NEWT 208 WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT - Cleveland Office WAN Proposal

Overview

The purpose of this proposal is to provide a comprehensive plan for the Cleveland Branch Office WAN and teleworker connectivity. The proposal takes into account the business needs of the Cleveland office, the number of on-site and remote employees, security considerations, and data usage requirements. Based on these factors, the IT team recommends implementing either MPLS or broadband connectivity to meet the office’s needs.

Business Needs Analysis

Understanding the business needs of the Cleveland office is crucial to designing a WAN that meets both current and future demands. The office needs to support both on-site colleagues and teleworkers, requiring a solution that provides reliable, secure, and high-speed connectivity.

1. On-Site Employees: The Cleveland office has a certain number of employees working on-site, which requires a robust and reliable network connection to handle daily tasks such as data transfers, communications, and access to corporate resources.
2. Teleworker Access: With a growing number of teleworkers, the office needs a solution that ensures secure and reliable remote access to corporate resources. This includes the ability to securely access files, collaborate with colleagues, and maintain productivity while working remotely.
3. Security Considerations: Security is a top priority for the Cleveland office, especially given the sensitive nature of the data being handled. The proposed WAN solution must include strong encryption, secure access controls, and robust monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Proposed WAN Solutions

Based on the analysis of business needs, the following WAN solutions are recommended for the Cleveland office:

1. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching): MPLS is a scalable and reliable WAN solution that directs data from one network node to another based on short path labels. It provides better performance and reliability than traditional leased lines and is suitable for offices that require high-speed data transfers and low latency.
2. Broadband Connectivity: For smaller offices or teleworkers, broadband connectivity offers a cost-effective solution that provides adequate speed and reliability for most tasks. Broadband connections can be secured with VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology to ensure safe access to corporate resources.
3. Teleworker Connectivity: For teleworkers, a secure VPN solution is recommended. This allows remote employees to connect to the corporate network securely, using encryption and authentication methods to protect data in transit. The VPN can be configured to provide access to specific resources based on the employee’s role and needs.

Implementation and Configuration

The implementation of the proposed WAN solution will involve several key steps:

1. MPLS Configuration: The MPLS network will be configured to support the Cleveland office’s data needs, with specific settings to prioritize critical applications and ensure low latency. The network will be monitored to ensure optimal performance and quickly address any issues that arise.
2. Broadband Setup for Teleworkers: Teleworkers will be provided with VPN access, allowing them to securely connect to the corporate network from their home offices. The VPN will be configured with strong encryption and access controls to protect sensitive data.
3. Security Enhancements: Security measures will include firewall configurations, intrusion detection systems, and regular network monitoring. These measures will help protect the Cleveland office’s network from external threats and ensure that only authorized users have access to critical resources.