Small Business Report Darryl Lawson Prof.

David Thomas CIS 175 Introduction to Networking June 11, 2012

I was asked to set up a small networking system for my neighbour who is starting his own billing business. Initially he is investing five thousand dollars ($5000.) into the start up of this business. An overview of the things needed are as follows; two (2) workstations, two (2) laptops, one (1) quality networked printer, and a server supporting at least three (3) users. Also, wireless networking, file and folder sharing, Internet access, and support for multiple email addresses. The security for this system need only be basic, as in a home environment. Monthly recurring cost should not exceed two hundred dollars ($200.) per month. Based on these requirements, I would recommend going with a Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS). Windows Small Business Server is an affordable, all-in-one solution to reduce complexity and increase manageability of server technology in a small business environment (SBS, 2012, p.1). As Microsoft has several versions of servers, the Microsoft Small Business Server Essential package seems to best fit my neighbours needs. This would allow for the installation, configuration and support of a network, for up to 25 users so there is significant room for growth as the business grows and evolves beyond the initial setup. Small Business Server 2011 Essentials provides the fundamental technologies required in creating and supporting a secure network for the users and hardware involved which will allow the users to concentrate on their daily tasks without having to focus on complicated IT Management or Support tasks (SBS, 2012, p.2). SBS Essentials includes, the ability to backup not only the server itself but also each connected client, which can be restored easily through the included tools so the business immediately benefits from an in-built Disaster Recovery module as both data and systems are included (SBS, 2012).

Once the Small Business Server (SBS) is installed it will allow the creation of an Active Directory Domain where user accounts and computer accounts can be created this can then be used in order to allow access to the network as well as securing and managing access to various files & folders (Dean, 2010). In addition to the Active Directory Services, the SBS will be used to provide the following services: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Used to assign IP addresses to computers on the local network so that they can communicate locally (LAN) and also via the Internet (WAN) (Dean, 2010). Domain Name Service or System (DNS) Resolves domain name queries for client machines to connect to servers & websites (Dean, 2010). File Server A server that will enable clients to share applications and data across the network. Shared folders will be created as per the business requirements, with requisite access permissions where required (Dean, 2010). Print Server A Network printer will be connected and the SBS will manage both access to this and the print spooler/queue as well so client machines will not have this overhead. With the SBS in place and providing the main functionality of the internal network, the business will need to implement an e-mail system for their users and any business associated addresses. (Ex. support@domain.com or info@domain.com) While the more advanced versions of SBS use the Microsoft Exchange server to provide e-mail functionality, this adding to the need for additional configurations and management tasks to be performed with the business itself and would hence add to the running costs. By using SBS essentials, the business is able to leverage the availability of cloud-based e-mail systems, which allow the full functionality of Exchange but without needing the local server

or maintenance tasks with which they are traditionally associated (SBS, 2012). For the users themselves this will not impact their experience or usability of the system in any way and perhaps most importantly it means that storage space and backups are looked after and maintained without any intervention being required. A further benefit of utilizing a cloud based e-mail service is the ease with which e-mails would be accessible from any location without impacting the security of the local network. Users could either use their designated e-mail clients to access their mails or they could use the webmail services if required (MacManus, 2009). Mobile devices such as tablets & smartphones would also be easily connected to these services so the need to physically be in the office and responsive to customers would be alleviated. Microsofts Office 365 not only provides the required e-mail and shared calendar functionality but with a small business subscription then video conferencing and instant messaging are also included (Office365, 2012). As a continuation of this, Remote Web access for the files and documents themselves stored on the SBS can be enabled so that they would be accessible via a secure authentication mechanism to any web-enabled PC. This can prove very useful in the event of a remote user having failed hardware but needs to check or update files & documents as part of on-going business processes. Having decided that SBS essential is the best match for the my neighbours requirements the integration and overall network structure would be based on the following schematic:

Internet Connection

Combined Router/Wireless Access Point/Firewall/ Switch Laptop SBS Essentials 2011 Server * Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, File & Print Services. Laptop

Ethernet Cabling

Printer

Workstation

Workstation

The network structure is a fairly straightforward configuration. Initially to keep costs down no additional network switches would be required. By specifying a router with a combined Wireless Access Point and switch, then the server, printer and both workstations can be connected via Ethernet cables and the laptops can connect to the network wirelessly (Wilkins, 2011). This will keep the configuration as simple as possible but it is expandable going forward by adding an additional switch as and when required by the business. The Internet connection should have a business level service; at least for the support options should there be an issue with the service. While a standard residential connection will provide the basic connectivity and speed required by the business, given the utilisation of cloud based e-mail and the options to allow remote access to files & documents on the server a Fibre connection will provide consistently fast connections with no risk of throttling during peak usage (Wilkins, 2011, p.1). The available download and upload speeds would also be higher with the Fiber Optic based connection. By utilizing Verizon FiOS, it would give the

business a 15Mbps download service combined with 5Mbps upload speeds which is more than double those of a conventional broadband service (MacManus, 2009). Looking and evaluating the business requirements for this billing business, the following hardware is recommended to not only meet the immediate needs of the business but also provide suitable expandability for potential growth in the future. Server: Dell PowerEdge T110 II Server Intel Xeon E3-1220 3.10GHz Processor 4GB RAM 1 TB System Drive 2 TB Data Drive Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Workstation: Dell Vostro 260 Slim Tower Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Processor 2GB RAM 250GB Hard Drive Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64 Office 2010 Home & Business (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Laptops: Dell Vostro 1540 Intel Core i3-380M 2.53GHz Processor 2GB RAM 320GB Hard Drive Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64

Office 2010 Home & Business (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Printer: Dell2150cdn Colour Laser Printer High-volume colour, black & white printer Duplex capable In addition to the hardware described, each client machine (workstation and laptop) comes with Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 (Dell, 2012). This will allow each user to use the standard applications that they and their customers will be used to, comprising Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. The client machines also have Trend Antivirus software with 15 months subscription inclusive so no separate anti-virus purchases would be required. The Dell server is configured and pre-installed with the Small Business Server 2011 which also includes 5 Client Access Licenses (CAL) so that up to 5 clients can access the server resources as needed. This is something which would need to be increased should the need arise in line with Microsofts Licensing requirements but technically multiple clients would have the connectivity required once they are connected to the network. Anti-Virus software would need to be purchased for the Small Business Server. I would recommend the AVG File Server Edition 2012 that is designed specifically for Server operating systems and can be easily maintained. The cost is $39.99 and this would also require an annual subscription in order to remain up to date (SBS, 2012). Having specified the hardware and software regarding the initial investment and setup, the estimated cost breakdown is below:

Initial Investment Costs: Item Dell PowerEdge T110 II Server Dell Vostro 260 Slim Tower Dell Vostro 260 Slim Tower Dell Vostro 1540 Laptop Dell Vostro 1540 Laptop Cost $1,696.00 $668.00 $668.00 $718.00 $718.00

Dell 2150cdn Colour Laser Printer $309.99 AVG File Server Edition 2012 $39.99

Total

$4,817.98

The recurring costs for the Business would largely consist of the Internet service and subscription required and the e-mail provision through Microsoft Office 365. Additionally the annual cost of renewing the Anti-Virus subscriptions could be tailored into this for both the server and the workstations once their trial period has expired. Recurring (Monthly) costs: Item Verizon FiOS Office 365 Small Business User Office 365 Small Business User Office 365 Small Business User Office 365 Small Business User AVG File Server 2010 Annual Renewal ($39.99/12) Trend Antivirus Annual Renewal ($27.97/12 x 4) Total Cost $79.99 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $3.33 $9.32 $116.64

These hardware, software and configuration options would give the business the essentials that they need to create a business network which allows the desired functionality with Internet Access, Wireless connectivity, File & Printer sharing, Multiple e-mail addresses and Security built in (SBS, 2012). It is important to remember though that security must be kept paramount each of the operating systems in use will be protected with anti-virus software as discussed and they will also be running a software firewall to offer a greater level of protection. Utilizing the Active Directory technologies will ensure that each user only has access to their designated files and granular security will allow easy access to shared files. It would be highly advisable to advise each user to utilise secure passwords as part of their login details in order to enhance the security of the environment further. The Wireless portion of the network is possibly the greatest area of potential security concerns, these needs to be secured so that no open network is presented to anyone within range of the Access Point. A combination of disabling the broadcast of the SSID (Wireless Network Name) with WPA-2 Encryption will create the desired level of security (Wilkins, 2011). An additional possibility would be to only allow certain devices to connect to the Wireless Network by restricting them in accordance with their MAC (Physical Network) Address. Lastly, if we extend security to include the security of the business data then adequate backup mechanisms and redundancy/resiliency measures need to be in place. Utilizing Cloud-based e-mail ensures the highest level of availability for this critical business service and through configuring the automatic backup mechanisms of Small Business Server Essentials 2011 then all connected devices, server files and even the state of each system is retained for recovery as and when required (Wilkins, 2011).

References Dean, T. (2010). CIS175: Network+ guide to networks: 2009 custom edition (5th ed.) Boston: Course Technology, Cengage Learning. Microsoft (2012). Office 365-Overview. Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ Office365/what-is-office365.aspx#fbid=-c7mvwT62lx Microsoft (2012). Windows Small Business Server Help Protect Business Data Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/Windows-Small-BusinessServer/features.aspx MacManus, R. (2009). Cloud based email. Retrieved form www. Readandwriteweb.com/ Enterprise, 2009/01/cloud-based-email. Wilkins, Sean (2011). Wireless Security Considerations: Common Security Threats to Wireless Networks. Retrieved from http//www.trainsignal.com/blog/wireless-lanSecurity-threats