Executive Summary
The correctness of all settings and connections is the key to an adequate transition strategy for a network project. Network topology, actual software, installation hardware, and other parameters should be considered as variables are involved. In the case under consideration, the need to set up network communication can be addressed through a bus topology that is easy to implement. The server and hardware configuration are identical for the locations involved, and for communication, the client (workstation) and server architecture are chosen. The VPN tunnel is an additional tool that protects the networks of plants and one office building.
Introduction
Building an adequate model for connecting all digital communications within one stable network is a responsible task that requires compliance with several conventions. The case involves creating a network between three manufacturing plants and one building using a bus topology. The program’s performance will be considered based on the optimization strategy, namely the client (workstation) and server architecture, keeping the same server configuration and hardware for all locations, and establishing a secure VPN tunnel.
Advantages of the Project
Building a single network for all computers as part of a change program can help achieve several significant benefits. In the context of saving money and time, the updated system will provide an opportunity to enhance the interaction between colleagues from different departments, thereby improving productivity. According to Baltzan and Philips (2022), improved data sharing is a direct precondition for a stronger decision-making strategy, another potential benefit.
Creating a centralized and connected system is the key to ensuring the security of stored information. Finally, Internet service costs will decrease as only one provider will be involved. Adequate implementation of all the planned steps can help increase labor productivity, thereby increasing the efficiency of future IT projects.
Individual Computers and Hardware
Priority should be given to components from Intel to avoid service hassles and costly purchases. Apple’s components may be more up-to-date, but they are expensive to acquire and need more money to install and maintain. Processors from Intel 2.4 GHz with 8 GB of RAM and a fifth-generation CPU (i5) are suitable for setting up a stable network (Liu et al., 2021). In addition, this hardware allows the installation of reliable software, including firewalls (Liu et al., 2021). Such elements demonstrate average performance and do not require expensive maintenance.
As a router to utilize in the internal network, the RV120W model from Cisco is the best solution. These routers combine the function of robust data transmission and internal link security using a high-speed connection (“Cisco RV120W wireless,” 2023). A sufficient number of ports allows for building a convenient network configuration without unnecessary connections.
Workstation equipment is required to install printers or other devices. For the proposed change in strategy, ten workstations would need to be equipped in each of the three manufacturing plants and approximately 25 in a separate building. For this purpose, Dell workstations may be utilized as suitable hardware (Liu et al., 2021). These components are known for their stability and ease of maintenance.
Server
Fast exchange of information between network nodes and control over data storage are functions performed by the server. Running multi-user applications, installing up-to-date software, and other tasks can be accomplished due to a stable running server. In the project in question, any of the latest Dell PowerEdge models can be used because this equipment is suitable for both small intranets and large cloud services (Lin et al., 2021). Each workstation can be connected to the server wirelessly, which is important for large transmission nodes, and through cables and Ethernet switches.
Connection to the Internet
Wireless and wired connections must be accompanied by the installation of a firewall to protect the network from unauthorized access. The built-in firewall is a mandatory link in the considered system, which can also encrypt data (Baltzan & Philips, 2022). The routers used establish secure VPN tunnels, ensuring data privacy and the safety of using online programs.
Project Timeline and Work Breakdown Structure
The network optimization project under consideration is expected to take approximately ten weeks, starting from a detailed assessment of the entire infrastructure to the launch of all components. The following plan may help reflect the main stages of the activities to perform:
- Project preparation (one week):
- Analyzing the current infrastructure.
- Determining the budget.
- Designing the network (two weeks):
- Planning the architecture and topology.
- Determining security protocols and maintenance options.
- Installation (four weeks):
- Purchasing and installing the equipment.
- Testing performance indicators.
- Data transfer (one week):
- Transferring old information.
- Verifying data integrity.
- Training (one week):
- Developing manuals.
- Training sessions for employees.
- Launching (one week):
- Monitoring the launch process.
- Getting feedback and assessing mistakes.
Conclusion
The project considered establishing a single network within the company, which involves the creation of a stable client and server configuration, taking into account a bus topology as an easy-to-implement framework. The presented hardware, workstations, and server components are relatively inexpensive and convenient to maintain. The proposed work plan, lasting approximately ten weeks, can allow all the necessary steps to be taken, from assessing the current infrastructure to launching the upgraded system.
References
Baltzan, P., & Philips, A. (2022). Business driven information systems (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Cisco RV120W wireless – N VPN firewall. (2023). Nexstor. Web.
Lin, W., Yu, T., Gao, C., Liu, F., Li, T., Fong, S., & Wang, Y. (2021). A hardware-aware CPU power measurement based on the power-exponent function model for cloud servers. Information Sciences, 547, 1045-1065. Web.
Liu, K., Li, L., Koyuncu, A., Kim, D., Liu, Z., Klein, J., & Bissyandé, T. F. (2021). A critical review on the evaluation of automated program repair systems. Journal of Systems and Software, 171, 110817. Web.