Description of Proposed Network Essay

Our proposal includes the development of a LAN able to meet the requirements of your company’s software. The computer network components include the use of a server, a switch, patch panel, and a router for the office. The selected NOS (Network Operating System) is Windows 2000 Server. This operating system provides great conveniences to the installation, configuration, and maintenance of the network. Windows 2000 Server provides the enhanced DHCP, DNS and WINS features allow a network administrator to expediently manage all clients on the network. The data communication media for the networks is UTP CAT5. This cabling follows the Ethernet standards for TCP/IP and ensures decreased propagation and noise. I understand the motivations for creating a network and can apply these technologies to improve communications and access to information, as well as support and maintain the infrastructure. Goals and Products: The following list is networking hardware that can be implemented: *Nortel Networks Passport 2430 Enterprise Router: Offers the features and performance of more expensive routers, but at a much lower price. Also, this unit is known for its quiet operation, and sleek enclosure. *Nortel Networks BayStack 350 Series Switch: supports high-utilization workgroups for high-bandwidth uplinks to servers. *Dell PowerEdge 650 Server: Cost-effective rack server performance, manageability, and serviceability. Easy to mange. Also with tape drive backup support. *Nortel Networks OPTera Metro Cabinet 5200: Free-standing structure which will hold router, switch, server, and patch panel. *16-port Patch Panel Each employee workstation is to be custom ordered from Dell. Each employee will house a Dell computer with the following options: *2 GHz Pentium 4 Processor *256MB RAM *13GB Hard Drive *Netgear FA311 10/100 Network adapters *52X CD-Rom *8 MB Video Card *17†³ Monitor (Can use current monitors if budget is exceeded) *Internal Zip Drive Fast Ethernet is the protocol of choice. The wiring is a higher quality than the Category 3 normally used by Ethernet, therefore is a bit more expensive, but a worthy advantage. Fast Ethernet defines a star topology. There are many advantages in designing a LAN based on a star topology. It allows expansion to the existing LAN without effort or disruption. Troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance can be accomplished to a failed node without holding up or disrupting work on other nodes. The first step of implementing the network involves running drops in two corners of the office. The switch, router, patch panel, and server will be located in a rack closet dedicated to LAN equipment. This rack will be placed in a location for centrality. The entire office will be cabled with category 5 unshielded-twisted pair cable. Wall faceplates to include both drops and a phone jack will be installed. Panels spanning each wall will  house cables to ensure a clean look. As can be expected, the physical cost to install these drops are minimal, the labor is the majority of this expense. The second step of implementing the network involves configuring each piece of networking equipment. The router will be set up to ensure serviceability and reliability between employees and the server. From the router there will be a switch attached. The router will service a protocol (DHCP) which will allow workstations to access the network. The patch panel will be used as a middleman between the user and the switch. 1ft cables will be used to connect the switch and patch panel with also the use of a punch-down block. The third step of implementing the network involves configuring the server. This server will be set up to store crucial data, backup data, directory services (User Management), and file and print services. From the server you will have control and full access to each employee’s machine. Specifications: Hardware plays an important role in reliability of a network. Each workstation is to be custom ordered from Dell. Each employee will house a Dell computer with the following options: *2 GHz Pentium 4 Processor *256MB RAM *13GB Hard Drive *Netgear FA311 10/100 Network adapters *52X CD-Rom *8 MB Video Card *17†³ Monitor (Can use current monitors if budget is exceeded) *Internal Zip Drive In addition the office will house a Hewlett Packard LaserJet 4000N due to estimated heavy printing volume. The network equipment will be housed in a rack mount closet. That equipment will consist of a Dell PowerEdge 650 Server with the following components: *3.06GHZ Pentium 4 Processor 512K internal L2 Cache, *1GB ECC DDR266 Memory, *Netgear FA311 10/100 Network adapter, *16x4GB SCSI Hard Drive’s, *3.5†³ Floppy Drive, CD-ROM, and Internal Zip Drive. The hard drive’s in the server will be partitioned into a public working drive and a back up drive and will also be using RAID 5. Equipment and Labor Costs: Equipment: *Passport 2430 Enterprise Router – $349.99 *BayStack 350 Series Switch – $714.99 *PowerEdge 650 Server – $1499.99 *OPTera Metro Cabinet 5200 – $1299.99 *12-port Patch Panel – $119.99 *Cabling Costs: oUTP CAT5 Cable 650FT (~60ft per workstation) – $500 o(48) RJ-45 Connecters – $200 *(10) Custom Dell Workstations featuring Windows 2000 – $6000 *(11) 17†³ Monitors – $1100 (Save this by using current monitors) *HP 4000N LaserJet Printer – $200 *Looking at a total for equipment just shy of $12,000 Labor: *Flat hourly rate of $90/HR. *Project will take 5 business days (8hr/day limit). *Looking at a total for labor- $3600 An estimated Grand-Total- $16,000* *This figure is based on new state of the art equipment and software. Every item has been carefully examined to ensure it offers the most for the needs of Creative Accounting. Cost may be cut if the need arises, however, efficiency and technology will be sacrificed. All in all, this network has been developed with the sole purpose of satisfying the company’s needs within realistic constraints. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding this proposal.