Manufacturing Plant Network Setup
Executive Summary
Transition from individual machine set up to network demands lots of correct configuration. Proper network topology, communication over Virtual Private Network, selection of correct hardware configuration and required software are the blocks of a successful network design. All three plant and building have selected bus topology because of its simplicity in implementation. Hardware configuration has been kept same for all the desktop systems of manufacturing plants and building. Servers are also same in all the locations. Client and server architecture has been selected for communicating among different systems. The three plants and building networks are connected with each other through secure VPN tunnel.
The overall network design brings scalability to the company and saves lots of efforts and time.
Transition
The given scenario has around 25 workstations in the office building and about 10 workstations in each of the manufacturing plant. The network design here needs to be basic and should not include any dependency among users. That is why; a basic Ethernet LAN will be beneficial. There is currently no need for wireless networking and the requirement does not make way for a future requirement too, so any wireless devices such as Laptops, Smartphones are out of the framework. The bus design is the most appropriate because of the following reasons:
- A star topology has less tolerance towards failure and a single addition of device requires huge capital investment. The budget of the business is very less to accommodate these changes.
- A ring topology has huge dependency on each other as if a system goes down the entire network goes. It is not desired in this scenario as the business does not have that much capital / budget for it.
Hence, a basic bus design will suit to the given requirements.
Network architecture would be of a client server network. All the clients i.e., the workstations and the peripherals such as the printer would be connected to the server. The server will be running the latest Windows Server 2012 operating system and will manage entire network and also store the shared information in a centralized location. Windows Server 2012 will manage the requested specific tasks such as the file sharing and printer sharing. This architecture will only consist of a main server and 25 other workstations, which are, connected to the server and in the case of manufacturing plans 10 such workstations. Other components in the client-server architecture will include the cable modem, the gigabit switch, a router, which has an inbuilt firewall and a printer.
Hardware
Routers
Router is an important piece of technology here and will be an integral device within the architecture that would be in between the modem and the Gigabit switch. It will have an inbuilt hardware firewall. Cisco RV120W is a gigabit Router with firewall and VPN capabilities. Cisco is the defector choice for many small to large-scale businesses around the world.
Ethernet Switch
This is used to connect various computers together within the same network. A high quality Ethernet switch, which is gigabit complaint and not megabit, will make sure the throughput is high. The ideal choice of Gigabit switch is Cisco Nexus 7000 F1-Series Gigabit Switch that comes with 32 port is sufficient for present as well as future needs for the business.
Clients
Any device such as the workstation or the printer will be considered here as the client. In the given scenario, there are 10 workstations each in the manufacturing plant and 25 in the office building. These workstations will be connected to each other workstation in the network via the Ethernet switch using Cat 5e cables. The Dell Precision T1650 is one of the most popular Workstations for the current requirement.
Servers
A server is a much more powerful computer than a workstation and it may or may not have an output device connected to it. It will manage the entire network and store some shared information within it. Servers are embedded with specific server software, which is specifically designed in order to manage the computer network and serve a central place to store shared data. These servers especially for the small and medium scale businesses may not look much different from a regular workstation, but it is used for entirely different purpose. The operating system on the server will allow running multi user application such as the Email and Print Servers, Shared Calendars, collaboration software and databases among others. This server can also host a company's intranet to enable sharing of information among different users in the organization quickly. Each of the clients except wireless ones are actually connected to server using the CAT 5e Cables via the Ethernet Switch for a reliable connectivity. I have decided to go with the Dell PowerEdge T320. Dell has built a reputable brand image in business market. Their products are fairly priced and they offer some good solutions for small businesses.
Hardware Firewall
The hardware firewall will sit in between the router and the Ethernet switch. It is connected via a Cat 5/5e cable. A firewall is a system, which is designed to prevent unauthorized access to/from a private network. All messages passing through the network where a firewall is deployed must pass through the firewall. The firewall examines each of the messages and blocks those that do not meet specified criteria. Thus, a firewall is the protective system between the computer network and the internet.
Software
Windows Server Essentials 2012: Windows Server is currently the most popular Server software in the world. It comes with a dependable computing environment and robust security, stability and a priority customer support. It also features full range of compatibility among different third party services and solutions.
Windows 8 64 Bit: Windows 8 64 Bit is the latest version of consumer-oriented operating system released by Microsoft. Windows is the most trusted and reliable operating system for the businesses around the world.
Major benefits of this transition
Since there is a centralized server in each of the building, workstations will not store any data, this will allow them to focus only on user-oriented tasks and thus run faster. In addition to this, the server will handle all of the major workload.
The central server will be a single point of control, which will actually manage and monitor entire network and the internet connection.
Users will not be dependent on each other. The server will also increase the security of the financial and other critical data of business; as such, access will be highly restricted.
The current architecture also features a built in hardware firewall as oppose to a software based firewall and thus it will increase the overall security and prevent from various malware and other internet based attacks.
Lastly, the current architecture easily allows for expansion as and when required in the future.
Cost Summary
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Hardware/Software
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Price (USD)
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Servers x 3
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1000 each
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Workstation x 55 (Inclusive of Operating System)
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800 for workstation and 200 for monitor each
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Router x 3
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200 each
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Gigabit Switch x 3
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330
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Cable modem x 3
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100
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Printer x 3
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275
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Server software x 3
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200
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Miscellaneous
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Cat 5e Cables, other accessories, cards etc.
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Human Resources
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4 Network Engineer, 1 Project Manager and 2 Developers.
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Work Breakdown Structure
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1
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Plan
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1..1
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Preparation of detailed project plan
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1.1.1
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Understand the requirements for
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1.1.2
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Conduct a high level feasibility and compatibility study
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1.1.3
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Prepare a detailed project plan
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1.1.4
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Discuss and agree on the set of deliverables
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1.2
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Preparation for project management
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1.2.1
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Discuss and prepare a communication plan
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1.2.2
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Discuss and prepare a testing plan
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1.2.3
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Discuss and prepare a change management plan
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1.2.4
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Discuss and prepare a risk mitigation plan
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1.3
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Signoffs
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1.3.1
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Get signoffs on the plans and deliverables
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2
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Analyze & Design
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2.1
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Hardware sizing
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2.1.1
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Conduct a detailed feasibility & compatibility study
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2.1.2
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Conduct market research for the best possible compatible configuration mapping the requirements of each of the building
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2.1.3
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Discuss and prepare a detailed configuration design for the computers
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2.1.4
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Prepare a bill of material (hardware and software sizing)
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2.1.5
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Get signoff on the bill of material
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2.2
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Vendor selection
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2.2.1
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Raise a tender for procurement of hardware as per of bill of material
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2.2.2
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Discuss and prepare the criteria for vendor selection
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2.2.3
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Identify the vendor(s) for different hardware and software parts
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3
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Configuration & Setup
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3.1
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Purchase & Store
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3.1.1
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Raise invoice for purchase of hardware and software from the selected vendor(s)
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3.1.2
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Conduct quality test on select pieces of hardware and software
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3.1.3
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Store the parts in a warehouse
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3,2
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Install
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3.2.1
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Identify the least critical set of machines for hardware and software upgrade
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3.2.2
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Install the hardware and software on the identified machines
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3.2.3
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Test the machines after upgrade and give a demo to the high management
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3.2.4
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Perform upgrade on the remaining set of machines
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4
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Test
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4.1
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Individual machine test
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4.1.1
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Test each machine and plant after upgrade
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4.1.2
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Get signoffs
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4.2
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Network testing
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4.2.1
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Test each plant and building
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4.2.2
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Get signoffs
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5
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Deliver
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