Corporation Techs provides remote and on$-$site support to small and mid$-$size businesses. Clients use Corporation Techs$$ services to solve problems involving malware removal, to manage data recovery and network issues, and to install hardware and software.

Due to recent developments, most technical representatives will begin working from home within the next six months. Because Corporation Techs provides $24/7$ support, its systems and communications pathways must be fully operational at all times. In addition, the company has been experiencing unprecedented growth and is preparing to double its client$-$facing staff.

You are a junior network architect who is responsible for helping to plan and design network enhancements to create a more secure internal network, and to ensure secure remote access.

Deliverables

The project is divided into several parts. Details for each deliverable can be found in this document.

Project Part $1$: Network Design

Project Part $2$: Firewall Selection and Placement

Project Part $3$: Remote Access and VPNs

Project Part $4$: Final Network Design Report

Project Part $1$: Network Design

Scenario $-$ The Corporation Techs$$ current network consists of $1$ web server $($accessible by the public$),2$ application servers, $2$ database servers, $2$ file and print servers, and $50$ workstations. The web server runs Linux$/$Apache$,$ the other servers run Microsoft Windows Server, and the workstations run Microsoft Windows. The network is connected through a series of switches, is not physically connected to other networks, and runs Internet Protocol version $4($IPv$4).$ The network is protected by a single border firewall. The senior network architect, whom you work for directly, has verified the company$$s business goals and has determined the features and functions required to meet those goals.

The senior network architect has asked you to create a network design that includes the following components:

Current infrastructure elements

A logical topology that separates the Accounting and Sales departments

Redundant communications

Justification for continuing with IPv$4$ or upgrading to IPv$6$

Tasks

For this part of the project, perform the following tasks:

Conduct research to determine the best network design to ensure security of internal access while retaining public website availability.

Design a network configuration with physical and logical topologies. Identify major network elements $($e$.$g$.,$ servers, switches, gateways$)$ and their locations within the private and protected network segments.

Include a high$-$level plan that ensures communications are available $24/7.$

Recommend whether to continue using IPv$4$ or upgrade to IPv$6,$ and explain why.

Create a basic network diagram that illustrates the current network and enhancements. Include a few workstations to represent all workstations on the internal network. The diagram will be very high level at this stage and include only necessary details. You may use a software tool or simply pencil and paper. You will update this design later in the project.

Create a draft report detailing all information as supportive documentation.

Cite sources, where appropriate.

Required Resources

Internet access

Course textbook

Submission Requirements:

Format: Microsoft Word $($or compatible$)$

Font: Arial, size $12,$ double$-$space

Citation style: APA style

Length of report: $34$ pages

Self$-$Assessment Checklist

I determined the best network design to ensure the security of internal access while retaining public website availability.

I designed a network configuration with physical and logical topologies, and identified major network elements and their locations within the private and protected network segments.

I created a plan that ensures communications are available $24/7.$

I recommended whether to continue using IPv$4$ or upgrade to IPv$6,$ and explained why.

I created a basic network diagram that illustrates the current network and enhancements.

I created a professional, well$-$developed report with proper documentation, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

I followed the submission guidelines.