Network Information: A Proposal for Network Speed, Information, and Hardware

As ABC Inc. continues to expand by adding a set of offices on several additional floors, it will prove important to adapt technology accordingly. These changes must reflect the change in employment, especially. An addition of 150 employees, a good number of which will be traveling, means that the company will need reliable yet adaptable networking technologies. The below proposal suggests the basic hardware that will be needed, argues for the use of DHCP as the protocol and advises VoIP as the communication medium. These adaptations will aid ABC Inc. as it continues to expand in the coming year.

Of course, the most basic feature of this expanding network will be the needed hardware. This consists of six major components, as laid out below. The requirements, cable lengths, environment, and equipment limitations will vary depending on the provider – these questions ought to be asked before any major purchase is made. However, each generalized type is given here. The gateway is placed at the network’s node (that is, where the internal network interacts with the internet), and is used to interface with networks that use other protocols than DHCP (as discussed below). The router is the device that will be needed for the internal workings of the network – it essentially works to determine to which point a data packet can be sent. It cannot work with other protocols, but utilizing DHCP solves this problem. The switch helps to keep the network from being overloaded by sending network traffic to different destinations (both servers and users) instead of to the entire network. The bridge simply connects data packets from each segment of a network. Finally, a repeater will be needed in such a large office network to increase, or amplify, signals received and sent. This will prove especially true for those employees that travel, as modern communications with the internal network will be necessary.

With this specified hardware in mind, this proposal suggests the use of a DHCP protocol – that is, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol is used to assign IP addresses to computers, or users. This protocol is suggested for two major reasons. The first is that it is ideal for larger campuses (as ABC Inc. is proposing). The major purpose of a DHCP is to automate the assignment and configuration of IP addresses, thus taking the load off of a network administrator (Peterson & Davie, 2011, p. 312). In such a large office with so many hubs, computers, and users, DHCP will eliminate an unnecessary step for the company. Secondly, DHCP lets the network administrator automatically send a new IP address to a computer when it is connected to the network from a different location. This will be especially helpful for the third of employees that will be traveling, making remote access much easier. Essentially, DHCP saves them the headache of trying to figure out how to connect manually. Ultimately, the assignment of a DHCP IP structure is mindful of the company’s continued growth.

Finally, this proposal strongly suggests that the company make the switch from analog to VoIP telephones. The disadvantages are few, but the advantages are great, especially in ABC Inc’s type of business, which relies heavily on cultivating relationships. VoIP allows easier forwarding to mobile devices, management of a call center, and system effectiveness. There are three major ways that make VoIP desirable (Booth, 2010). First, VoIP systems are able to be adapted to analog phones; in other words, one could connect an older phone with the newer, cheaper, system. This will save costs on new hardware and on service charges. Second, and alternatively, there are some great IP phones on the market. This hardware works well with the system and has the bonus of being able to connect to Wi-Fi (and thus the network) from any location. Finally, and perhaps most advantageous, is that computer-to-computer communication is the easiest way to use VoIP (Booth, 2010). This happens to also be the cheapest option

In conclusion, ABC Inc. is advised to adapt the needed hardware for the new network system by approaching vendors and producers individually. Doing so will give the best idea for limitations and benefits. It is also advised that they utilize DHCP as the IP protocol for the new system as well as introduce VoIP telephones into the company, both for practicality and better external relations.

References

Booth, C. (2010). IP phones, software VoIP, and integrated and mobile VoIP. Library Technology Reports, 46 (5): 11-19.

Peterson, L. L., & Davie, B. S. (2011). Computer networks: A systems approach. Burlington, MA: Morgan Kaufmann.