Enterprise Networks

Unit 1 Discussion

Enterprise Networks

Discussion Resources

The following resources may be useful in completing this discussion and the course assignments.

Meyers, M. (2018). CompTIA network+ certification all-in-one exam guide: Exam N10-007 (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

Chapter 1, “Network Models,” pages 2–?41.

Chapter 18, “Managing Risk,” pages 627–?640.

Discussion Instructions

For this discussion, consider the following scenario:

Sally is the project manager for a mid-sized publishing firm. She is currently working on a project that involves a complete Windows upgrade for her organization. All of the organization’s PCs are being upgraded with Windows 7 and all of the servers are being migrated to Windows 2008. Halfway through the upgrade, Sally is ahead of schedule and under budget when she discovers that there is a compatibility issue with several major printers throughout the organization. With research, she finds that 64-bit drivers are not available for the printers the organization currently owns.

Use the discussion resources and your own research to discuss the following:

Explain the network engineering life cycle and identify the stage in which Sally made her error.

Discuss ways that Sally can now rectify her mistake in planning without jeopardizing both the schedule and the budget.

If you were Sally’s superior, discuss what you would do in response to this potentially serious situation with a high-visibility project.

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 2 Discussion

Network Challenges

Discussion Resources

The following resources may be useful in completing this discussion and the course assignments.

Meyers, M. (2018). CompTIA network+ certification all-in-one exam guide: Exam N10-007 (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

Chapter 2, “Cabling and Topologies,” pages 45–?50.

Chapter 6, “TCP/IP Basics,” pages 164–?197.

Chapter 7, “Routing,” pages 217–?219.

Chapter 8, “TCP/IP Applications,” pages 263–?278.

Chapter 9, “Network Naming,” pages 308–?343.

Chapter 11, “Advanced Networking Devices,” pages 389–?407.

Chapter 12, “IPv6,” pages 424–431.

Skillsoft. (n.d.). CompTIA Network+ N10-007: Ports and protocols and the OSI model [Tutorial].

Skillsoft. (n.d.). CompTIA Network+ N10-007: Networking devices [Tutorial].

Discussion Instructions

For this discussion, consider the following scenario:

Ken has been hired as the project manager at a local hospital and is in charge of implementing a new electronic health record system, which was designed in India. He discovers that the network staff woefully underestimated the impact of the application on the available bandwidth of the network. The poor response time of the application now threatens the user acceptance of the software. Ken must present a change request to senior management for a network upgrade that will put the project over budget and behind schedule by thousands of dollars and several weeks.

To further complicate the matter, the network manager is a member of senior management and is expected to argue vociferously that his staff was not properly informed, thus not in a position to provide accurate information to the project team.

Use the resources provided as well as your own research to support your discussion of the following:

Describe some techniques and strategies that can be used to maintain high availability on a network.

Offer some suggestions on how Ken can help senior management accept the need for additional funding without fracturing his relationship with the network manager.

Explain how you would handle cultural issues with the overseas developers of the application.

Be sure you correctly cite any references you use according to APA guidelines.

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 3 Discussion

Wireless Network Design

Discussion Resources

The following resources may be useful in completing this discussion and the course assignments

Meyers, M. (2018). CompTIA network+ certification all-in-one exam guide: Exam N10-007 (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

Chapter 14, “Wireless Networking,” pages 497–?547.

Chapter 15, “Virtualization and Cloud Computing,” pages 551–?569.

Chapter 16, “Mobile Networking,” pages 579–580 and 591–?594.

Skillsoft. (n.d.). CompTIA Network+ N10-007: Network storage, virtualization, and WAN technologies [Tutorial].

Discussion Instructions

Use the resources provided and your own research to complete this discussion.

While mapping data for the wireless network architecture in a large mature organization, you encounter duplication of effort and redundant data.

Discuss whether the redundant data should be addressed prior to beginning the wireless network architecture project, in coordination with the network architecture project, or after the project has been completed.

Provide a supported rationale for your choice.

What strategy would you use to maintain security of data within a wireless infrastructure? Why?

Be sure you correctly cite any references you use according to APA guidelines.

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 4 Discussion

Network Management

Discussion Resources

The following resources may be useful in completing this discussion and the course assignments

Meyers, M. (2018). CompTIA network+ certification all-in-one exam guide: Exam N10-007 (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

Chapter 10, “Securing TCP/IP,” pages 349–?381.

Chapter 13, “Remote Connectivity,” pages 448–?494.

Chapter 18, “Managing Risk,” pages 641–?656.

Chapter 19, “Protecting Your Network,” pages 655–?695.

Skillsoft. (n.d.). CompTIA Network+ N10-007: Security devices, wireless security, and access control [Tutorial].

Skillsoft. (n.d.). CompTIA Network+ N10-007: Policies and best practices [Tutorial].

Skillsoft. (n.d.). CompTIA Network+ N10-007: Network devices and device hardening [Tutorial].

Discussion Instructions

For this discussion, consider the following scenario:

The CIO of the organization for which you are developing your project network decides after seeing the data flow maps you created that the timing is right to alter their relationship with their primary supplier. Currently, inventory requirements are maintained by the organization and orders are placed over the phone. The CIO would like to give the supplier a direct connection into the organization’s inventory system and make them responsible for maintaining stock.

Use the resources provided as well as your own research to support your discussion of the following:

Explain the pros and cons of making this kind of change as part of the development of a secure network infrastructure. How would you support or dispute this request for change in the project scope, and address the ethical standards and implications of this decision?

Describe 2–3 enterprise network management tools (for example, HP OpenView, Entuity) that you have used. Would you recommend using them to manage the network for the vendor relationship?

Be sure you correctly cite any references you use according to APA guidelines.

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 5 Discussion

Troubleshooting

Discussion Resources

The following resources may be useful in completing this discussion and the course assignments.

Meyers, M. (2018). CompTIA network+ certification all-in-one exam guide: Exam N10-007 (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education. ?

Chapter 20, “Networking Monitoring,” pages 699–?717.

Chapter 21, “Network Troubleshooting,” pages 722–?744.

Skillsoft. (n.d.). CompTIA Network+ N10-007: Troubleshooting connectivity and performance issues [Tutorial].

Skillsoft. (n.d.). CompTIA Network+ N10-007: Troubleshooting methodologies and tools [Tutorial].

Discussion Instructions

This discussion is based on the following scenario:

Suppose you are monitoring the network for the organization you selected for the course project when you see a problem with one of the devices.

Explain the troubleshooting process you would follow to resolve the issue.

Be sure you correctly cite any references you use according to APA guidelines.

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 1 Assignment

Project Scope

Preparation

To prepare for this assignment, first complete the required practice lab and unit discussion, as both will help you with the assignment.

Search the Internet and the library to find recent articles or books on the topic of IT projects and project scope. You will need at least three articles or other resources to support your work in this assignment. You may use the resources provided in this unit, but must include resources from your own research as well.

Next,? you will need to choose an organization that will be the basis for all your course assignments. You should choose an organization you are currently working for, have worked for in the past, or one you would like to work for in the future. The organization should be relevant to your professional goals and have a global presence, as this will make your assignments more meaningful for you.

Instructions

Because the enterprise network is the communications backbone of an organization, it is important to carefully consider all aspects. Completing each step of a project such as the one in this course, will help you explore established protocols and strategies to design a secure, reliable enterprise network.

Prepare a project scope document in which you:

Describe the organization. Be sure you provide enough information to support the project scope.

Describe the project and project goals.

Explain the role of each of the main stakeholders in the project.

Create a high-level requirements network diagram or map that shows geographic locations, organizational functional areas, and network connections between locations.

Visio or a graphical drawing tool of your choice may be used. Note: Microsoft Visio is provided for your use via MS Imagine. See the Microsoft Software section in the Unit 1 studies for more information.?

Export the diagram to an image and include in the Word document, or copy and paste into Word document.

Develop a project timeline/outline that aligns with the network engineering life cycle stages.

Given the global nature of the organization, describe the international and cultural concerns that must be addressed.

The assignment you submit should be approximately 4–?5 pages in length, including the diagram or map you create. Be sure your document is professionally written, free of errors, and that your citations and references follow APA guidelines.

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 2 Assignment

WAN Network Design

Preparation

Before you begin this assignment, please complete the practice labs and discussion for this unit.

Then use the Internet and the library to research the assignment topic. You will need at least three recent, relevant, professional resources to support your work.

Instructions

WAN is the core component to your network, as it encompasses all your local area networks (LANs) and all needed network infrastructures such as routers, switches, and servers.

For this assignment, prepare a project document that includes the following:

Create a diagram that will:

Display the basic topology for your selected organization. Be sure you include routers, switches, and all of the basic network connection hardware.

Diagram your IP addresses. Calculate and add your IP ranges and subnets into your diagram. Note: Microsoft Visio is provided for your use via MS Imagine. See the Microsoft Software section in the Unit 1 studies for more information.?

Explain the switching and routing choices, topology choice, and overall wired infrastructure decisions.

Explain the strategy you used for assigning IP addresses for the organization. Why did you choose the IP addresses that you did?

Describe IP addressing strategies for maintaining privacy on a network. How do your strategies maintain privacy on your network?

Describe at least three networks addressing or topology standards that influenced your network design.

The assignment you submit should be approximately 3–?4 pages in length, including the diagram you create. Be sure your document is professionally written, free of errors, and that your citations and references follow APA guidelines.

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 3 Assignment

Wireless Network Design

Preparation

Before you begin this assignment, please complete the practice labs and the discussion for this unit.

Then use the Internet and the library to research the assignment topic. You will need at least three recent, relevant, professional resources to support your work.

Instructions

For this assignment, you will create a wireless network design strategy. The wireless network strategy is the overall umbrella encompassing wireless access controllers (WACs) and wireless access points (APs). The wireless service provider can play a role by connecting these, thereby providing connectivity to the entire network.

Start with the network diagram you created in the Unit 2 assignment. You may want to make some changes depending on the feedback you received from your instructor. Using this diagram, complete the following:

Add a wireless infrastructure to your network diagram.

Include your IP addresses. Calculate and add your IP ranges and subnets into your diagram.

Use Visio or a graphical drawing tool of your choice. Note: Microsoft Visio is provided for your use via MS Imagine. See the Microsoft Software section in the Unit 1 studies for more information.?

Export your diagram to an image and include in the Word document, or copy and paste the diagram into the Word document.

Explain hardware placement, hardware device choices, topology choice, and overall wireless infrastructure decisions.

Explain your IP addressing strategy.

Describe at least three wireless standards that influenced your network structure.

The assignment you submit should be approximately 3–?4 pages in length, including the diagram you create. Be sure your document is professionally written, free of errors, and that your citations and references follow APA guidelines.

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 4 Assignment

Network Management Strategy

Preparation

Before you begin this assignment, please complete the practice labs and the discussion for this unit. Note: Microsoft Visio is provided for your use via MS Imagine. See the Microsoft Software section in the Unit 1 studies for more information.

Then use the Internet and the library to research the assignment topic. You will need at least three recent, relevant, professional resources to support your work.

Instructions

For this assignment, you will develop a network management strategy. Such a strategy can add value to your network by improving and updating your monitoring tools and ensuring that you are up-to-date with all of the processes and procedures needed to quantify risks to your network.

Prepare a 3–?4 page network management strategy that you could present to the CIO of the organization you have selected. Your strategy should support the design of your network that you completed in the previous assignments.

Within your network management strategy:

Explain the role of network management.

Describe at least three tools used for network management.

Describe at least three tools used to monitor network performance.

Explain the role that remote access plays in managing a network.

Propose a strategy for managing the organization’s network infrastructure.

The assignment you submit should be approximately 3–?4 pages in length, including the diagram you create. Be sure your document is professionally written, free of errors, and that your citations and references follow APA guidelines.

 

IT 3355 Network Architecture

Unit 5 Assignment

Enterprise Network Optimization Project

Preparation

To prepare for this final assignment, please complete the practice labs and the discussion for this unit. Note: Microsoft Visio is provided for your use via MS Imagine. See the Microsoft Software section in the Unit 1 studies for more information.?

Look in the library and on the Internet for articles and information on the topics of availability and load balancing. You will need at least three recent, professional resources to support your work on the final piece of the course project.

Review the feedback you received on the previous four assignments and revise your work accordingly.

Instructions

For your final project submission, you will use your work from the previous four assignments, along with the final piece from your work in this unit to produce a cohesive plan for enterprise network optimization. Organize your work logically, as if you would actually present it to senior IT leadership in the organization you selected.

Use the following structure to organize and complete your project:

Title page.

Executive summary (approximately one page that provides a high-level overview of what is in the document).

Body of the document:

Your network diagram, updated to include the following:

Apply basic load-balancing techniques as an effort to ensure network availability.

Analyze the technology presented in your diagram (you may use the information you provided in previous assignments, but do not simply cut and paste).

Explain your decisions for hardware placement, hardware devices, topology, and overall infrastructure design.

Support your analysis with recent, relevant resources.

Explain the techniques and strategies for maintaining high availability on the network.

Explain your load balancing strategy.

Explain how your network design addresses globalization. How can you be sure it will succeed internationally?