a proposal for the local area network. The proposal must;
a) Explain the scope and objectives of the network
b) Estimate the implementation cost and time
c) Assess the cost benefit of alternative solutions
a) Identify the user requirements:
- High-speed internet access
- Secure access to company files and resources
- Ability for multiple users to access and share files simultaneously
- Reliable network connection
b) Feasibility of the requirements:
- High-speed internet access: Feasible, can be achieved through a high-speed internet connection.
- Secure access to company files and resources: Feasible, can be achieved through secure user authentication and encryption.
- Ability for multiple users to access and share files simultaneously: Feasible, can be achieved through sufficient network bandwidth and file sharing protocols.
- Reliable network connection: Feasible, can be achieved through redundant network components and regular maintenance.
c) User objectives and critical performance factors:
- User objectives: Efficient access to resources, secure data transfer, reliable network connection.
- Critical performance factors: Network speed, security measures, reliability of network components.
d) Resource estimates and total costs:
- Resource estimates: High-speed internet connection, network switches, routers, Ethernet cables, network security software.
- Total costs: Calculated based on the cost of each component and installation fees.
e) Review procedure:
- Regular user feedback sessions to ensure that the LAN meets their requirements
- Periodic network performance evaluations to identify any issues and make necessary improvements
Question 2
a) LAN design:
- Design should include high-speed switches and routers for efficient data transfer
- Implement security measures such as firewalls and encryption protocols
- Ensure redundancy in network components for reliability
b) LAN topology:
- Star topology is recommended as it allows for efficient resource sharing and easy troubleshooting
- Justification: Each device is connected to a central switch, allowing for easy management and scalability.
Question 3
a) LAN components:
- Network switches
- Routers
- Ethernet cables
- Firewall
- Network security software
b) Suppliers:
- Cisco
- Juniper Networks
- Netgear
- Dell
c) Criteria for selecting suppliers:
- Reputation in the industry
- Quality of products
- Cost-effectiveness
- Customer support and warranty options
Question 4
a) Scope and objectives of the network:
- Scope: Implement a secure and reliable LAN to support company operations
- Objectives: Efficient data transfer, secure access to company resources, reliable network connection
b) Implementation cost and time estimate:
- Cost: Based on the total cost of LAN components and installation fees
- Time: Estimated based on the complexity of the LAN design and installation process
c) Cost benefit of alternative solutions:
- Compare the cost of implementing the proposed LAN with the benefits it will provide in terms of efficiency, security, and reliability
- Assess the cost benefit of alternative solutions such as cloud-based networks or outsourcing network management.