Wan Design

In this scenario I will be providing information associated with the creation of a WAN for ACME Manufacturing. This business has several locations spread out all over America and requires a WAN to connect their locations in America with their newly build plant in China. With the headquarters and engineering offices in Atlanta, which are right across the street from each other, the plan would make sense to connect all communication here.

There are also distribution offices in New York, Chicago, and Phoenix which will have to be connected to this network to attend the weekly company meetings and have access to information stored at headquarters. For the headquarters and engineering offices in Atlanta a LAN setup with routers and Ethernet wires will be introduced. This choice is based on higher speeds for the network as well as a significant reduction in cost. For the offices in New York, Chicago, and Phoenix a Satellite link will be added to ensure communication with the network located at the headquarters in Atlanta.

A satellite link will be made available to China as well to ensure that all locations have access to the main headquarters. Having all offices linked to a central location will allow interactions to be achieved for orders, manufacturing, communication, and other correspondence. This will allow the information and communication to be delivered at a higher standard than other means. Because we will be connecting all of the locations to a central location in Atlanta we will be using a Star Topology. A Star Topology will allow every

office a direct link to headquarters and will centralize the network management making it easier for an administrator to monitor. I have listed an example diagram of the Star Topology Below: With this Star Topology and the vast distances that would have to be reached to ensure communication with all locations ACME Manufacturing will have to lease T1 lines. This will ensure High Bandwidth speed and promote a more successful interaction time for fulfilling orders and maintaining communication between headquarters, distribution, and the newly constructed plant.

A T1 transmission can reach speeds of 1. 544Mbps and maintain up to 24 digitally transformed voice channels. (Techterms. com, 2013) In the interest of Telecommunications ACME Manufacturing would benefit the most from a VOIP. VOIP’s have become a new method for businesses of all sizes to interact and communicate with each other. With a reduced cost in cabling and hardware needed for setting up the service it brings great benefits to a business. Often the same cables utilized to make up a network can be used to create a VOIP and communicate efficiently.

With this form of telecommunication ACME Manufacturing is sure to increase production, maintain a better relationship with customers, and decrease the overall expenses with a low maintenance system. Virtual meetings will be made easier as the VOIP is utilized by all locations that are connected to the main headquarters. When addressing IP Addressing a Class C would be appropriate, supposing the network mask pertains to every subnet and using the same network IP address. (Regan, 2004) A VLAN will be advantageous to ACME Manufacturing because of the link it will provide to all six locations.

Because the buildings are separated physically from each other a Virtual Network will allow the buildings to be grouped virtually which will increase the efficiency of the network. This virtual grouping will allow for better communication and increased productivity between all locations. I have assessed the hardware needs associated with this network and have come up with some suggestions which will operate the network in the most efficient way. First, A number of Mainframe Computer Systems will be installed at each location which will serve as the brain for each location.

After the initial link is made with the central headquarters the Mainframe computers will be linked to routers and switches. Routers and switches will be utilized to route network signals to all areas of this large network. Telephony systems will be introduced to serve the VOIP located at each location to assist with communication needs. Wireless technologies will also be needed to assist with mobility and other devices such as printers, laptops, fax machines, etc. Lastly, a physical firewall will be enforced at each location to protect the network from internal and external intruders.

The wireless technologies for ACME Manufacturing will be specific to the needs of the company. For example the teleconferencing between the six locations may require wireless webcams and headsets which will need to be ran on a wireless signal. These technologies may also need to utilize the satellite signals to better communicate across large physical distances. Wi-Fi may also be introduced within each building to increase mobility and productivity. The Wi-Fi technologies will be worth it because the benefit will outweigh the extra cost as the technology is easy to set up and maintain.

The Router protocols implemented will be a OSPF which stands for (open shortest path first). Because of the large network being introduced this protocol will be the most useful. This protocol operates on Internal Gateway Protocols by routing the most direct path and using the bandwidth most optimally. This not only reduces the use of bandwidth but also offers an ease of maintenance for administrators. (Techterms. com) The last area to be assessed will be the security of the network. This is by no means the less important as the security of this size will be difficult.

Physical firewalls should be setup on each mainframe at each location to control the flow of incoming and outgoing information. Antivirus and Malware software should be implemented to help seek and destroy malicious attacks. Encryption will be used in the form of users supplying unique usernames and difficult passwords in order to gain entry into the network. Also, a physical form of protection will be introduced into vital places like server rooms and admin offices in the form of physical security cameras and in some cases guards.

A team should be formed at each location to ensure the security of the network and combat any unauthorized entry. No network security system is obsolete but all bases should be covered. With these recommendations I have supplied I believe that the ACME Manufacturing company will be happy with their network. It will allow communication and distribution orders from each location and all will be connected to the main headquarters. The increase in productivity and communication will surely lead to an increase in sales and success.