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Project Part 1: Network Design

Project Instructions

Scenario

The Corporation Techs’ current network consists of 1 web server (accessible by the public), 2 application servers, 2 database servers, 2 file and print servers, and 50 workstations. The web server runs Linux/Apache, the other servers run Microsoft Windows Server, and the workstations run Microsoft Windows. The network is connected through a series of switches, is not physically connected to other networks, and runs Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4). The network is protected by a single-border firewall. The senior network architect, whom you work for directly, has verified the company’s business goals and has determined the features and functions required to meet those goals.

The senior network architect has asked you to create a network design that includes the following components:

• Current infrastructure elements
• A logical topology that separates the Accounting and Sales departments
• Redundant communications
• Justification for continuing with IPv4 or upgrading to IPv6

Tasks

For Project Part 1, students will do the following:

1. Conduct research to determine the best network design to ensure the security of internal network access while retaining public website availability.
2. Design a network configuration with physical and logical topologies. Identify major network elements (servers, switches, gateways, etc.) and their location within private and protected network segments.
3. Include a high-level plan that ensures communications are available 24/7.
4. Explain whether to continue using IPv4 or upgrade to IPv6 and why.
5. Create a basic network diagram that illustrates the current network and enhancements. Include a few workstations to represent all workstations on the internal network. The diagram will be very high level at this stage and include only necessary details. You may use a software tool or simply pencil and paper. You will update this design later in the project.
6. Create a draft report detailing all information as supportive documentation.
7. Cite sources, where appropriate.

Required Resources

• Internet
• Course textbook

Note: Optional, you could use GNS3 or other tools you find appropriate for drawing network topologies.

Format and Instructions

• A title page(first page) has:
  • Assignment title, course number and name, student name, and semester and year:
  • bold, in the middle, double space, and size 20: Example:

• Contents (Second page and onwards):
  • Sections:
    1. You are free to choose the section heading you see appropriate. Here is some suggestion:
       • Current infrastructure elements
       • Network topologies
       • Justification for continuing with IPv4 or upgrading to IPv6
    2. Conclusions
    3. References
  • Format:
    • Double-spaced
    • Font size- 12-point and font type is Times New Roman
    • All pages are numbered except for the title page. The page number must be in the bottom
      and centered.
    • Length of report: 3–5 pages
    • Citation style: https://pitt.libguides.com/citationhelp/ieeeLinks to an external site.
      • In-text Citing
      • Creating a Reference List
    • Submission:
      • The report must be submitted electronically:
        • Your file must be saved in pdf format.
        • Name your pdf file as mcy602-project part 1-LASTNAME.pdf, where your last name replaces LASTNAME
      • Upload the pdf file to Canvas in the respective assignment

Self-Assessment Checklist

• I determined the best network design to ensure the security of internal access while retaining public website availability.
• I designed a network configuration with physical and logical topologies and identified major network elements and their locations within the private and protected network segments.
• I created a plan that ensures communications are available 24/7.
• I recommended whether to continue using IPv4 or upgrade to IPv6 and explained why.
• I created a basic network diagram that illustrates the current network and enhancements.
• I created a professional, well-developed report with proper documentation, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• I followed the format and submission guidelines.

Project Grading Evaluation Criteria

• (15p)Students determined the best network design to ensure the security of internal access while retaining public website availability.
• (15p)Students designed a network configuration with physical and logical topologies and identified major network elements and their location within private and protected network segments.
• (10p)Students created a plan that ensures communications are available 24/7.
• (10p)Students explained whether to continue using IPv4 or upgrade to IPv6 and why.
• (15p)Students created a basic network diagram that illustrates the current network and enhancements.
• (15p)Students displayed critical thinking skills in completing this part of the project.
• (20p)Students created a professional, well-developed summary report with proper documentation, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.