Assume you are a consultant for a local business that has asked you to propose an enterprise-wide solution that includes topology, network devices, IP infrastructure, and network security. The scenario is as follows:

A small accounting firm, ABC Accounting, Inc., landed a large account a year and a half ago that has already led the company to grow from five employees to 200 employees with expectations to employ 350 within a year’s time.  In the face of continuing expansion, ABC plans to add offices in their current building that will span a total of three floors. At least one third of ABC employees have laptops and travel often.

All ABC employees have Windows 7 computers, which currently are not connected to the corporate Local Area Network (LAN).

You have been hired as a consultant to provide a detailed technical proposal that recommends a solution that addresses each of the detailed specifications that follow. Your solution regarding each specification should comprise a separate section of the body of your proposal.

Topology (type of network) and network devices

• ABC needs to set up a network      and requires clarification regarding the type of network (or topology) in      order to properly configure the connections among all PCs within the      organization.
• The company is looking for      guidance regarding the type of network devices that will connect devices      to the Local Area Network (LAN). Brand of device is not mandated. The      company asks that you explain what internal and external networking      components are required (explaining each and justifying WHY you chose the      network devices you did).
• The network must have the      capacity to:
  • Connect all users to company       resources (e.g. printers, scanners, and other items).
  • Provide file sharing options.
  • Manage these resources in a       central location.
• Your proposal should include      budgetary cost estimates for the chosen topology.

IP Infrastructure

• ABC has asked that you provide      details regarding an IP structure (which includes static, DHCP, or the      possibility of both, and proper IP Class assignment), which is mindful of      the company’s expectation of continued growth.

Security

• Basic security has always been      in place and now the company would like you to make this a more secure      facility in hopes of protecting against internal and external security      threats.
• Be sure to include details with      respect to:
  • Social engineering/internal       threats
  • Firewalls/switches
  • VPN’s
  • Authentication
  • Security protocols
  • Vulnerability assessment

Your submission should include each of the following sections, with each preceded by an appropriate heading:

• Introduction/Overview
• Table of Contents
• Body- Including a separate      section for each numbered item in the specifications above
• Conclusion
• APA References
• Appendices- Any information you      feel is appropriate to include

Your paper should be 8-10 pages in length and conform to APA Requirements