LAN Infrastructure Design and Implementation for Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd

This report details the design, implementation, and evaluation of a Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure for Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd, a medium-sized organization. The report explores various LAN technologies, analyzes traffic-intensive services, and provides recommendations for network security. It outlines the design of the LAN infrastructure, including suitable components like switches, routers, and servers. The report then delves into the configuration process, covering aspects like VLAN implementation, firewall configuration, and access control lists. The network is tested for scalability, security, data management, availability, and server performance. The report concludes with a critical evaluation of the LAN's performance and provides recommendations for further improvement, including the use of wired connections, monitoring tools, and bandwidth optimization.

LOCAL AREA NETWORK

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Different LAN technologies..............................................................................................2
1.2 Analysis traffic intensive services and their performance [M1].......................................7
1.3 Recommendations to sustain LAN security..........................................................................9
TASK 2..........................................................................................................................................12
2.1 Design the LAN infrastructure............................................................................................12
2.2 Suitability of LAN components...........................................................................................13
M2. Select/ design and apply appropriate methods/ techniques................................................16
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................18
3.1 Build and configure the network.........................................................................................18
3.2 Implementation of network security on a LAN...................................................................23
D2. Take responsibility for managing and organizing activities...............................................27
3.3 Critically review and test a Local Area Network................................................................28
D3. Demonstrate convergent, lateral and creative thinking......................................................30
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................31
4.1 critically discuss how this LAN infrastructure will be monitored and managed (via
troubleshooting) if there is any issue during post implementation period.................................31
4.2 Resolve LAN issues to improve security, performance and reliability...............................33
4.3Critically evaluate the performance of Local Area Network................................................35
M3. Present and communicate appropriate findings.................................................................36
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................37
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................38

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Address allocation...........................................................................................................22
Table 2: Testing of the Local Area Network.................................................................................28

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Token ring........................................................................................................................2
Figure 2: Ethernet network..............................................................................................................3
Figure 3: FDDI dual ring.................................................................................................................4
Figure 4: DHCP...............................................................................................................................5
Figure 5: VTP client and server.......................................................................................................5
Figure 6: Network using STP for finding the best path...................................................................6
Figure 7: ACL..................................................................................................................................9
Figure 8: Virtual Private Network.................................................................................................10
Figure 9: Port security restricts access by MAC address..............................................................11
Figure 10: Infrastructure of the LAN.............................................................................................12
Figure 11: Client and server in a computer network.....................................................................13
Figure 12: Network Hub...............................................................................................................14
Figure 13: Network interfacing Card.............................................................................................14
Figure 14: Router...........................................................................................................................15
Figure 15: Network switches for connecting computers together.................................................16
Figure 16: Switch configuration....................................................................................................18
Figure 17: Router configuration....................................................................................................19
Figure 18: Firewall configuration..................................................................................................20
Figure 19: Configuration of DHCP on Cisco IOS.........................................................................21
Figure 20: VLAN configuration....................................................................................................21
Figure 21: Configuration of Local client.......................................................................................22
Figure 22: configuration for VLAN membership..........................................................................23
Figure 23: Implementation Access control list..............................................................................24
Figure 24: Domain name service configuration............................................................................24
Figure 25: Configuration of ether channel on Cisco switch..........................................................26
Figure 26: Configuration of spanning tree protocol......................................................................26
Figure 27: Microsoft network monitor tool...................................................................................31
Figure 28: GFI LAN guard............................................................................................................32

INTRODUCTION
Local Area Network or LAN is referred to a computer networking system where a group of
computers and other networking devices are interlinked using a common line for communication
or wireless link with the server with in a specific geographical area such as a building or a group
of building. A LAN can be both wire and wireless depending upon the user requirement. In
these report, various LAN technologies is discussed. A network for communication has mainly
three different traffic of audio, video and textual. This present report also discusses about various
techniques to get quality of service for the network by minimising the traffic and attaining high
performance by providing recommendation related to concerns associated with LAN such as
security, performance and scalability is discussed. Foot-Fall Marketing Ltd is a medium size
organization, LAN infrastructure of the organization is provided with suitable component for
the network sustainability and performance. Configuration for LAN is studied in this report
along with the maintenance of security. The network is tested using various parameters and the
results are compared from expected and attained. At last the report discusses about management
and observing of the LAN for any kind of issues during the implementation of the network along
with the methods for resolving those issues and recommendation are provided for further
network enhancement for Foot-Fall Marketing Ltd.
1

TASK 1
1.1 Different LAN technologies
Token ring
This technology of LAN is a protocol used for communication in a Local Area network. After
Ethernet, Token ring networks are the most widely used technology. All the computers and
devices in the network are connected either in star or ring topology. Token ring uses method of
token passing access where data over the nodes passes in a sequential manner till source station
is reached. Between nodes on the network until it returns to the source station. Token ring is
specified by IEEE 802.5 standard. Data in these technology is transferred at the rates of 4 or 16
Mbps.
for avoiding congestion and collision, tokens are sent can be used by a node at a time.On the
other hand, this kind of technology is used less because failure of anode effects the whole
network.
Figure 1: Token ring
(Source: https://www.pctechguide.com/networking/token-ring-networks, 2018)
Ethernet
Most commonly used LAN technology is Ethernet. In comparison to other LAN technologies,
Ethernet is easy to implement and understand the structure of the network. Ethernet is defined by
IEEE 802.3 standard (Allan, et al 2016). Ethernet network support both wire and wireless
2

connection. All the devices in the network are linked with one another using Ethernet or fiber
cables in wired Ethernet while NIC are used for wireless connection.
Figure 2: Ethernet network
(Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/de/image-vector/lan-network-diagram-vector-illustrator,
2018)
Fiber distributed data interface
FDDI or fiber distributed data interface can be considered as a backbone to LAN for attaining a
speed of 100mbps in the organizational network without any impact on performance. Main
purpose of using FDDI is to enhance the network performance (Forguite et al 2016). It is a set of
ISO and ANSI standard. These protocol in on the basis of token ring that provide communication
for long distance. Dual token passing rings are a used for networking with ting topology.
3

Figure 3: FDDI dual ring
(Source: http://ipsit.bu.edu/sc546/sc441Spring2003/fddi/fdditoken.html, 2018)
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol which is basically used for controlling
the configuration of host network using a remote server. In most of the operating system DHCP
is present by default. DHCP is less time consuming that any manual configuration. Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol works over a client-server model having its messaging set of its
own that are being between the server and client.
4

Figure 4: DHCP
(Source: http://study-ccna.com/dhcp, 2018)
VLAN trucking protocol
VLAN trucking protocol or VTP are generally used by switches in a networking system for the
purpose of communication among themselves with respect to VLAN. VTP is used mainly for
adding, modifying and deleting VLAN. Every VTP consist of a revision number that changes
every time a change is made.
Figure 5: VTP client and server
5

(Source: https://networklessons.com/switching/introduction-to-vtp-vlan-trunking-protocol/,
2018)
Spanning tree protocol
STP or Spanning Tree Protocol belongs to Layer 2 protocol. It is used by switches and bridges.
STP falls on IEEE 802.1D standard. STP is basically used for is ensuring that no loops are
created on the network paths.
Figure 6: Network using STP for finding the best path
(Source:https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/lan-switching/spanning-tree-protocol/5234-
5.html, 2018:
6

1.2 Analysis traffic intensive services and their performance [M1]
In a network, frequency range and internet are considered to be intensive services. When a
network come under the influence of services and applications traffic is experienced in the
network causing various issues while performing other activities within the network. A network
basically faces three types of traffics like audio, video and textual.
Audio traffic
In the organization, employees are provided various audio based communication services hence
it is expected that an efficient bandwidth of 10mbps must be present in the network to avoid any
kind of disturbance. In comparison to videos, communication though audio needs low
bandwidth.
Video traffic
Videos in a networking system are routed in forms of the packets over a continuous sequence for
seamless data transferring for the end users. An adequate bandwidth in the devices allows and
supports high quality data transfer over internet in the networking system.
Text traffic:
In the organization, various communications takes place one of such and most common is in
form of text for different purposes. Textual data are compressed for transmitting them over the
network for minimum bandwidth and resource consumption. So, very low traffic is generated
from textual data.
Quality of service or in short QoS is network’s facility for delivering maximum productivity to
the user though attaining appropriate bandwidth within the network for enhancing the network
performance and minimizing issues like latency and error rate. Quality of service must be
managed properly so that the network as a whole can be managed (Hudson et al 2014). By using
different methods of traffic shipping the QoS for a network can be improved. QoS technologies
are used for clear and proper availability of video, voice and other data to its end users.
Some of the tools for improving the QoS of a network is discussed below:
802.1Q/p CoS
7

In the layer 2 of the network, marking of Ethernet frames can be done as per significance by
using User Priority bits. Only 3 bits is used for marking the frame from 802.1p and 802.1Qr as
header. Hence, only 8 classes of the service can be set.
IP precedence
Under RFC 791 IP precedence is defined having IP header. 3 bits are labeled as precedence
which is used to indicate datagram importance. If an IP pocket is of high significance, then it will
have a higher precedence value. Packets with low precedence are dropped first in case of
congestion. IP precedence manages networks along with internetwork.
Differentiated Service Code Point
DSCP denotes an internetwork protocol that is used for networking service for connected with
the computers. DSCP has 6-bit in IP header for Differentiated Services ((Beberlein, et al 2017).).
8

1.3 Recommendations to sustain LAN security
Implementation of network is done for transmitting various data and information of an
organization. It is always desirable to get a secure and protected network so that organizational
data is kept safe and no outsider can access them without proper authentication. In the Local
Area Network threats are of various kinds that can be effects computer system as well the
network as a whole. Therefore, appropriate precaution must be taken for obtaining a secure
network some of them are discussed below:
Access control lists
Access control lists also called ACLs are used for controlling the information accessing in
devices of the network for securing LAN from intruders. ACLs act as a filter and are applied in
switches and routers of the network that connects all the devices. They restrict any kind of
unwanted data and permitting the required data to enter a device by analyzing the data though an
interface. DACL and SACL are two types of ACLs that controls both Inbound and outbound
traffics for providing network security.
Figure 7: ACL
(Source:http://geek-university.com/ccna/what-is-acl-access-control-list/, 2018 )
9

Wireless security
When data and computer devices are exposed to wireless network, they can be corrupted by
using different software tool present for doing so. Therefore, it is mandatory to maintain the
wireless security for an efficient network (Nova Science, 2005). Wireless security is done by
securing the Wi-Fi access so that outsider cannot access the network and privacy similar to wired
network can be maintained.
Data Encryption
Data encryption method can also be used for securing the network and data from any intruder
and eavesdroppers. In this technique data are made unreadable while transmitting them from
source to destination.
Virtual private network
VPN or Virtual Private Network is implemented in a network for the process of communicate
when the internet connection is insecure or unprotected. VPN can isolate a connection from all
the other users in the same network (Delmar, 2009). VPN can be used by the organization while
doing some kind of financial transactions and for sharing important data related to business with
its stakeholders. VPN is effective to maintain data security in a network.
Figure 8: Virtual Private Network
(Source: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com, 2018)
Switch port control
10

Network can be protected and secured by using features like Switchport security. In these
technique, switch port is used for limit the addresses that are allowed to send traffic along the
network of the organization (Nguyen, et al 2015). By default, in a computer system Port security
is kept disabled. Therefore, for security purpose commands are used for enabling the switch port
security where an attacker is stops that are using MAC addresses for entering a device using a
particular port. The link is made secure using Switchport-port command and the MAC addresses
related to the port disappear automatically.
Figure 9: Port security restricts access by MAC address
11

TASK 2
2.1 Design the LAN infrastructure
Infrastructure of the LAN according to the requirement of the organisation is designed using
appropriate devices.
Figure 10: Infrastructure of the LAN
12

2.2 Suitability of LAN components
When a network is design, various devices and technologies are used for satisfying the demand
of user from the organizational network. Some of the component of the network is discussed
below:
Client
In computer network client is referred to a computer or other device that links to resources of
remote computers or a server. In the organisation all the employees have individual computers
for performing their specific task that links with their specific server. the term is used for
defining a user in the network.
Figure 11: Client and server in a computer network
Server
Server is referred to a computer program. Main purpose of a server is to accept and respond to a
request made by the client. a server manages the resources in the network. In the organisation
different types of servers are used for serving various purposes like, file server, database server,
web server, print server etc(Rahman et al 2016)
Hub
It is one of the most basic devices used in networking device that are helpful in connecting
numerous networking devices together. A hub does not have routing tables like that in switch or
13

in router. It does not have any information for sending and broadcasting data in the network.
Hubs are cheaper in comparison to a switch or a router. But as it has all the information therefore
broadcasting to multiple ports can be a matter of concern leading to risk and bottlenecks.
Figure 12: Network Hub
Network interface card
Network interface card or NIC is circuit board which is installed in the computer systems of the
organizational network for being connected to the network. It is helpful in providing physical
connectivity in LAN network for the process of data communication.
Figure 13: Network interfacing Card
14

(Source: Network interfacing Card, 2018 )
Network operating system
Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) is a type of operating system that is used in the
organizational network. IOS are designed for supporting all the network devices and application
such as database sharing, workstations, resource sharing (Cisco Press, 2009).
Network manger
In the network designed for Foot-Fall Marketing Ltd., a network manager is deployed which is a
program that helps in system detection and configuration to connect a network involuntarily. for
wireless network, network manager can effectively switch and choose the most effective and
reliable network. In the present network Pro64 Network Manager is used.
Routers
They are considered to be main network component, router helps in attaining better network
connectivity for sharing various information and data along with proper communication over the
organization. Router helps in network extension. A router has various components like memory
unit, a CPU along with input-output interface. A router has a routing table that helps in filtering
outgoing and incoming traffic on the basis of sender and receivers addresses that helps in
maintaining a secure network.
Figure 14: Router
15

(Source: http://network routers/, 2018)
Switch
In a network, switches are mainly used for connecting the various devices like computer systems
and workstation together. A Switch is used for knowing which device in the network is linked to
its specific port though IP Address of the device (Kotha, et al 2014). By using the technique of
packet switching, a switch is capable of receiving, sending data and information to the particular
destination device. Switches are used in the organization for achieving network isolation and
segmentation that are helpful for maintenance of the network.
Figure 15: Network switches for connecting computers together
(Source: network switches, 2018)
M2. Select/ design and apply appropriate methods/ techniques
Users: A user is capable to understand the performance and networking quality by viewing the
voice data, textual messages and video steaming. The network required by the organisation
needed to be scalable with high performance. Hence, latest’s technology and updated devices has
been used in the network to attain maximum performance and user satisfaction.
Traffic intensive services: The traffic in the network can determine the networking service
which can be prioritized for achieving high quality service and enhancing the network
performance. Communication in the network is established using various protocols TCP/IP
according to the need and demand of the organization.
16

Technology used:
Different types of technologies have been applied in the network for the organisation. Device
identification is done using the Host control protocol that also helps in network management by
providing elimination of manual support. All the devices of a department in the organisation are
grouped for high maintenance for which Switches and VLAN are used. STP is used in the
network for ignoring violation in package routing. in the organizational network VLAN is
effectively used for the purpose of sharing and connecting various LAN devices together using a
Switch device.
Hybrid topology can be used in the network for connecting system with their resources when
required. Extension of the network and grouping is mainly done using network switch. lastly for
avoiding issues related to security of the devices and data firewall is applied in the server and
other device.
17

TASK 3
3.1 Build and configure the network
Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd organization must configure the networking system for meeting
the requirement and demand of the organisation. Configurations of some of the communicating
devices are mentioned below:
Switch configuration
For the configuration of the switch a preferred parameters set can be used along their IP
Addresses to attain VLAN requirements and for network segmentation that is helpful in
maintenance of the network.
Figure 16: Switch configuration
Router configuration
18

Router is installed in the network of the organisation for routing protocol and other DNS
services. The configuration process of a router is very similar to the configuration of a network
switch. For the purpose of securing the router the default configuration of it must be changed.
Figure 17: Router configuration
Device configuration
All the computing devices in the network are configured using IP addresses, Mac address and
subnet mask. Configuration of the devices must be done separately for identifying the devices
according to the department and floor they belong to in Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd.
19

Firewall
In the network system for the organisation, Firewall must be configured for the purpose of it is to
provide network security and filtering any unwanted entry and codes in the organisation.
Protection of the devices and network in Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd is required for securing
the information of the marketing and the sales department.
Figure 18: Firewall configuration
Service installation
Configuration of End devices
Wireless devices used in the networking system are referred to as end devices in the network.
These devices are configured using the IP addresses (Thakkar et al 2016). End devices use
DHCP for their configuration in the network of the Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd for collecting
the dynamic addresses while using internet for communication. Use of DHCP reduces both time
and cost of the organisation.
20

Figure 19: Configuration of DHCP on Cisco IOS
VLAN configuration
VLAN is switched network. It is segmented logically using functions, or application without the
need of the user’s physical locations.
Figure 20: VLAN configuration
21

Address allocation
Class C IP addresses are used for allocating the device address. VLAN Configuration is effective
in specification of the requirement of the user.
Table 1: Address allocation
VLAN IP address Subnet mask bit
VLAN2-Sales-marketing 192.168.25.0 24
VLAN3-customer-services 192.168.26.0 24
VLAN4-IT-staff 192.168.27.0 30
VLAN5-finance 192.168.28.0 24
VLAN6-Technical 192.168.29.0 30
VLAN7-Administrator 192.168.30.0 24
VLAN8-HR 192.168.31.0 30
Configuration of Local client
Configuration of local client is done as provided below that uses address of the subnet mask and
IP address.
Figure 21: Configuration of Local client
22

3.2 Implementation of network security on a LAN
Virtual Local Area Network membership:
In these technique switches of the network are configured with the purpose of attaining the
membership of VLAN by using the devices IP addresses and interface with the subnet mask.
Therefore, VLAN can be set effortlessly in the organizational network. VLAN configuration is
done by following various steps.
1. Firstly, login for web configuration. Navigate to LAN then to VLAN membership.
2. Add row option is selected for adding new row in the network configuration.
3. Mention the ID and pot number for VLAN along with inter VLAN routing.
4. Status of the Inter VLAN routing is checked.
Figure 22: configuration for VLAN membership
Access control list implementation:
Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd organization needs to configure firewall for controlling the
accesses in the network in regarding to the outgoing and ingoing traffic. ACLs help in protecting
various data and information transmitting over the network. It minimizes the information misuse
from intruders and unauthorized users. Firewall is capable of acknowledging any kind of
malicious activities and code in the network. For accessing and denying the request of a user
ACLs are used.
23

Figure 23: Implementation Access control list
Domain name service:
DNS or Domain name server is configured in the network for purpose of security. IP addresses
are translated with the help of DNS that helps in identification and understanding the whole
network. DNS discards and blocks any kind of address that is unknown and unwanted so that it
does not translate them to the end devices.
Figure 24: Domain name service configuration
Authentication:
24

Authentication process provides credentials for comparing a file with the user’s information
present in the database in the local operating system or within an authentication server. in case of
credentials are matching the process is said to be completed and the user is permitted to access
the device. In the organizational network, all the systems are protected by using individual
usernames and passwords. Network switches and routers are used in the organization for the
allocation of port numbers to the devices. Configuration of the devices in the network is
protected by using encrypted commands.
Special configuration:
Configuration of Ethernet channel
Ether channel is a part of Cisco IOS; hence all the switches in the network support its
configuration properly. It supports 8 points for connection which must of same kind. All the
ports must be kept enabled. Commands for configuring ether channel are stated below:
Switch1> enable
Switch1# configure terminal
Switch1(config)# interface range fasttethernet0/11 -12
Switch1(config-if-range)# switchport mode access
Switch1(config-if-range)# switchport access vlan 10
Switch1(config-if-range)# channel-group 5 mode desirable
25

Figure 25: Configuration of ether channel on Cisco switch
Configuration of STP
STP is protocol used for Layer 2 link management which helps in providing redundancy of path
and excluding loop formation in the organizational network. it is used mainly for creating a
backup line in the network so that a user can effectively continue the service in a network even
after network failure (Elder, et al 2015). If a switch does not support STP then loops are created
impacting the network performance.
Figure 26: Configuration of spanning tree protocol
26

D2. Take responsibility for managing and organizing activities
Main job of a network consultant is to plan and design a network that effectively works for the
organisation providing maximum output (Garrett, 2016). Next job is to set the network
according to the plan. Third and the most important responsibility is network maintenance.
Lastly, in these categories is expanding the network according to the organisational demand.
Network designing
Designing a network for an organisation involves various task related to decision making about
the best and suitable design for the organisation. Hence, a logical structure is created for the
purpose.
Setting up the network
After completion of the designing phase, the next phase is to set all the devices in the network
with proper configuration which involves hardware and software installation including
configuration of host, client, server, router etc.
Network maintenance
One of the toughest jobs is maintenance of the network that contains various tasks like adding a
new host device for the organisation, administrating the security of the network, managing
network services like emails, name service etc. and lastly troubleshooting the issues for
enhancing network performance (Fan, , 2014).
Network Expansion
Organisation might opt for expanding the network and their service as per demand and
requirement of the future. Hence all the possible option for expanding the network must be kept
in mind while designing the network.
27

3.3 Critically review and test a Local Area Network
Table 2: Testing of the Local Area Network
Sl. No. PARAMETERS EXPECTED
NETWORK
OUTCOME
ATTAIN
NETWORK
OUTCOME
RESULT
(ACHIEVED
OR NOT
ACHIEVED)
1 Scalability It is expected that a
scalable network is
provided for the
organization. all the
department has the
changes to increase the
number of devices for its
employees in the near
future therefore network
must be capable of
removing and adding any
new devices in the
network without mush
efforts.
In the present network
efficient switches are
used for connecting
devices in the
network. therefore
there are many un
used Class C IP
addresses that can be
use in future for
connecting more
number of devices..
Successfully
achieved
2 Security All the devices in the
network in finance and
marketing department
must be secured from
intruders for maintaining
the data and information
safety along the network.
Network security in
the organisation is
acquired by using
Logical access system.
Successfully
achieved
3 Data
Management
Proper data management
is expected in the
The organizational
network uses Local
Successfully
28

organisation for
managing and organizing
the various data and
information in the
network.
servers for load
management. Data are
synchronized with the
main branch for
managing the data
locally.
achieved
4 Availability Resource availability is
expected in the
organizational network
for maintaining adequate
performance.
STP protocols is used
in the network for
finding an alternative
paths if the failure of
primary path occurred.
firewall is used for
securing the devices
and to guarantee the
resource availability.
Successfully
achieved
5 Servers The finance and sale
department of the
organisation expect to
have a Server for
efficient operation of the
department with
maintenance of security.
Different Servers are
configured in the
organizational
network that provides
efficient performance
and scalability.
Successfully
achieved
29

D3. Demonstrate convergent, lateral and creative thinking
The network is tested for various parameters and checked whether the network design was
capable of attaining the user requirement or not. As per the test result, it can be concluded that
the following network was efficient in achieving the d3emand and requirement of the
organisation. the network was effective in providing proper data management, scalability. But
further improvement can be done for attaining maximum network performance and quality of
service. Hence, it has been recommended that physical security must be implemented in the
network for protection of the devices and network as a whole. Latest technologies must be
applied along with updated software and hardware. Department of sales and marketing using
computers should have wired connection for data security.
30

TASK 4
4.1 critically discuss how this LAN infrastructure will be monitored and managed (via
troubleshooting) if there is any issue during post implementation period.
The network for Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd organization must be monitored for handling and
improving the network performance. Over a period of time the performance of the network may
fall down. Therefore, the network must be checked for improving the quality of service. Security
and reliability in the network of the organization for the users must be monitored by analyzing
the traffic for which different tools can be applied.
Microsoft network monitor tool
It is a diagnostic tool which is helpful in monitoring LAN of the organization. All the statistics of
the network are represented in graphical form which can be used further for performing trouble-
shooting tasks. This tool also helps in the process of data transmission.
Figure 27: Microsoft network monitor tool
GFI LAN guard
31

One of the recent and most commonly used software for scanning the network security and patch
management is GFI LAN guard. It is used in the organization by the network administrator for
getting a complete overview of network security with requirement of least efforts. The tool is
used for identifying weakness in system or in the network using databases.
Figure 28: GFI LAN guard
Checking the configuration of the networking system
All the devices and systems in the network must be configured with their default specification.
Proper network management must be done for knowing the whole infrastructure of the network
in real-time for enhancing the network performances.
Evaluating network traffic and bandwidth
Network monitoring tool is used in the network for checking and monitoring the traffic in the
network. With the help of the monitoring tool the various strategies can be developed and
implemented in the organizational network for improving bandwidth utilization among the
devices and to minimize the load on shared resources.
32

4.2 Resolve LAN issues to improve security, performance and reliability
The provided network design was capable of satisfying the user requirement of Foot-Ball Field
Marketing Ltd. however, in many some cases situation raises that effect the performance of the
network leading to a network breakdown and slow network. Here are some of the issues faced by
the organisational network and solution that can be applied for overcoming the issues are
mentioned below-
1. Security Issues: Almost 80% of the security issues in a network are caused mainly by
human factors. Due to less secure network organisation may face various problems that
will lead to create possibility of distribution of unprotected information using the
network. Therefore, proper measure must be undertaken for safeguarding the network by
using techniques like implementation of the firewall, using data encryption and protecting
the NIC for monitoring any kind of malicious activity so that the network can be secured
and performance can be enhanced.
2. Performance Issues: In the LAN network for the organisation, issues related to
performance can arise with the course of time. Data in a network are passed over various
networking elements both hardware and software till it reaches the destination device. In
some cases the components even after being functionally active can lead to unexpected
errors. In the present network all the devices are connected using bus topology if new
device is added in the network performance of all the system declines. Hence, it is
recommended the organisation must implement switches and router in the network for
connecting the devices efficiently that will help in enhancing the network performance of
LAN along with distribution of efficient bandwidth.
3. Connectivity Issues: In the LAN network for the organisation all the device4s in the
network are connected either logically or physical with one another to support
communication between them. Connectivity is one of the common issues that rises in
LAN wired or wireless network when some kind of changes in the network is occurred
like shutting done of the remote devices, or connection refused that may lead to
declination of performance of the whole network of the organization. To overcome these
issue various measures must be taken by the organization like using a PIND command to
check the connectivity of the devices.
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It is mandatory for the Foot-Fall Field Marketing Ltd to improve the maintenance and
configuration of the connected devices in the networking system. It will help in securing the
devices from outer forces and monitoring can be efficiently done for enhancing the network
performance and data security.
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4.3Critically evaluate the performance of Local Area Network
Performance of the LAN network can be evaluated on the basis of the hardware and resource
utilisation, bandwidth availability and access control.
Resource utilisation
The performance of the organizational network is influenced by all the hardware and software
devices and application used in t5he network. The efficiency of the components can be tested
using feedbacks from various users and employees of the different department of the
organization in regular interval and evaluating the feedback to understand the network (Hoese, et
al 2017). For attaining the organizational performance and network stability and scalability the
organisation is recommended to use efficient routers and switches.
Bandwidth
For an effective communication among all the devices in the network it is expected to have an
adequate bandwidth for supporting all king of traffic without creating congestion. All the
connected device must have equal bandwidth so that sending and receiving of data can be done
effortlessly. Hence, computer systems can be connected by using switches using packet
switching method.
Access Control
one of the common factor that affect the performance of a LAN is influence that is created by
outside user that gains the access of using private data of the organisation by entering the
network eavesdropping. for securing the network and to obtain high performance the ACLs must
be applied exclusively for sale and marketing department.
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M3. Present and communicate appropriate findings.
After the evaluation of the organisational network it can be found that the present network is
efficient enough to satisfy the requirements of the organisational need but there still remains
some loop holes that must be considered for enhancing the network performance.
The all the devices in the network is recommended to be connected using wired connection
though fiber and Ethernet cables. These will help in providing quality of service to all he end
user in the network to effectively communicate.
Wireless devices can be used in the network that is easily manageable and accessible in a low
cost. It is recommended that all the higher authorities in the organisation must be provided with
monitoring tools for optimizing the network performance by regulating the traffic flow
An adequate bandwidth must be provided in all the devices in the network that can be achieved
by using Ethernet cables and adequate switches in the organizational network..
It is recommended the organisation must appoint well skilled and educated employees. They can
effectively use all the technologies used in the network providing maximum output.
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CONCLUSION
Report has efficiently discussed about Local Area Network and its effectiveness in providing an
appropriate network for a medium size organisation named Foot-Fall Marketing Ltd. In the
above various LAN technologies has been discussed along with network traffic and
recommendation has been provided for improving the network security and performance. Design
of a LAN along with suitable network component along with their configuration has been
provided in the report. LAN infrastructures as per the requirement and demand of the
organisation have been provided in the network. Various types of testing has been done for
knowing the efficiency of the network in terms of security and performance. The report also
reviews the Local Area Network designed for the the organisation and proper recommendation
are provided that can be implemented to enhance the performance of the network.
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