Assignment 1

Weighting: 50% of overall module grade

Scenario
The College is expanding and the IT Director feels that the network should be re-designed for the new build
in 2012. He has asked you to take on this responsibility and submit a report (2000 to 3000 words) with your
suggestions to him. He would like it broken down into the following areas, so that he can explain most of it to
the finance department if required to justify the expenditure.

Please note the college requires a solution that can support both wired and wireless devices. It is also to be
noted that the college currently has a 10 GB internet connection.

There are currently 3000 students in the college.

The college has been allocated the network address 172.16.0.0/26

It is expected that the structure will consist of the following:

• 30 IT equipped classrooms each with 25 computers and a networked printer ( Total number = 780)
• 30 Teaching staff rooms each with 5 computers and a networked printer (total number =180)
• 20 Admin rooms each with 10 computers and a networked printer (220)
• 1 Learning Resource Centre with 100 computers and 4 networked printers (104)
• 7 Server rooms each with 5 computers (35)
• Each curriculum area head and admin assistant will also need a computer and printer (33)

You are required to design the network infrastructure and produce an individual report on your design.

Part A

1. Produce a report outlining the current problems associated with the network environment and the
advantages of implementing a network environment.

2. Describe the type of topology you have chosen and why. This must include details of cables and
network devices (state the model numbers not just the function), used plus any hierarchical design
principles used with your design.

3. Produce a VLSM outline of your intended network address implementation together with an
explanation of your design.

4. Recommend an Operating Systems and Application Software that will improve network performance,
consistency, reliability and security. Give reasons for your choice.

5. Provide an overview of the OSI model and the position of your selected network hardware in relation
to the OSI model.

6. Provide a comprehensive selection of hardware, any performance problems should also be

considered.

7. A logical diagram showing how you intend to connect all PCs, network hardware and peripherals to
the new network environment.
BSc (Hons) Computing
8. Provide a coherent argument of the cost, benefit, security and utility values associated with the
installation of your recommended network.