Title: Final Exam
Course: KVCC CPT207 > Section: Assessments

Question 1

1.      One of the first aspects of designing a network deals with planning the IP addressing scheme that will be used. This is the foundation of the network and will determine how many nodes you can have and control the structure of your overall network. We have discussed the definitions and how this works already in the past so that will not be the focus here. I want you to think about how this ultimately impacts a business you may own. Please answer the following questions on IP addressing:

a.       What is the first consideration that you will have when it comes to the selection of your IP address scheme?

b.       What process would you use to determine your IP address range?

c.        Why is it important when it comes to your business?

d.       What is the downside if you do not plan accordingly? If this was the case what would you do to resolve the problem?

e.       How do subnets factor into IP addressing? What are their functions? How do they relate to your business?

Question 2

2.      The next link in the chain of network design is to plan your structured cabling within your business. In the final project I specified the building as being three stories and this might not actually fit into the style of business you wish to start. In this question I want you to think on what your interest is and then decide how structured cabling will fit into that setting. Answer the followings questions:

a.       If you could open your own business what would it be?

b.       How does structured cabling align to this style of organization? Paint the complete picturing of what you would use and why, you do not have to go into details such as purchasing equipment however this should still be comprehensive.

c.        As part of this planning what areas would you cut corners to lessen costs or to fit the needs of the organization? Why?

d.       Which areas would you refuse to compromise? Why?

e.       Would you design your network yourself or would you hire a company or consultant?

i.        The work yourself:

1.        What procedure would you go through to accomplish this task?

1.      ii. Consultant

1.        What credentials would you be looking for?

2.        Once you select a company how would you ensure that the job gets completed with a high level of quality?

Question 3

3.        Once you have the cabling installed you then have to consider what you will be using in terms of the server infrastructure. Answer the following questions:

a.       What server operating systems do you plan on using? Why?

b.       Once you decide on the platform the next consideration will be to weigh out whether or not you will go with a physical or cloud server. To assist in this consideration, I want you to create a table where you compare and contrast the two options with that of your business and it’s needs. Please conducts some research as well but the primary focus should be on how you will use the system and the direction of your business. Things to consider:

i.        Cost

2.      ii. Security

3.      iii. Control

4.      iv. Your Use

5.      v. Connectivity

6.      vi. Anything else that is important to you

7.      Ultimately once you do a comparison I want you to make a decision as to which method you will use, with declaration on why you would make that choice.

Question 4

4.        With your selection made the next step is to actually start to investigate your options and make your decision as to what you will be using for a server/s. I want you to begin this initial exploration and go online and select a server that fits your needs. If you decided on a physical server then price out something from the vendor of your choosing. If a cloud server then decide on your level and monthly cost and then use that to determine the overall expense for the year. Either method I want you to explain the thought process behind why you made this selection and how it fits the needs of your business. The number you find here can be used in the comparison above.

a.       Now that we had you decide on the server I want you to reflect on the needs of the business and how you will use the server to accomplish these. The first question as part of this is to actually decide whether or not the server is actually necessary? Could you reach the same level of operation by not running a server? Why/Why not? If it is deemed as a necessary thing, then what functions will the server perform within the business?

Question 5

5.        At this point we addressed the IP address scheme for the business, the cabling, and the server system. With all of this in place the next part is to decide on what tools we will use to manage and control the network and its connected hosts. In class we have demonstrated many different tools that are included within the Microsoft Server operating system and I want you to think on these and answer the following questions:

a.       First look at your business and determine what areas you will have to manage as part of your network and users. Develop a list of these areas.

b.       Once you have the list created the next step is to identify some tools that will help you with this management process. These tools could include the items that we discussed in class or you can research other options. For each of the areas above you need to find a method or solution and explain how you will implement it within your organization. Some of the tools we have discussed :

I.           Active Directory

II.           DNS

III.           DHCP

IV.           Group Policy

V.           IIS

VI.           WSUS

VII.           Print Management

c.        One of the keys to management is to maintain what you have. What tools and techniques will you use to sustain the structure of your network? Do some research here and select options available in Windows or other tools that will allow for this.

d.       What other considerations are there in terms of you operating your business and managing these tools and networks. How will these be addressed?

e.       This question has focused on Windows Server however as previously discussed this is not the only option when it comes to network operating systems. Select another OS and conduct some research as to how it will meet the needs of your organization. Are all the tools present for your management needs? What would be the advantage to switching to another operating system? Disadvantages?

f.         This final question is more of a reflection or wrapping up of all of the items we have discussed in class and how you can relate it to your professional and business life? Summarize these topics and how they can be used in your business. Include anything that you did not address as part of the questions above. What are your overall thoughts on network design and management?

Attached Files: | - KVCC CPT207_NetworkDesign_Mgmt_Final Exam.pdf