Design four small individual separate offices for senior managers

Task 2: Network Design and Implementation

TechnoLink Solutions is moving into a new, single-story office building. There is ample space above the ceiling to run network cables, so this part of the design has already been addressed and does not need to be considered. The building contains six main departments:

• Product Development (22 staff)
• Marketing (18 staff)
• Customer Support (15 staff)
• IT Support (8 staff)
• Human Resources (6 staff)
• Accounting (7 staff)

Additionally, four smaller individual offices are designated for senior managers. The front reception area employs five administrative staff. Throughout the building, 25 laptops are regularly used by managers and staff for meetings with clients and between departments.

The network for TechnoLink Solutions needs to provide internet access, file storage, network security, and Wi-Fi coverage throughout the building. A reliable solution for wired and wireless connectivity is required to support staff productivity and mobility.

Task Requirements

Your task is to design and implement the network to meet these requirements, considering departmental size and the need for secure, efficient communication between staff.

Deliverables for UC Computing Services:

• A report justifying and explaining your network design and IP addressing decisions.
• A network diagram of your design.
• An IP addressing scheme using the subnetted IPv4 network address ranges of 192.168.10.0/24 and 192.168.11.0/24 for all subnets.
• A Packet Tracer model of the network using the IPv4 address scheme above (more marks for a fully functional model). The Packet Tracer file should also be uploaded for the assessment.
• Packet Tracer password: @Networks2425 (use this for all passwords).
• Relevant security measures, including passwords, firewalls, and basic network device configurations.
• At least four ping tests between sub-networks, showing connectivity between them.
• Basic configuration for all routers and switches, including:
  • Message of the Day
  • Changing default router and switch names (e.g., Router1R1, SwitchSales)
  • Configuring a password for the console line
  • Configuring passwords for virtual lines
  • Configuring a privilege (enable) password
  • Encrypting all passwords

Note: The report and Packet Tracer file must be submitted on Blackboard.

Task 2 Practical Assessment Criteria

1. Ability to Use Packet Tracer (20%)

• Strong demonstration of the ability to use Packet Tracer to design and simulate a network meeting all requirements.
• Good technique in using Packet Tracer to develop and implement a solution for a network problem.
• Network design demonstrates an understanding of reliable networks.

Learning Outcome(s) Assessed:
LO2 – Apply given tools and methods to defined problems in computer networks and operating systems (C4).

2. Practical Skill Demonstration (60%)

• High standard of Packet Tracer implementation.
• Correct configuration of the network and devices, ensuring scalability, security, fault tolerance, and Quality of Service (QoS).
• Correct basic configurations for all network devices.
• Strong understanding of IP address subnetting, successfully implementing the correct scheme.
• Verified connectivity between subnets and devices.
• Use of appropriate tools (PING) and techniques to analyze network performance.

Learning Outcome(s) Assessed:
LO3 – Use a range of standard techniques in the design and implementation of a computer network (P1).

3. Working Autonomously (20%)

• Strong ability to work autonomously while following defined guidelines to produce excellent work.
• Correct selection of network devices for the given requirements.

Learning Outcome(s) Assessed:
LO4 – Act with reduced need for supervision in selecting and using a range of specialist software (T2).