In the final project, you play the role of a network consultant hired to design a new network for a company called Acme Manufacturing. Acme expects a network design document that includes your recommendations.
The organization is growing and expanding their operations with the acquisition of a plant in China as well as several other offices throughout the United States. The following are the requirements for the new wide area network.
• The network should be designed using all new equipment.
• The design document must recommend the types of lines that should be used for each location (i.e. Ethernet, fiber, satellite, and so forth).
• There are multiple departments that must be grouped logically to address security. Locations: o Headquarters—Atlanta, Georgia
• Houses corporate operations, marketing, administrative staff, and accounting o Engineering—Atlanta, Georgia (across the street from the headquarters building office)
• Houses sales and engineering o Distribution offices—Chicago, Phoenix, and New York
• Each distribution office has a small sales staff as well as administrative staff. o Plant facility—China
• Weekly meetings are held in the corporate conference room at headquarters, with people attending from multiple locations, including China, New York, Chicago, and Phoenix.
Final Project Timeline
You should budget your time wisely and work on your project throughout the course. As outlined below, some assignments in the course are designed to assist you in creating your final project. If you complete your course activities and use the feedback provided by the instructor, you will be on the right track to successfully complete your project.
• Suggested in Week One: Create a logical network drawing for Acme to depict the recommended WAN. Include the recommendations for the type of leased lines the company should choose at each location.
• Suggested in Week Two: Make recommendations on the type of