Network Proposal

6 Pages 1402 Words

This proposal contains information on configuring a small network for a brokerage firm in downtown Los Angeles. It will involve decisions and options chosen to complete the following objectives:
• Have 3 networks
• Internet Access
• A File Server
• 50 Workstations
• Back-up options
• Corporate Email (offsite)

Hardware
The company will need access to direct stock quotes during trading hours, so high internet bandwidth will be a must. Employees will also be checking their email offsite which will require additional bandwidth.
The first of all decisions is how can this network access the Internet and for how much will this cost? There are many viable options for internet access but with around 50 workstations and a possibility of expansion if the company does well will shorten the list. Analog modem connection is definitely out of the equation for standard use, but may be used for worst case scenario situations. ISDN and smaller frames will not suffice if many of the employees will need streaming stock quotes and internet access. The most viable option would be to lease a T1 line from a local service provider. Gotbandwith.com a local company in the downtown Los Angeles area will be a primary choice for service. They offer affordable pricing which will be explained in the appendix pricing.
Most likely we will be assigned a Class B network address, which was allowable from Gotbandwith.com. These options will allow us to configure the network to specifications outlined in the objectives. For the purposes of this proposal we will assume that the Internet IP address assigned is 135. 45.45.45
For workstations to have access to the internet with one T1 line entering the company a router will be used to direct internet traffic. A switch will be used to coordinate the more sensitive workgroups to have access faster while others will not. Cisco offers a comparable switched router with the ability to have 128 port...