Assessment task:
Science Park Services (SPS) Ltd (Fictional Scenario)
The company intends to provide Research and Development (R&D) facilities for organisations within the M4 corridor areas. The main aim of the company is to allow firms to run joint R&D ventures in a controlled environment that allows companies to share resources and if necessary run joint projects. The company has purchased a 5-story office block, constructed in the 1960's, with a floor area of 200m sq per level to provide space for its clients.
An organisation(s) can occupy any floor or the complete building at relatively short notice (provided available), for periods between 4 weeks to a year.
The concept is maximum flexibility of floor area(s), with standard hardware and infrastructure being provided by SPS. Clients should be able to bring laptops, applications and databases for integration with the network infrastructure provided.
The company is looking to provide the following:
• Local and central printing facilities
• Local and centralised data storage facilities
• Internet connection
• Hosting services
• Security
• Interconnection of workstations and client portable devices
SPS is not clear on the technology and methods available to achieve their objectives. Before they make a decision on the undertaking, they would like some assistance and guidance. In order to assist them, they have asked you produce a detailed network diagram that will act as a blueprint for the final development. The network diagram should be annotated with text where necessary to provide extra information. The network may include components such as firewall, servers, workstations, printers, Ethernet cables, routers, switchers, wireless APs, etc. Therefore, you will hand in an annotated network diagram together with a report justifying your design choices. You should think of your design from financial as well as technical and practical perspectives for the SPS company. The report should also include discussion of how to establish an IT service team to manage your network structure.
Word count or equivalent: 2000 words maximum