Project Scope and Report Requirements

Real World Business Case Study

Case Study: Tech Innovators Inc.

Overview

Tech Innovators Inc. is a technologically driven organization that has been expanding over the last few years. It focuses on creating software products and services that would apply to multiple industries such as financial, health care, and retail. Because of rapid development, the company occupied the previous office space; however, at the time of analysis, the company has shifted to a new large office complex. The new space created should in a way be able to carry out existing processes efficiently as well as have the capacity of further development.

New Office Building

The construction of the new office building is surprisingly based on the strategy of creating synergy by bringing in like-minded people. It comprises of 3 floors where each floor has the various departments and sections of the company in order to allow an easy flow of work and interaction.

Building Layout:

• Ground Floor: Administration

• First Floor: Development

• Second Floor: Sales and Marketing, IT Support

Department Details

1. Administration

o Number of Employees: 10

o Functions: Oversees the management of the companys activities, people resources, finance, and administration.

o Network Requirements: Protection of information, proper connection to the offices for managerial applications, and video communication services.

2. Development

o Number of Employees: 20

o Functions: Application development and testing and deployment. This department entails the use of the internet in the coding, compiling and testing of applications, and as such needs the internet.

o Network Requirements: Large band-width and low latency, code repositories access and strong back-up systems.

3.Sales and Marketing

o Number of Employees: 10

o Functions: Writing, implementing, and monitoring the marketing strategies, dealing with the clients, and controlling sales information.

o Network Requirements: Stable internet to facilitate communication with the clients regarding their projects and to access some of the Customer Relationship Management tools and marketing automation software.

4. IT Support

o Number of Employees: 10

o Functions: Functions include maintaining IT systems and communications, troubleshooting and supporting issues and maintaining protection of the network.

o Network Requirements: Antivirus software, firewall, telecommuting, IDS/IPS and monitoring tools and methods, and data backup and disaster recovery solutions.

Business Requirements and Objectives

1.Scalability

• The current level of employment must be supported by the network infrastructure of an organization and the future estimated employment for the next 3 to 5 years. It eyes to increase its staff population by a factor of two in this period.

2.Security

• Data protection is paramount, especially for sensitive administrative and client information. Network segmentation and secure access controls are required.

3.Reliability

• Continuous and reliable network connectivity is essential to avoid downtime, which can impact productivity and client satisfaction.

4.Performance

• High performance is critical, particularly for the Development department, which requires substantial bandwidth and low latency for software development activities.

5.Remote Access

• Secure VPN access for remote workers and traveling employees is necessary to maintain productivity and security outside the office.

6.Cost Efficiency

• The network design should be cost-effective while meeting all performance and security requirements.

Specific Network Requirements
1.Network Segmentation

• Create VLANs for each department to enhance security and manage network traffic efficiently.

2.Redundancy

• Implement redundancy at critical points to ensure network reliability and availability.

3.Bandwidth Management

• Prioritize bandwidth for critical applications and services, especially for the Development and IT Support departments.

4.IP Addressing

• Develop a clear IP addressing scheme that allows for easy identification and management of devices.

5.Future-proofing

• Design the network with future expansion in mind, allowing for easy addition of new devices and users without significant reconfiguration.

Summary

Tech Innovators Inc. requires a well-planned network infrastructure to support its growing operations. The network must be scalable, secure, reliable, and high-performing to meet the needs of various departments and future expansion.

Information Utilized in Network Design

Conflicting Requirements and Resolutions

Network Design and Justification

Chosen Architecture: Hierarchical Network Design

A hierarchical or multi-layer network design is generally used in the building of a network in order to ensure scalability and manageability. This architecture divides the network into three distinct layers: They are nevertheless grouped in three broad categories including, core, distribution, and access. It adds that all the layers have unique roles and responsibilities that make the network efficient and accommodating [1].

Layers of Hierarchical Network Design

1.Core Layer

o Function: The core layer is actually the high speed working center of the network, which interconnects all the major network segments. It is involved with the quick and efficient delivery of data all over the network [2].

o Devices: Advanced routers and switches which operate very fast to handle many traffic loads that come in with little delays.

o Example: For Tech Innovators Inc., the core layer will link all the three floors with the belief that the transfer of information within the various departments should be fast.

2.Distribution Layer

o Function: The distribution layer provides policy-based connectivity, inter-VLAN routing, and security enforcement. It acts as an intermediary between the core and access layers.

o Devices: Layer 3 switches and routers with advanced routing and policy management capabilities.

o Example: In Tech Innovators Inc., the distribution layer will handle inter-VLAN routing between the Administration, Development, Sales and Marketing, and IT Support departments, ensuring secure and efficient data flow.

3.Access Layer

o Function: The access layer provides direct connection to end devices such as PCs, printers, and IoT devices. It is responsible for user access and device connectivity.

o Devices: Access switches and wireless access points.

o Example: For Tech Innovators Inc., the access layer will ensure that each departments devices are connected to the network, providing VLAN segmentation to separate traffic between departments.

Advantages of Hierarchical Network Design

1.Scalability

o In hierarchical design additional devices and segments can be added without significant reconfiguration of the entire network.

2. Manageability

o The clear separation of functions across different layers simplifies network management and troubleshooting. Each layer can be managed independently, allowing for better control over network policies and performance.

3.Flexibility

o The modular nature allows for flexibility in network configuration and expansion. Different segments of the network can be modified or upgraded without impacting the entire network.

4.Performance

o The core layer focuses on fast data transport, the distribution layer handles policy enforcement, and the access layer manages user connectivity.

5.Redundancy and Resilience

o The hierarchical design can easily incorporate redundancy to improve network resilience. Multiple paths can be provided at the core layer to ensure network availability in case of device or link failure.

Network Design for Tech Innovators Inc.

Based on the hierarchical network design, here is a high-level overview of the network architecture for Tech Innovators Inc.:

1.Core Layer

o Devices: High-speed switches (e.g., Cisco Catalyst 9500).

o Function: Connects all floors and major network segments with high-speed links.

2.Distribution Layer

o Devices: Layer 3 switches (e.g., Cisco Catalyst 9300).

o Function: Inter-VLAN routing, policy enforcement, and traffic aggregation.

3.Access Layer

o Devices: Access switches (e.g., Cisco Catalyst 9200) and wireless access points.

o Function: Connects end devices to the network and implements VLANs.

Network Diagram

IP Addressing Scheme

Justification for IP Addressing Scheme

1.Scalability: Each subnet allows for the required number of hosts plus some room for future expansion.

2.Network Segmentation: Different VLANs for each department ensure better security and traffic management [3].

3.Compliance: The addressing adheres to the principles of private IP ranges and subnetting.

Address Allocation

• Administration VLAN 10 (192.168.68.0/26):

o Subnet: 192.168.68.0

o Range: 192.168.68.1 - 192.168.68.62

o Broadcast: 192.168.68.63

• Development VLAN 20 (192.168.68.64/26):

o Subnet: 192.168.68.64

o Range: 192.168.68.65 - 192.168.68.126

o Broadcast: 192.168.68.127

• Sales and Marketing VLAN 30 (192.168.68.128/26):

o Subnet: 192.168.68.128

o Range: 192.168.68.129 - 192.168.68.190

o Broadcast: 192.168.68.191

• IT Support VLAN 40 (192.168.68.192/26):

o Subnet: 192.168.68.192

o Range: 192.168.68.193 - 192.168.68.254

o Broadcast: 192.168.68.255

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