Reference no: EM133828827
Design Enterprise Wireless Local Area
Assessment task
NovaTech Wireless Network Redesign
Case Scenario
NovaTech is a rapidly growing mid-sized company with 200 employees working in a three-story office building. They currently have a wired network but want to implement a robust wireless network to support seamless connectivity, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications.
Your task is to design a wireless LAN (WLAN) for NovaTech that ensures optimal performance, security, and scalability.
Following is the list of the existing hardware and network setup
- Basic LAN comprises of 125 desktop computers and 20 laptops.
- 3 Cisco Catalyst 9200L switches one on each floor.
- 1 Cisco Catalyst C1000-8T-2G-L switch.
- Cisco ISR 4331 Router for internet connectivity
- FortiGate 100E Firewall for security.
- Cat6 Ethernet cables running throughout the building with 10 x Ethernet wall ports per floor
- Current Wireless Setup uses 1 x outdated 802.11n access points with limited range and speed on each floor with no centralized wireless controller
- Internet Connectivity:1 Gbps fibre internet connection
Requirements:
Full Wi-Fi coverage across all floors, including meeting rooms, break areas, and the lobby.
Support at least 250 concurrent users, including staff and guests.
Minimum 300 Mbps per user for business applications.
Secure access for employees with authentication, while offering guest Wi-Fi with limited access.
Ability to add more devices and support future growth.
Minimize interference from office equipment and neighbouring networks.
Ensure compliance with industry standards such as IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
Context: You are employed by NovaTech and have been appointed as a Lead Network Engineer/Project Manager to undertake this project to design a wireless network for the Company. Complete your assignment now!
Instruction: Read and understand the above given scenario prior to attempting the following activities.
Activity 1: Assess Wireless Network Performance Requirements
Q1: What are the key factors that impact the wireless network design at NovaTech?
Q2: List 5 key factors to be considered while designing the Wireless Network?
Q3: How does the number of simultaneous users impact the performance of the wireless network?
Q4: What methods would you use to estimate future network expansion needs?
Q5: List NovaTech's existing and future requirements.
Activity 2: Measure and Diagnose Wireless Working environment
Q1: What are different types of site survey and explain the steps for conducting the site survey.
Q2: Research and list any 3 tools that can be used to conduct a site survey.
Q3: How would you address the challenges like dead zones and signal interference?
Q4: How can environmental factors like walls, furniture's and other electronic devices impact the signal and coverage?
Q5: How can spectrum analysis help optimize the Wi-fi performance in a multidevice environment.
Activity 3: Produce Wireless models and Network Specifications.
Q 1: Create a basic network topology diagram for NovaTech's WLAN design.
Instruction - Use packet tracer to draw the network diagram and configuration Wireless LAN Controller. Please add the relevant screenshots of the deployment.
Q 2: List the access point deployment options. Why lightweight AP's with the LAN controller could a suitable option for this design.
Q 3: What role does frequency planning (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz vs. 6 GHz) play in ensuring network efficiency? Complete your assignment now!
Q 4: How would you ensure that the new WLAN complies with industry standards such as IEEE 802.11ax?
Activity 4: Produce Wireless Network Designs and Component Lists
Complete the following list for required hardware for the new deployment.
The following section of the report details the location and configuration information for each of the Access Points that are necessary to provide the required 802.11a/b/g/n/a Wireless LAN coverage.
Activity 5: Document the Design and Obtain Client Approval
Q1. Create a power-point presentation of 10- 15 slides detailing client's existing network, requirements, design options and how will the design justify the clients needs. Focus on Coverage, performance and security.
During the presentation, you are required to demonstrate practical communication skills, including:
• Speaking clearly and concisely
• Using non-verbal communication to assist with understanding
• Asking questions to identify required information
• Responding to questions as required
• Using active listening techniques to confirm understanding
Q2. Explain the testing and validation procedures for the network deployment.