Clydebank College

DN4P 35

Scenario Dunbartonshire Joiners

You are a computer consultant working for a Company called ClydeNetSolutions. Dunbartonshire Joiners is a small company who manufacture bespoke, high quality kitchens and shop fittings. They have recently been awarded a contract to supply kitchens for a new housing development. At present they have two premises: a workshop at East Dumbarton and a Head Office in Clydebank. The Computer System at the Clydebank Head Office, where all design work is carried out, was upgraded last year and your task is to plan, carry out and evaluate the upgrade of the system installed at, East Dumbarton Industrial Estate. Diagram 1 shows the layout of the East Dumbarton facility. In order to carry out this task it is likely you will have to find out more about the present installation in East Dumbarton and what the company would expect of the new or upgraded system.

Diagram 1

Your assessors have the right to assure themselves of the authenticity of your submission. For your Planning stage submission, you have been given the layout of the East Dumbarton Facility in this document.

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The scenario provided does not have enough information to compile the required report and therefore you will have to ask questions and / or use other techniques to gain the required information to fully analyse the upgrade problem. Typical questions and answers should be included in a planning report of this nature are listed below. 1. What are the hardware and software specifications for the existing PCs at the East Dumbarton Facility?

Hardware and software specifications for existing PCs at the East Dumbarton facility

2. What are the specifications of the existing printers?

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Existing printer specifications for existing PCs at the East Dumbarton facility 3. What information technology resources are available within the company? A: Three technicians at the Clydebank Head Office. All are familiar with Microsoft Windows Products including Server Family.

4. How secure do you wish the system to be? A: Very secure from intruder and malicious attacks and fully virus protected with future-proof updates. 5. Do you require back up facilities? A: Yes please advise your recommendations. 6. What is the completion date? A: Assessor should supply a date for completion of all work. 7. Are the timescales flexible? A: Yes as long as suitable end date is achieved. 8. Do you have a budget cost in mind? A: We anticipate a cost of approximately 17000 but please submit an initial realistic estimate. This estimate should include all costs including labour and material for ... ... Hardware ... Software ... Installation
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... ... ... ...

Systems testing Project management Training Any other outstanding issues

1. How many telephone lines at Clydebank and East Dumbarton?

A: Five telephone lines in total, breakdown as follows ...

East Dumbarton 1 ADSL/Telephone Line 1 ISDN/Telephone Line 1 Dedicated Telephone line into master switchboard 2. Are there any other internet technologies available at either location? A: No, nothing installed. 3. What is the CAD software used by Head Office Design Department? A: AutoCad 2000. 4. What Client/Server software is used in Clydebank Head Office? A: Windows Server 2003. 5. What type of data is transferred between Head Office and East Dumbarton? A: Large amounts of technical drawings are sent, these usually have quite large file sizes. The data transfer has proved to be problematic due to incompatibility in systems and general glitches. Sometimes urgent data is sent by courier between offices. 6. Are there a large number of calls between the Clydebank and East Dumbarton facilities? Have you thought about Voice over IP telephones to cut down on this? A: Yes and yes. For example, during the introduction of new products or contracts, a large amount of calls are made. If a system could be introduced where calls could be made over a network reliably then this would be attractive to us. 7. Is video conferencing required? A: We had not thought of that, but with the business expanding, yes. 8. What is your anticipated growth over the next three years? A: At least 20%. 9. What is the current headcount profile at East Dumbarton?
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Clydebank 1 ADSL/Telephone Line 1 ISDN/Telephone Line

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The above questions and answers are not prescriptive and are offered as examples only to show indicative standard. Your assessor will encourage you to make up your own list of response points for the report. This may require some research by the candidate. Other appropriate questions would be acceptable. Analysis of what is involved in project based on questioning

Improved voice and data communications between Clydebank Head Office and East Dumbarton Improved data communications within the East Dumbarton facility Improved efficiency Reduce data redundancy Resolution of compatibility issues Enhanced company image through information technology upgrade Demonstrable economic benefits Skills enhancement of employees Security and back up provision System needs to be expandable to meet projected growth targets
(6 marks maximum to the analysis sub-section)

The requirements in the above bulleted list are not prescriptive and other appropriate requirements are acceptable. Aims of the project The aim of the project is to present and implement a suitable design for a LAN at the East Dumbarton facility and communications link to the Clydebank Head Office, as well as specifying software and hardware updates to the current system. In terms of this project, the candidate should ...

undertake a full analysis of the project. look at the feasibility of the upgrade solution based on factors such as cost, time and technical aspects.

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recommend solutions based on analysis and feasibility study. identify user needs, and relevant devices incorporated into the design.

The project should include aspects of the design of an efficient, upgradeable system by defining the user needs throughout the planning and developing stages and continually analysing stages of the project to produce the final outcome.

design a solution which will provide adequate bandwidth for all users in accordance with current and expected needs and should be capable of high throughput of data throughout the new system. Security is an important aspect as is minimum disruption and loss of service.

(maximum of 3 marks for a correct identification of the aims of the project)

The aims in the above bulleted list are not prescriptive and other appropriate aims can be acceptable. Identification of key factors influencing the project You should show evidence that you have considered the key factors of the project when presenting the report (or other documentation) by addressing the following areas

Economic Factors identification of costs and benefits, both tangible and intangible. Financial Factors outline comparison of the positive benefits against the negative disadvantages to prove that the project is worth its costs. Technical Factors reviewing existing hardware, software and networks, scope of the system in terms of size and complexity and the new system must be technically feasible given current technology. Time Factors each stage of the project has to be completed to a deadline.

(Up to 5 marks will be allocated for description of key factors outlined above)

The above key factors are not prescriptive and other appropriate choices are acceptable.

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Utilising the resources, materials and time available When creating the plan the candidate should think of the resources, materials and time that they will require for this project. Resources should include equipment required to meet the project outcome and should detail all appropriate components needed to implement the design and what each component will be used for. This should include ...hardware: servers, workstations, printers, cabling and networking devices and media etc.

software: operating system(s), applications and drivers, etc.

This proposed design should include a floor plan showing infrastructure topologies. This will be built upon when carrying out the Developing stage of the project. The time that they have available to spend on this project should be considered and how this will affect their plan and level of implementation. Summary of planned solution 1 Physical Layout (example)

2 Floor Plan - General Office (example)

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The floor plans shown above are illustrative of what you may produce and other appropriate floor plans are acceptable. Identification and utilisation of resources 2 Hardware Ethernet or wireless: Recommend an Ethernet hard-wired network as the most appropriate, reliable, cost effective and fastest option for Dunbartonshire Joiners. Wireless could be discounted due to perceived speed, interference due to electrical noise from machinery and security reasons. Media: The media proposed is Cat 6 UTP, which is capable of transmitting data at 1Gbps. It is more expensive, but should support scalability considerations. Configuration: Client-server as the most appropriate architecture for Dunbartonshire Joiners business needs and for security considerations. Topology: Star topology, as it is the most appropriate technology for the circumstances, number of users, expandability and geography at Dunbartonshire Joiners. Speed: The Network will run at speeds up to 1Gbps and any network cards not capable of running 1Gbps should be replaced. Network Operating System: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 has been specified with justification. Servers: Single server will meet the needs of the company, its users and the system proposed. It will perform as a file, mail and database server. Hardware: The new hardware will include a new server, wiring, connectors, a patch panel, wall sockets, switch, firewall, NICs and UTP. Capacity/flexibility: The number of existing users is 20. The proposal is a network that would support an expansion of up to 40%. Wiring closet: The lockable cupboard in hall has been chosen as most appropriate location for network devices such as server and switches etc. Switches or Hubs: A switch improves network performance by localising traffic on each port. Traffic on one port is not transmitted out to all ports, as happens in hubs. They minimise collisions on the network and provide increased security. Therefore switches were chosen over hubs. NICs: These will be 1Gbps type. Back up: Recommend a back up strategy that includes nightly back up on to a separate back up tape drive. Back up tapes will be held off-site. Security: The server and switching equipment will be housed in the lockable cupboard in the hall. Anti-virus software is included in firewall software package. A separate physical firewall is proposed. The frame relay product

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specified will require a router. This router will contain a hardware firewall which will give a high-performance, multi-service security gateway for medium-tolarge networks integrating gigabit-class firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, anti-virus and content filtering Administration: A network administrator will need to be appointed to manage the system and maintain the security and back up procedures. It is recommended that this be combined with the current technicians role. Network administration training will be required. Management System: The company management system will be run from the new server employing new Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP software) for running the business that everyone can access for greater visibility and communications. It is proposed to use Ollie Wrights ERP 8.0 software and the Ollie Wright consultants to provide the training as part of our overall Project Management brief. This will be implemented after network has been installed and configured. 3 Software Components Network Operating System: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 has been specified as it offers the best reliability. (Research reference should be provided to substantiate this point.) ERP System: The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that is the company management system will be run from the new server. Employing new ERP software to allow easier running of the business, and offer greater visibility and communications. It is proposed to use Ollie Wrights ERP 8.0 software and the Ollie Wright consultants to provide the training as part of our overall Project Management brief. This will be implemented after the network has been installed and configured. Software Upgrades 1 Upgrade the operating system of all machines to MS Windows 7 (18) 2 Upgrade the applications on all machines to MS Office 2007 (20) 3 New software for design function i.e. Auto Cad (1) 4 Microsoft Server 2003 Standard Edition 5 Norton Ghost 6 Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System 7 Microsoft Office 2007 8 Norton Anti Virus 9 Auto Cad
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4 System Proposal - WAN

A leased line was considered, but there are no existing lines anywhere near the facility in, East Dumbarton and the cost to bring one in was prohibitive. As a next best solution a Frame Relay product will be bought in, this offers all the benefits of a leased line such as guaranteed bandwidth at lower cost. ADSL Broadband that is currently installed will remain in place and be used as redundancy. (Proposal is based on a quote from Zen Internet to supply business level Frame Relay Product.) This proposal will enable Dunbartonshire Joiners to take advantage of Virtual Private Network (VPN), Virtual Telephony, and Video Conferencing. VPN A VPN supplies network connectivity to the Clydebank LAN over a Wide Area Network. The key feature of a VPN, however, is its ability to use public networks, like the Internet, rather than rely on privately leased lines. VPN technologies implement restricted-access networks that utilise the same cabling and routers as a public network, and they do so without sacrificing features or basic security. A VPN supports at least three different modes of use remote access client connections, for home working etc LAN-to-LAN internetworking controlled access within an intranet The proposed VPN for the company will allow the network manager to connect the two offices networks economically and provide remote access to employees while reducing the in-house requirements for equipment and support for exam. The components detailed above are illustrative of what a candidate may produce as an answer and other appropriate answers are acceptable. 5 Legislation Legislation that should be consulted when planning, upgrading and disposing of equipment are Data Protection Computer Misuse Health and Safety at Work Freedom of Information Disability Discrimination

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Security of Internet Communications Protection of the Environment You may also comment on Codes of Practice, for example the IEEE Code of Practice states that the tester must be, Competent to undertake the inspection, and where appropriate, testing of electrical equipment and appliances with due regard to their own safety and others. If some of the equipment at the, East Dumbarton facility is not going to be utilised in the new system you should comment on how any obsolete equipment is to be disposed of. It is important to, Clydebank Joiners management team that you report on any legislation that may affect the implementation of the solution. A maximum of 12 marks may be allocated for the resources, materials and time, available as follows 4 4 2 2 marks marks marks marks for for for for correctly identifying hardware components. correctly identifying software components. correctly identifying the layout and infrastructure plans. allocating time and showing how it will limit project.

The resources identified above are not prescriptive and other appropriate choices are acceptable. Project Plan To complement your report, use Microsoft Project 2007 to outline the project based on the analysis undertaken. List the resources, tasks and initial project plan milestones using project management software, Production of an outline project plan using milestones as outlined below. Identification of Key Tasks The key tasks were determined by first ensuring the user requirements were fully understood. The user requirements were ascertained by utilising traditional fact finding methods such as interview questionnaire observation document sampling background reading

Comment on which method(s) you used and why. Key Tasks

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Install WAN between Clydebank Head Office and the East Dumbarton facility using ADSL/Frame Relay Install Ethernet LAN in the East Dumbarton Facility (allow for 40% growth) Upgrade software in East Dumbarton Replace older PCs Upgrade remaining PCs Purchase new printers with A3 printing capability Train staff ClydeNetSolutions would act as Project Managers Co-ordinate efforts to transfer data Video conferencing capabilities E-commerce capabilities Home/remote/mobile working Virtual Private Network (VPN)

As previously stated, produce evidence of a project plan to carry out the project, based on the analysis undertaken, covering identification of the main tasks Analysis, Implementation, Testing identifying resources hardware required: PC, access to internet, printer software required: Microsoft Word, Project, Visio, Smartdraw, Browser (Versions) books, journals, magazines identifying milestones identifying schedules (appropriate start and finish dates) production of hard copy Critical Path Analysis, Gantt chart or other appropriate project plan detailing the above bulleted points

Your project plan update should support your written documentation / report findings. This project plan should reflect tasks, resources and estimated costs. All tasks should be considered relative to the planning stage of the project and while tasks still to be actioned may be identified, only those which form part of the planning phase may be actioned, for example, a site survey or a planning meeting. The Project Plans above are not prescriptive. Other appropriate Plan(s) are acceptable. Up to 10 marks will be allocated for the project plan as follows Analysis - 3 marks Implementation - 2 marks Testing - 2 marks Identification of resources, milestones and schedules (start and finish dates) - 3 marks

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The outline project plan milestones described on page 14 are not prescriptive and other appropriate plans are acceptable.

Justification of approach The choices of problem solving approaches are varied and a range of appropriate choices are acceptable. The candidate must justify why their particular approach was chosen. 2 marks will be allocated for description of a planning approach taken.

Information sources used You must detail evidence of sourcing resources such as books, Internet websites, journals etc. in the form of a referencing page. As close as possible, use the Harvard system (or a Harvard style) to embed your references within your report discussions. On your references page, a table structured similar to that shown below is permissible for publications.

Publication Title Networking All-inOne Desk Reference for Dummies Upgrading and Repairing Networks Upgrading and Repairing PCs The PC Support Handbook Networking Foundations PC Magazine and PC World

Author Doug Lowe

Publisher Hungry Minds Inc, U.S QUE QUE Dumbreck Publishing Sybex Inc, U.S

ISBN 0764542605

Scott Mueller Scott Mueller David Dick Patrick Ciccarelli and Christine Faulkener

0789728176 0789731738 0952148471 0782143717

For Web resources, please endeavour to source authored resources. Where this is not possible, list your references, as such Unknown Microsoft, 2012, Windows 7 compatibility Center, Available at, [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/]

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End of Planning Stage Assessment

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