Question

At this stage, you have identified the network infrastructure needs of a small business, analysed the requirements, and designed an appropriate network architecture. The proposed network design includes hardware and software components, configuration details, and justifications for design decisions. To support the effective implementation of the proposed network infrastructure, you will compile a portfolio of evidence that documents your design approach, outlines your plan for implementation, and details the expected outcomes. This portfolio will provide an overview of the network architecture, describe the hardware and software components, and explain how the network will meet the business requirements. The portfolio will also include a detailed network diagram that illustrates the network topology, the placement of components, and the data flow. This diagram will be supported by a list of all hardware and software components, including detailed specifications for each component. In addition, the portfolio will include • a comprehensive explanation of the configuration details for each component, • detailing the security settings, • backup procedures, and • disaster recovery plans. Justifications for the design decisions will also be provided to demonstrate how the network design meets the requirements of the small business. Design a network architecture for a small business with the following requirements: • 20 employees • A central file server for data storage and backup. • Access to the internet for web browsing and email. • Secure remote access for employees who work from home. • VoIP phone system for internal and external communication. • Wireless access for laptops and mobile devices. • Redundancy and failover for critical components. Your design should include: • A network diagram. • A list of all hardware and software components. • Configuration details for each component. • Justification for your design decisions. • An explanation of how your design meets the requirements

Answer 1

Network Architecture Design for Small Business:

To meet the requirements of a small business with 20 employees, the following network architecture is proposed:

1. Network Diagram:
The network diagram depicts the layout and connectivity of all network components. It shows the placement of hardware and the flow of data within the network.

2. Hardware and Software Components:
a) Central File Server: A dedicated server with adequate storage capacity for data storage and backup. It should have a RAID configuration for data redundancy.

b) Router: A business-grade router that supports VPN connectivity for secure remote access and has firewall capabilities for enhanced security.

c) Switches: Ethernet switches to provide wired connectivity to desktops, VoIP phones, and other network devices. They should support Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power VoIP phones.

d) Wireless Access Points (APs): Access points placed strategically to provide wireless connectivity for laptops and mobile devices. These APs should support the latest Wi-Fi standards for optimal speed and coverage.

e) VoIP Phone System: A VoIP phone system with IP phones, a PBX (Private Branch Exchange), and a VoIP gateway. This system enables internal and external communication through the internet using voice over IP technology.

f) Firewall: A robust firewall to protect the network from unauthorized access and potential threats. It should have intrusion prevention capabilities and support VPN for secure remote access.

g) UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): UPS units to provide power backup to critical network components, ensuring continuous operation during power outages.

h) Workstations: Desktop or laptop computers for employees, equipped with suitable network interface cards (NICs) to connect to the network.

i) Backup Solution: A reliable backup solution, such as network-attached storage (NAS) or cloud backup service, to regularly backup critical data from the file server.

j) Antivirus and Anti-malware Software: Software solutions to protect all network devices from viruses, malware, and other security threats.

3. Configuration Details:
a) File Server: Configure the file server with appropriate storage parameters, user access controls, and scheduled backup routines.

b) Router: Configure internet connectivity, VPN settings for remote access, and security rules to control inbound and outbound traffic.

c) Switches: Configure VLANs to isolate different departments, prioritize VoIP traffic, and implement security measures like port security and DHCP snooping.

d) Wireless Access Points: Set up wireless security using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) encryption, configure SSIDs, and assign appropriate access controls.

e) VoIP Phone System: Configure the PBX for internal call routing, assign extensions to employees, set up voicemail, and configure the VoIP gateway for connectivity to external phone lines.

f) Firewall: Set up firewall rules, create VPN tunnels, configure intrusion prevention settings, and periodically update firmware for enhanced security.

g) Backup Solution: Configure scheduled backups to the backup storage device, ensure data encryption, and monitor backup status regularly.

h) Antivirus and Anti-malware Software: Install antivirus and anti-malware software on all network devices and regularly update virus definitions.

4. Justification for Design Decisions:
a) Central File Server: A dedicated server allows centralized management, efficient file sharing and backup, and easier data access control.

b) VPN-enabled Router: Secure remote access enhances the flexibility and productivity of employees working from home while protecting the network from unauthorized access.

c) PoE Switches: Power over Ethernet simplifies the deployment of VoIP phones, eliminating the need for separate power supplies.

d) Wireless Access Points: Wireless connectivity provides flexibility for employees' laptops and mobile devices, enabling seamless collaboration and mobility.

e) VoIP Phone System: An IP-based phone system offers cost savings and advanced features like call routing, voicemail, and scalability.

f) Firewall: A robust firewall ensures network security, prevents unauthorized access, and protects against potential threats.

g) Backup Solution: Regular backups protect against data loss, ensuring business continuity in case of system failures or accidental data deletion.

h) Antivirus and Anti-malware Software: Security software safeguards network devices from viruses, malware, and potentially harmful cyber threats.

By implementing this network architecture, the small business can achieve secure remote access for employees, efficient storage and backup with a central file server, reliable internet connectivity, seamless wireless connectivity, and a scalable VoIP phone system. Redundancy and failover can be achieved through the careful selection of reliable hardware components and backup solutions.

Answer 2

Designing a network architecture for a small business with the specified requirements involves considering various components and ensuring that the network is reliable, secure, and scalable. Below is a comprehensive outline that includes a network diagram, a list of hardware and software components, configuration details, and justifications for design decisions:

1. Network Diagram:

Network Diagram

Description:

Internet Service Provider (ISP) connection for internet access.

Router for connecting to the internet and managing traffic.

Firewall for security.

Switch for local network connectivity.

Wireless Access Points (WAPs) for wireless connectivity.

File Server for data storage and backup.

VoIP Phone System for internal and external communication.

Remote Access Server for secure remote access.

Redundancy and Failover mechanisms for critical components.

2. Hardware and Software Components:

Hardware Components:

Router:

Model: [Specify Model]

Features: High-speed internet connection, multiple LAN ports.

Firewall:

Model: [Specify Model]

Features: Stateful packet inspection, intrusion detection.

Switch:

Model: [Specify Model]

Features: Sufficient ports, VLAN support.

Wireless Access Points:

Model: [Specify Model]

Features: Dual-band, WPA3 security.

File Server:

Model: [Specify Model]

Storage Capacity: [Specify Capacity]

Redundancy: RAID configuration.

VoIP Phone System:

Model: [Specify Model]

Features: Internal and external communication, voicemail.

Remote Access Server:

Model: [Specify Model]

VPN Support: [Specify Protocol]

Software Components:

Operating System:

Server OS for the File Server.

Router and firewall firmware/software.

Security Software:

Antivirus for all devices.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS).

3. Configuration Details:

Router Configuration:

Set up DHCP for automatic IP address assignment.

Configure NAT for internet access.

Implement Quality of Service (QoS) for VoIP traffic prioritization.

Firewall Configuration:

Define and implement firewall rules for inbound and outbound traffic.

Enable VPN support for secure remote access.

Switch Configuration:

Configure VLANs to segregate network traffic.

Implement port security features.

Wireless Access Points Configuration:

Set up SSIDs with WPA3 encryption.

Implement Guest Network with limited access.

File Server Configuration:

Configure user accounts and access permissions.

Set up regular backup schedules.

VoIP Phone System Configuration:

Assign extensions to employees.

Set up voicemail and call forwarding.

Remote Access Server Configuration:

Implement VPN with strong authentication.

Monitor and log remote access connections.

4. Security Settings:

Regularly update firmware and software.

Use strong encryption protocols for wireless and VPN connections.

Enforce strong password policies.

5. Backup Procedures:

Regular automated backups of critical data.

Offsite storage for backup data.

6. Disaster Recovery Plans:

Document step-by-step recovery procedures.

Regularly test and update the disaster recovery plan.

7. Justifications for Design Decisions:

Router Choice: Chosen for high-speed internet and multiple LAN ports.

Firewall: Provides robust security with stateful packet inspection.

Wireless Access Points: Dual-band for better performance, WPA3 for enhanced security.

File Server: Configured with RAID for data redundancy.

VoIP System: Enables cost-effective internal and external communication.

Remote Access Server: Implements secure VPN for remote employees.

This design ensures a secure, scalable, and reliable network that meets the specified requirements of the small business, considering both current needs and future growth.