QR is starting its own Music Store, QualitySounds, in a suburban area of Muscat. You need to design and build a network and computing solution for the stores. You have done some initial planning and you will start with two stores (but they plan to add two more stores across town within one year). The store will sell new and used music and allow customers to get online into the stores and download music. They will offer classes on how to setup music downloads and configure MP3 devices.

As the network engineer, upon initial planning, you have identified the following requirements for your network:

Connects three office computers and one computer used for Point-of-Sale (POS) services at each of your stores. You also want six (6) computers in the lobby/store where patrons can download music and you can run training classes for people to learn about using MP3 players and get other basic information. The two offices have to be connected into one cohesive network, sharing POS services and other critical company information. You also need to provide a handout casual area for people to stop in and discuss music and connect wirelessly to the Internet (you might even offer free coffee to entice people to come in to your store).

Provides adequate security for all of the company communications and documents (especially sensitive sales documents). All POS services must be protected. All general network access should be segmented from the company POS services.

Fast and have the additional capacity as the company grows

Provides for centralized printing

Supports the eventual addition of other stores to the network

Provides customers with a general information Website and a secure Website where clients can buy services, and products

Provides for limited downtime (24-hour downtime maximum)

Provides for centralized management and control of the computers in the two stores, so that you can maintain the network from off-site

Provides for long-term cost-effectiveness

Provides a suite of software tools for the employees to effectively communicate and a POS solution for the stores

The company does not have any equipment. Your plan should include a complete network and computer system that meets these requirements and future expansion plans.

The two store locations will (eventually) be within a five-mile radius of each other. The locations are within a suburban area that has current technological infrastructures and related technology offerings. The stores will need a sales system and print services for invoices.

Complete your proposal including costs for computing equipment, network infrastructure, network servers, printers, and related hardware, software, and accessories. Include as much detail as possible as well as justification as to your selections. Diagram and explain your physical network and computer design as well as the logical network design (server installation, domain layout, etc.). As you are a small business, the cost is a major factor and should be minimized.

Tasks

Mr Ahmed, the company CEO has asked you to investigate the companys current situation, based on the information provided in the background details, and report back about your findings, providing recommendations to resolve their difficulties. To do so:

Provide details outputs as part of the RFP Appendices as follows: Detailed topology maps Device configurations Addressing and naming details Suppliers contact information Pricing and payment options

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