Overview

Within an organization, the dependability of network infrastructures has become a top priority. You must have a systems thinking mindset and be able to properly develop an analysis plan to understand the fundamentals of how this infrastructure works within an organization. You have been tasked with analyzing the current network architecture of a hypothetical organization called SNHUEnergy, Inc. You are to determine any key changes that should occur as the organization prepares for future growth. You will evaluate traffic patterns to determine critical aspects of SNHUEnergy’s business. You will provide basic insight into what should be done to the network from a capability aspect and from a security viewpoint as the organization prepares for future growth. Ultimately, you will recommend a design for the future network architecture of the organization.

Prompt

For this milestone, you will create a project analysis plan. Your plan will identify the network applications of the current network including a description of how the current network is designed by explaining how the different layers of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model relate to each other within the network.

Refer to the following files when completing this milestone:

• Organizational Network Diagram – Current
• Dallas Office Network Diagram – Current
• Memphis Office Network Design – Current

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

• Network Applications: Identify the network applications that are a part of the current network.
• OSI Model Identification and Label: Identify and label the different layers of the OSI model according to the components of the current network.)
  • Refer to the Organizational Network Diagram – Current file
• Component Description: Provide a nontechnical description of the role and functions of key components, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Network Analysis: Provide a brief analysis of the current network configuration by describing the impact on day-to-day business operations.
  • Consider the following questions as a guide to your analysis:
    • What is the impact of losing connectivity between the Dallas router and the Memphis router? Which applications might be impacted between locations?
    • What is the risk of just having a single router or switch within the Memphis office?
    • How effective is the firewall in the current network?
• Project Summary: Summarize and address key elements of the project requirements.