Case and Problem statement

Use this case as an inspiration:

You are an IT consultant, who has been hired by a primary school (600 pupils between the ages of 6and 15), to provide a modern, reliable network solution to cover the school’s premises.

The school’s administration, staffroom and IT classrooms have together a total of 60 servers and static workstations.

The remainder of the network capacity will be dedicated to providing facilities for “Bring Your Own Device”, where staff and pupils can connect using laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Provide your suggested solution to this problem, including:

-	How you would gain a deeper understanding of the customer’s requirements.

-	Which type(s) of equipment you will include in the solution (including relevant standards).

-	Your suggested network configuration (including allocation of addresses, etc.).

-	An indication of the budget for your solution

-	Any considerations for supporting infrastructure e.g. requirements for bandwidth on external network connections, etc.

-	A plan for implementation (timetable and sequence of events)

-	How you would test the delivered solution

-	Your plan for engaging with the customer, to win “follow-on” business in the service and system management areas

Thats, what so far I've done:

1.	Problem Statement
1.1.	Introduction

Company I work for received an order from local school. They have 125 pupils between ages 4 to 11, they have 60 servers and static workstations and they want to have modern, reliable network covering the premises, with possibility to connect portable devices to the network.
In this case, missing information is the structure of current network in school if there is any. Which could be researched by going to object and committing its survey.  As well, I would need drawings of all the building. In addition, current network schematics (topology). However, as this is real case simulation (not real one) I could find on google premade school building schematics made with “MS Visio” or ”Autodesk AutoCAD”, if with made with “Autodesk AutoCAD” could convert schematics to “MS Visio” or just drag and drop to “MS Visio”. Then use Basic Network Diagram shapes, to make network schematics. As well, it would be possible to make same topology schematics with “Cisco Packet Tracer” or other software like “NetSim Network Simulator” or “GNS3: Graphical Network Simulator”, etc. and run the simulation to see if it works as well, before making physical setup.
Then there is no information about Server and Workstations except their number. The information such as specification of each machine, what Operating systems they are running, what is their current setup. To find this out there should be some previous documentation if there is none, and then physical check-up survey should be ran, which means going through each machine and seeing what is inside their Hard Disk Drives and via BIOS, what hardware is in them. However, as this is case simulation, I can think of my own specifications, or take some real life server and workstation examples, which are available in online shops such as or brand based importer shops. Most popular brands have their own web stores, where you can take orders of products.
Then I would need to calculate the budget for this project. As most of the equipment is present. The budget would include extra equipment, cables, hardware, payment for labour, software costs.
As well, result network will be tested. Therefore, I will give analysis of and comparisons of different network testing methodologies.
After project is done and customer is satisfied, it is nice time to ask for recommendations.
Therefore, this case is helpful for gaining real experience of learning practical way of setting up network. Full simulation, solution, analysis and comparisons (cons and pros) of chosen software, equipment, hardware, network topology, will help to develop better understanding about network development and design, testing, project budgeting .

1.2.	Problem solving action plan

To solve the problem I have to make action plan, which will cover these steps below:
•	Customer survey:
o	Listen to client’s suggestions and vision.
o	Making a survey designed within technological and financial side limitation margins. This will help to find most preferred network solution, topology, hardware, software choices for this customer.
o	After survey providing client with offers which would satisfy his needs. Network setup offers would be in comparison format would include pros and cons and would be understandable to regular non-technical person.
•	Finding best hardware and software offers and prices, to gain more profit and best performance and quality for customer:
o	Finding best hardware and software provider with best prices and offers, from online specialised in network equipment shops:
	http://www.networkhardware.com/
	http://www.dell.com/uk/business/p/poweredge-tower-server-deals.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd&~ck=mn
	http://uk.asus.com/Server_Workstation/
	http://www.pcworldbusiness.co.uk/
o	Choosing best broadband network architecture. From these:
	Multilink dial-up
	Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
	Leased lines
	Cable Internet access
	Digital subscriber line (DSL, ADSL, SDSL, and VDSL)
	DSL Rings
	Fiber to the X
	Power-line Internet
	ATM and Frame Relay
	Wi-Fi
	Wireless ISP
	WiMAX
	Satellite broadband
	Mobile broadband
	Local Multipoint Distribution Service
•	Planning network devices and cable layout:
o	Using observation or available building drawings.
	Finding out amount of IT classes and their location,
	Location and amount of staffrooms and administration rooms.
•	For budgeting and project planning, I would choose best software, which makes it easier and faster to count the project budget and explain it in detail. In project management plan I will use:
o	One of the programs from this article might help: http://www.forbes.com/sites/moneywisewomen/2012/01/03/budgeting-software-options/
o	Alternatively, just use Microsoft Project.
•	Depending on network solution, I would choose OS/Software for specific servers and their responsibilities.
o	Before confirming solution, simulation of network will be made.
o	For Network Simulation I will use Cisco Packet Tracer.
•	Testing network setup. I will test network with
o	Ping,
o	ipconfig,
o	As well would use network-monitoring tools and would setup remote connection to main server through which I could check the status of the network. As well would setup remote access to the WAN of network if server were broken down.
o	But I will compare and choose best network testing methodology from existing ones on this page:
	http://www.flukenetworks.com/content/truview-video-solving-application-performance-issues
	http://benchmarkingnetwork.com/
	http://www.jdsu.com/en-us/test-and-measurement/products/a-z-product-list/Pages/network-analyzer-software-standard-edition-free-j6838a.aspx
	http://nutsaboutnets.com/netstress/
•	Asking for recommendations and ensuring long-term network troubleshooting contract.
2.	Method of Presentation

Analysis of data and decisions taken, why they were taken and how that benefited, what are cons and pros and why these cons and pros are better than the rest of solutions? After that, I would show conclusion and if this setup and project fulfilled the purpose.
The reason that I chose to use this action plan is, that I have consulted with some friends who work at the telecommunication or ISP companies, like ELTEL, recommended me to take these steps.
Customer survey step will use triangulation method, because it will combine of article and some book reading, information comparison and survey making out of gained knowledge and information. In addition, data received from customer filling in that survey will influence further steps I will take to continue my project.
Finding best hardware and software offers and prices, to gain more profit and best performance and quality for customer step is used for gaining knowledge about network equipment used in network and its configuration depending on customer’s requirements of bandwidth. Mostly this step will consist of analysis of certain articles and cases of network setups, which were used, in school networks, comparing them and making your own, method. So this step will be based on qualitative data.
Planning network devices and cable layout will be used because it will help to visualise the network and how many switches and routers and cables will be required to connect one-school point with another. This step will be based on qualitative data.
Choosing OS/Software for specific servers and their responsibilities step is required for choosing the best location and bandwidth for required infrastructure and connectivity to external networks. This information as well will be taken from “Finding best hardware and software offers and prices, to gain more profit and best performance and quality for customer” step.
Simulation of network will be made to make sure if planned infrastructure and topology is ready for setup and to make sure, if any changes should be made before making the actual setup and buying equipment to save money. This step will be using quantitative data.
Testing network setup. This step is used for making sure network is ready for operation and making troubleshooting documentation. This step will use qualitative data.
Asking for recommendations and ensuring long-term network troubleshooting contract. This will help to gain long-term partnership and relationship with customer.


3.	Analysis
3.1.	Customer survey
Our customer is director of the school; school has no network administrator, in their school there are 125 pupils between 4 to 11 year old. Their school already have bought 60 servers and workstations. Their school needs to have modern and reliable network with wireless access.
60 of those machines are prebuilt “DELL PowerEdge™ T110 II”  machines. Their specifications are:
•	Processor: Intel® Xeon® E3-1220, 4C/4T, 3.10GHz, 8M Cache, 80W TDP, Turbo
•	Memory: 4GB Memory (1x4GB), 1600Mhz, Dual Ranked, Low Volt UDIMM (speed is CPU dependent)
•	RAID: C8 -RAID1 with PERC S300, Requires Exactly 2 SAS/SATA Drive
•	Hard Drive: 500GB, SATA, 3.5-in, 7.2K RPM Hard Drive (Cabled)
•	Warranty: 3Yr ProSupport and Next Business Day On-Site Service
•	Chassis: PowerEdge T110 II Tower Chassis, Up to 4x 3.5" Cabled HDDs
•	Optical Drive: 16X DVD+/-RW ROM Drive SATA with SATA Cable
•	Chipset: Intel® C202
•	Form: Tower Server
These server machines are upgradable. For upgrades possibilities, read the specification sheet over here: http://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/shared-content/data-sheets/en/Documents/T110II-SpecSheet.pdf
The school that we are planning to setup network is in United Kingdom, Northamptonshire; Kettering school’s name is Greenfields Primary School.
3.1.1.	Answers to questions

To make a survey, which will allow us to know exact setup of network we could use in the school we need to have current requirements of customer and equipment which is available and we will provide as well with approximate additional costs will be required for additional equipment. Our companies servicing prices for network setup vary on project size and for network support price is fixed, on monthly subscription payment (except equipment replacement costs) on which we can offer discounts for loyal customers.
Q: How many ports needed? What distances, how many floors, how many seats per room?
A: Customer does not know how many ports are needed, but he knows that they have 125 pupils and 30 staff members, 15 of them are teachers. There is only one floor. There are:
•	12 classrooms, each classroom has one storage room.
o	Each group has 20-25 pupils, so 20 seats per classroom.
o	Each classroom requires a computer for teachers.
o	There are two classrooms per group; one of them is for Information Technology, Sciences, Design and Technology, and so these rooms need 20 to 25 computers.
o	There are two year 1, two year 2, two year 3, two year 4, two year 5 and two year 6 classrooms.
•	Two reception rooms one with storage room and entrance to electricity room, with exit towards corridor, one reception room requires 5 computers, other 2;
•	3 Offices, they require 2 computers each;
•	1 Family Support Office, requires one computer;
•	One Reception Office that requires as well one computer.
•	One Counseling room requires one computer as well.
•	One Headroom requires one computer.
Distance between year 6 classrooms is 3 meters, but there is a shaft between two rooms through storage rooms walls made for network wiring. In addition, there are shaft between all rooms, for network wiring. Distances are around from one room’s wall to other room’s wall through the shaft around 20 meters.
Q: How much Wi-Fi is needed?
A: Wi-Fi is required in all the building, but mostly in Meeting room, Studio, Receptions, Hall and all classes incase wireless devices are required network connectivity. It would be best that they could cover all amount of staff and pupils and double for parents.
Q: Who will be running this?
A: I hired your company for establishing and running this service.
Q: Will "bring your own device" be allowed for iPad, iPhone and other handheld devices?
A: Yes, it would be nice, because lots of staff and students are using handheld devices, but it would be good that some website would be unavailable, for example Facebook.
Q: What fiber or cable types to each class are required (IDF)?
A: I am not sure, I need the ones that would give the best quality connectivity and would not be too expensive.
Q: Where the wiring closets will be?
A: We have Information and Communication Technology room, so wiring closets and servers could be stored there.
Q: Would you like a Virtual Learning Environment?
A: Yes, I would like to have Moodle VLE on our intranet and would like it to be accessible via internet.
Q: What OS you would like to have on your computers?
A: All schools are suggested to have Microsoft Windows to be running on their systems.
3.1.2.	Suggestions

Cable Type
In answer to question, “What fiber or cable types to each class are required?” I used opinion of employees, who works in a Norwegian municipal; they are also a K-12 school district. 25k users, 12500 workstations + around 4000 mobile devices, suggest using cat6 UTP cables they said:
“<nutterpc> if its basic data/web surfing needs, cat5e would be fine. But if it’s any form of data intensive requirement (video editing for example), then Cat6e
[23:52] <TheFlyingCorpse> cat6
[23:52] <TheFlyingCorpse> or cat6a
[23:52] <TheFlyingCorpse> cat6e?
[23:52] <nutterpc> I’ve got a few leads of cat6e
[23:52] <TheFlyingCorpse> always do cat6 or better, you'll thank me later.
[23:52] * nutterpc agrees
[23:52] <nutterpc> its whats called
[23:53] <nutterpc> "Futureproofing"
[23:53] <nutterpc> :)
[23:53] <TheFlyingCorpse> yup
[23:53] <TheFlyingCorpse> and with cat6 and higher, its so well shielded, you CAN pull it in the same channels as normal power without degrading performance
[23:53] <TheFlyingCorpse> FUTUREPROOFING.
[23:53] <TheFlyingCorpse> you never know what is needed in the future
[23:54] <TheFlyingCorpse> with cat6, you get max 1Gbit if switch + endpoint support, with cat6a, 10Gbit...
[23:54] <nutterpc> Due to the ongoing nature of distance learning & working with databases that are expected to grow exponentially in size, we will need to be able to have a cabling solution in place that allows us to adapt to this requirement
[23:56] <TheFlyingCorpse> you can be a lot more flexible with AP's and such if it’s already cat6 cabling present
[23:56] <TheFlyingCorpse> we have ***** cat5 in one school, we're not even supporting them anymore, they don’t want to upgrade... cat5 pulled alongside power cables...
[23:57] <TheFlyingCorpse> future proofing with better than what you need now will save you a lot in the long run
[23:57] <TheFlyingCorpse> heck, I even have cat6a in my walls in my apartment: P
[23:57] <TheFlyingCorpse> next week, 3850 + 2960s for my lab :D
[23:59] <TheFlyingCorpse> with cat6a present in walls, have fun with 802.11ac when you get around to it ;)
[00:01] <TheFlyingCorpse> MrTopless, fun fact: labour is so expensive in Norway, for every 4 wallmounts, we can buy a new switch. :P
[00:01] <TheFlyingCorpse> and that’s with a heavily deducted price
[00:01] <TheFlyingCorpse> always future proof.
[00:02] <TheFlyingCorpse> a single wall mount, single cable is 1500 NOK with a fixed price deal, around $300 US
[00:02] <TheFlyingCorpse> wall mount with 2 connectors, 3000 NOK...
[00:02] <TheFlyingCorpse> $600 US”

An article Produced by the Florida Centre for Instructional Technology College of Education, University of South Florida called “Cabling”, which can be found here http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap4/chap4.htm as well approves, that UTP wires are best for schools. In addition, employee from Norwegian municipal complements that CAT6 cables are best for future use, as you do not know what kind of data stream will be required; he names this case “future proofing”.
The The Network Cabling Director, a Network Cabling, Wiring & Fiber Optic Installation company in their article which can be found here: http://www.networkcablingdirectory.com/articles/structured-network-cabling-id_1121.htm suggest that UTP Cat6 is better for companies which use more than 25 workstations and that it is more resistant to noise then optic fibre and it. Note that UTP Cat5e, Cat6 immunity has been improved from its twisted copper predecessors enhances the fact. Though he also mentions “future proofing”,  although this term is applied to optic fibre, but it notes that it’s relevance in usage in environments where  stronger electromagnetic field exists like hospitals, where Cat5e, Cat6 wires are more sensitive working in this environment and can prove to be useless, due to noise cause by environment.
Therefore, I choose using Cat6 wires for wiring routers via gigabit connection, which can support bandwidth sufficient for school and is advantage for future developments. In addition, I use Cat5 wires for computer to switch Fast Ethernet 10/100 connection. As well as distances are around 20 meters between rooms, wires should be used of 20 meters long minimum to connect all the computers to switch and then leading the switch connections to router, because 10-15% of length should be left for wiring around the walls and corners.
Ports required
I will have to make sure, that all school has wireless network, as well as all computers are connected, overall in all school there are 32 rooms, excluding storage rooms, WCs, Plant room, electricity room. Therefore, there will be around 32 ports required for wireless routers, most of the walls between corridors and rooms are very thin, and so for some building blocks fewer wireless routers should be required or instead of routers wireless repeaters could be setup, which would cut the project cost. As well, there will be 5*20+25+12+5+2+3*2+1+1+1 = 153 ports. This is only reference minimum amount; cause during router and switches connection more might be required.
3.2.	Hardware, Software and Equipment

In this section, I will decide which hardware, software and equipment will be used for setting up the network.
3.2.1.	Switches

In each classroom, there should be a switch, which has at least 20 ports and in one class which has at least 25 ports. Other rooms could use Wi-Fi routers via their Fast Ethernet connection.
So first I will compare switch manufacturers advantages and disadvantages in their overall production and the will select specific switches, which have at least 20 ports and why should I buy them.
Cisco has compare function, it allows seeing difference between switches and selecting the right one, but I will look as well what other manufacturers have to offer. I chose to check Cisco, as they are one of the most popular and reliable network devices manufacturers.


3.3.	Project Budgeting

However, I do not know average, maximum and minimum prices of the Computer Networks Installation market in the area and overall so to know the prices for just services excluding equipment I will check companies in United Kingdom via online catalogues or ad websites such as: http://yell.com; http://www.freeindex.co.uk/ or http://gumtree.com. Moreover, I will ask what prices they offer and how they calculate their costs.
Companies that I have contacted:
•	Easy2pc Kettering (http://www.easy2pc.co.uk) – IT Support, Computer Repairs, Business Solutions - Easy2pc Ltd. Unit 5 Cunliffe Drive, Kettering, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN16 8LD, United Kingdom;
•	The LAN Platform Ltd (http://www.lan-platform.co.uk/) - Unit 2 Reynolds Court, Bath Road, THATCHAM, RG18 3JN, United Kingdom;
•	2 Advanced Networks Ltd.,( http://2an.co.uk) 26 Headlands, Kettering, NN15 7HP, United Kingdom;
•	Ashby Computer Services, (http://www.ashbycomputers.net) The Phoenix Building, Sywell Airport, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN, United Kingdom;
•	MiS Limited (http://mis-limited.co.uk)   Unit 1 & 2 Enterprise Close    Telfordway Industrial Eatate,    Kettering,    Northants,    NN16 8NS, United Kingdom;
•	The LAN Platform (http://lan-platform.co.uk), Unit 2 Reynolds Court, Bath Road, Thatcham , Berkshire , RG18 3JN, United Kingdom;
•	Eye2iTech (www.eye2itech.co.uk) 27 Laburnum Crescent, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 9PH, United Kingdom;
•	Network Support Services (http://www.networksupportservices.co.uk), 11 Drakes Mews, Crownhill, Milton Keynes, MK8 0ER, United Kingdom;
•	The PC-Guy (www.thepc-guy.co.uk), 33 Ashby Close, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 5FH, United Kingdom;
•	And others;
Currently they have not contacted me. Therefore, I had to take an alternative plan, which is, finding professionals in this field. Therefore, I went to irc.freenode.net server, cisco channel and found a man called JK-47, here is his blog: http://www.jk-47.com/.
He said that prices vary from $20k - $1M (£13k - £653k) + professional services installation times. Professional Service Installation costs around ~$175/hr. (£114/hr.). In addition, that for specific prices depending on the equipment set I should look at, if in USA, on www.gsaadvantage.gov and, if in UK, on http://www.pcworldbusiness.co.uk/.