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ASSIGNMENT FRONTSHEET
Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing Unit number and title Unit 2: Networking Infrastructure Submission date December 30 , 202 0 Date Received 1st submission Re-submission Date Date Received 2nd submission Student Name Luu Hoai Phong Student ID GCC Class GCC0802 Assessor name Lam Nhut Khang Student declaration I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the consequences of plagiarism. I understand that making a false declaration is a form of malpractice. Student’s signature Grading grid
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 M1 M2 M3 M4 D1 D2 D
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Resources: 50 student lab computers, 35 staff computers, 3 printers Building: 3 floors, all computers and printers are on the ground floor apart from the IT labs – one lab located on the first floor and another located on the second floor As a first task, the CEO of the company Mr. Nguyen has asked you to investigate and explain networking principles, protocols and devices and submit a report. Part 1 You will need to produce a report that includes the following:
- An introduction to provide an overview of your report.
- Benefits and constraints of different types of networks and networking standards.
- The impact of network topology, speed of communication and bandwidth requirements.
- Effectiveness of networking systems.
- Discussion on operating principles of networking devices and server types and networking software.
- Discuss the relationship of workstation hardware with networking software.
- Explore a range of server types and justify the selection of a server, considering a given scenario regarding cost and performance optimization.
- For the given specification, identify the topology protocol for the efficient utilization of a networking system. The CEO Mr. Nguyen is happy with your first report and now he has asked you to analyze the specification from the institution, as given earlier. You need to design and implement the networking project within a given timeframe: Part 2 Design efficient networked systems
- Prepare a written step-by-step plan of how you are going to design a Local Area Network including a blueprint of your LAN.
- Justify your choice of devices for your network design.
- Produce a test plan to evaluate this design for the requirements of bandwidth and cost constraints as per user specifications.
- Justify the security requirements and quality of services needed for selection of accessories.
- Suggest a maintenance schedule to support the networked system. Part 3 Implement test and diagnose networked systems
- Implement a networked system based on your prepared design.
- Conduct verification with e.g. Ping, extended ping, trace route, telnet, SSH, etc.
- Record the test results and analyze these against expected results.
- Investigate what functionalities would allow the system to support device growth and the addition of communication devices.
- Discuss the significance of upgrades and security requirements in your recommendations.
ASSESMENT CRITERIA Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria Pass Merit Distinction LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols LO1 & 2 D1 Considering a given scenario, identify the topology protocol selected for the efficient utilization of a networking system. P1 Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards. P2 Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements. M1 Compare common networking principles and how protocols enable the effectiveness of networked systems. LO2 Explain networking devices and operations P3 Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types. P4 Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware with relevant networking software. M2 Explore a range of server types and justify the selection of a server, considering a given scenario regarding cost and performance optimisation. LO3 Design efficient networked systems P5 Provide a logical/physical design of the networked system with clear explanation and addressing table. P6 Evaluate the design to meet the requirements. M3 Install and configure network services and applications on your choice. D2 Design a maintenance schedule to support the networked system. LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems P7 Implement a networked system based on a prepared design. P8 Document and analyse test results against expected results. M4 Recommend potential enhancements for the networked systems. D3 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions.
I. P1. Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards.
1. Definition of network: Network and system administration is a branch of engineering that concerns the operational management of human–computer systems. It is unusual as an engineering discipline in that it addresses both the technology of computer systems and the users of the technology on an equal basis. It is about putting together a network of computers (workstations, PCs and supercomputers), getting them running and then keeping them running in spite of the activities of users who tend to cause the systems to fail. (Burgess, 2004) 1.1. Advantages of Network: - It enhances communication and availability of information. Networking, especially with full access to the web, allows ways of communication that would simply be impossible before it was developed. Instant messaging can now allow users to talk in real time and send files to other people wherever they are in the world, which is a huge boon for businesses. Also, it allows access to a vast amount of useful information, including traditional reference materials and timely facts, such as news and current events. - It allows for more convenient resource sharing. This benefit is very important, particularly for larger companies that really need to produce huge numbers of resources to be shared to all the people. Since the technology involves computer-based work, it is assured that the resources they wanted to get across would be completely shared by connecting to a computer network which their audience is also using. - It makes file sharing easier. Computer networking allows easier accessibility for people to share their files, which greatly helps them with saving more time and effort, since they could do file sharing more accordingly and effectively. - It is highly flexible. This technology is known to be very flexible, as it gives users the opportunity to explore everything about essential things, such as software without affecting their functionality. Plus, people will have the accessibility to all information they need to get and share. - It is an inexpensive system. Installing networking software on our device would not cost too much, as we are assured that it lasts and can effectively share information to our peers. Also, there is no need to change the software regularly, as mostly it is not required to do so. - It increases cost efficiency. With computer networking, we can use a lot of software products available on the market which can just be stored or installed in our system or server, and can then be used by various workstations.
- It boosts storage capacity. Since we are going to share information, files and resources to other people, we have to ensure all data and content are properly stored in the system. With this networking technology, we can do all of this without any hassle, while having all the space we need for storage. (Miller, 2015) 1.2. Disadvantages of Network:
- It lacks independence. Computer networking involves a process that is operated using computers, so people will be relying more of computer work, instead of exerting an effort for their tasks at hand. Aside from this, they will be dependent on the main file server, which means that, if it breaks down, the system would become useless, making users idle.
- It poses security difficulties. Because there would be a huge number of people who would be using a computer network to get and share some of their files and resources, a certain user’s security would be always at risk. There might even be illegal activities that would occur, which we need to be careful about and aware of.
- It lacks robustness. As previously stated, if a computer network’s main server breaks down, the entire system would become useless. Also, if it has a bridging device or a central linking server that fails, the entire network would also come to a standstill. To deal with these problems, huge networks should have a powerful computer to serve as file server to make setting up and maintaining the network easier.
- It allows for more presence of computer viruses and malware. If even one computer on a network gets infected with a virus, there is a possibility for the other systems to get infected too. Viruses can spread on a network easily, because of the inter- connectivity of various devices. Besides, multiple systems with shared resources are the best propagating ground for viruses. Likewise, if malware unintentionally gets installed on the central server, all connected clients to the server in the network will inevitably get infected (cloudadmin, July 27, 2015). Thus, network administrators should conduct regular check-ups on the system, and the stored files at the same time.
- Its light policing usage promotes negative acts. It has been observed that providing users with internet connectivity has fostered undesirable behavior among them. Considering that the web is a minefield of distractions—online games, humor sites and even porn sites—workers could be tempted during their work hours. The huge network of machines could also encourage them to engage in illicit practices, such as instant messaging and file sharing, instead of working on work-related matters. While many organizations draw up certain policies on this, they have proven difficult to enforce and even engendered resentment from employees.
- It can be wirelessly connected to the internet called WPAN.
- Appliances use for PAN: cordless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth systems. ▪ Advantages of PAN:
- PAN networks are relatively secure and safe
- It offers only short-range solution up to ten meters
- Strictly restricted to a small area ▪ Disadvantages of PAN:
- It may establish a bad connection to other networks at the same radio bands.
- Distance limits. (guru99, n.d.) 2.1.2. LAN (Local Area Network): Figure 2. LAN struture (guru99, n.d.) LAN is a group of computer and peripheral devices which are connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office building. It is a widely useful network for sharing resources like files, printers, games, and other application. The simplest type of LAN network is to connect computers and a printer in someone's home or office. In general, LAN will be used as one type of transmission medium. ▪ Characteristics of LAN:
- It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.
- LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.
- There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring and ethernet. ▪ Advantages of LAN:
- Saving on hardware purchases.
- Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server computer.
- Easily transfer data and messages over networked computers.
- Easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more secure.
- Easy to check and fix errors
- Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet connection among all the LAN users. ▪ Disadvantages of LAN:
- LAN will indeed save cost because of shared computer resources, but the initial cost of installing Local Area Networks is quite high.
- The LAN admin can check personal data files of every LAN user, so it does not offer good privacy.
- Unauthorized users can access critical data of an organization in case LAN admin is not able to secure centralized data repository.
- Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration as there are issues related to software setup and hardware failures. (guru99, n.d.) 2.1.3. WAN (Wide Area Network): Figure 3. WAN structure (Anon., n.d.) WAN is another important computer network that which is spread across a large geographical area. WAN network system could be a connection of a LAN which connects with other LAN’s using telephone lines and radio waves. It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization. ▪ Characteristics of WAN:
- The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all can access to the latest files.
- Data rates adequate for distributed computing applications. ▪ Advantages of MAN:
- It offers fast communication using high-speed carriers, like fiber optic cables.
- It provides excellent support for an extensive size network and greater access to WANs.
- The dual bus in MAN network provides support to transmit data in both directions concurrently.
- A MAN network mostly includes some areas of a city or an entire city. ▪ Disadvantages of MAN:
- We need more cable to establish MAN connection from one place to another.
- In MAN network it is tough to make the system secure from hackers (guru99, n.d.) 2.1.5. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): Figure 5. WLAN structure (Anon., 2019) WLAN helps us to link single or multiple devices using wireless communication within a limited area like home, school, or office building. It gives users an ability to move around within a local coverage area which may be connected to the network. Today most modern day’s WLAN systems are based on IEEE 802.11 standards. (guru99, n.d.) ▪ Advantages of WLAN:
- The most obvious advantage of a WLAN is that devices can connect wirelessly, eliminating the need for cables. This allows homes and businesses to create local networks without wiring the building with Ethernet.
- It also provides a way for small devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to connect to the network.
- WLANs are not limited by the number of physical ports on the router and therefore can support dozens or even hundreds of devices.
- The range of a WLAN can easily be extended by adding one or more repeaters.
- WLAN can be easily upgraded by replacing routers with new versions — a much easier and cheaper solution than upgrading old Ethernet cables. ▪ Disadvantages of WLAN:
- Wireless networks are naturally less secure than wired networks. Any wireless device can attempt to connect to a WLAN, so it is important to limit access to the network if security is a concern. This is typically done using wireless authentication such as WEP or WPA, which encrypts the communication.
- Additionally, wireless networks are more susceptible to interference from other signals or physical barriers, such as concrete walls. Since LANs offer the highest performance and security, they are still used for many corporate and government networks. (Anon., n.d.) 2.1.6. SAN (Storage Area Network): Figure 6. SAN structure (Robb, 2018) A Storage Area Network is a type of network which allows consolidated, block-level data storage. It is mainly used to make storage devices, like disk arrays, optical jukeboxes, and tape libraries. (guru99, n.d.) ▪ Advantages of SAN:
2.1.7. VPN (Virtual Private Network): Figure 7. VPN structure (Wikipedia, 2020) VPN is a private network which uses a public network to connect remote sites or users together. The VPN network uses "virtual" connections routed through the internet from the enterprise's private network or a third-party VPN service to the remote site. It is a free or paid service that keeps our web browsing secure and private over public WiFi hotspots. (guru99, n.d.) ▪ Advantages of VPN:
- The ability to hide a user's IP address and browsing history;
- Secure connections with encrypted data;
- Bypassing geo-blocked content;
- Preventing bandwidth throttling; and
- Making it more difficult for advertisers to target individual ads. ▪ Disadvantages of VPN:
- Not all devices may support a VPN.
- Paid VPNs are more trusted, secure options.
- A VPN may slow down internet speeds.
- There are still limitations to anonymity through VPNs -- for example, browser fingerprinting can still be done.
- VPNs do not protect against every threat. (Rouse, 2020)
2.1.8. The Internet: Figure 8. The internet structure (Wikipedia, 2018) ▪ The Internet (or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents and applications of the World Wide Web (WWW), electronic mail, telephony, and file sharing. (Wikipedia, 2020) ▪ Advantages of internet:
- Source of information and knowledge - It is the best source of a variety of information and knowledge, help improve everyone's understanding.
- Source of entertainment
- Keep Informed - Internet is a source of the newest news because there are hundreds and thousands of news-groups and services which keep us informed with every tick of the clock.
- Online Shopping - Internet shopping is becoming popular because of virtual shops where we can buy anything we want and need without going out of the home. ▪ Disadvantages of internet:
- A waste of time
- Not safe place for children
- Privacy exposure - Because of the hacker's community now it’s very easy to decipher someone’s chat or email messages.
- Money frauds
- Viruses/malware - Often our systems get infected from viruses and ultimately damage our important data which is difficult to recover. These viruses are transported via the internet, CDs, and USBs. Our computer can become totally out of order.
- It is capable to bear massive usage.
- Client server network has best management to keep all records of entire files, so all users can find any file easily.
- It allows to all users to decrease the data replication for their applications. ▪ Disadvantages of Client / Server:
- If main server gets halt then entire system will be failed.
- Client server network is need special network operating system.
- More expensive to configure their hardware and software components
- To need well qualified technical staff for maintaining the server.
- Traffic Congestion Problem – If large number of client try to send requests at the same time frame then “Traffic Congestion Problem” can be created.
- Its cost is not affordable for normal users. (BANGER, 2020) 2.2.2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P): Figure 10. Peer-to-Peer structure (Neagu, 2019) A network of computers configured to allow certain files and folders to be shared with everyone or with selected users. Peer-to-peer networks are quite common in small offices that do not use a dedicated file server. All client versions of Windows, Mac and Linux can function as nodes in a peer-to-peer network and allow their files to be shared. Files and folders can be configured to allow network users to copy them, but not alter them in their original location, which is a common safety precaution. However, files and folders can also be assigned a “read/write” status that allows either selected users or all users on the network to change them. (asomaning, Feb 20) ▪ Advantages of Peer-to-Peer:
- Easy to set up
- Less complexity
- Lower cost since networks devices and dedicated servers may not be required
- Can be used for simple tasks such as transfering files and sharing printers
▪ Disadvantages of Peer-to-Peer:
- No centralized administration
- Not as secure
- Not scalable
- All devices may act as both clients and servers which can slow their performance (Anon., n.d.)
2.3. Other types:
2.3.1. Cloud:
- Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user. The term is generally used to describe data centers available to many users over the Internet. Large clouds, predominant today, often have functions distributed over multiple locations from central servers. If the connection to the user is relatively close, it may be designated an edge server.
- Clouds may be limited to a single organization (enterprise clouds), or be available to multiple organizations (public cloud).
- Cloud computing relies on sharing of resources to achieve coherence and economies of scale. (Wikipedia, 2020) ▪ Advantages of Cloud:
- Easy implementation. Readily manageable by the Internet, a cloud infrastructure can be accessed by enterprises easily and quickly.
- Accessibility. Access our data anywhere, anytime. This allows for easy collaboration and sharing among users in multiple locations.
- No hardware required. Since everything will be hosted in the cloud, a physical storage center is no longer needed.
- Cost per head. Overhead technology costs are kept at a minimum with cloud hosting services, enabling businesses to use the extra time and resources for improving the company infrastructure.
- Flexibility for growth. The cloud is easily scalable so companies can add or subtract resources based on their needs.
- Efficient recovery. Cloud computing delivers faster and more accurate retrievals of applications and data. With less downtime, it is the most efficient recovery plan. ▪ Disadvantages of Cloud:
- No longer in control. When moving services to the cloud, we are handing over our data and information. For companies who have an in-house IT staff, they will be unable to handle issues on their own.
