Chapter 1 OVERVIEW Project Context Information and communication are two of the most important strategic issues for the success of every enterprise. While today nearly every organization uses a substantial number of computers and communication tools (telephones, fax, and personal handheld devices), they are often still isolated. While managers today are able to use the newest applications, many departments still do not communicate and much needed information cannot be readily accessed. To overcome these obstacles in an effective usage of information technology, computer networks are necessary. They are a new kind (one might call it paradigm) of organization of computer systems produced by the need to merge computers and communications. At the same time they are the means to converge the two areas; the unnecessary distinction between tools to process and store information and tools to collect and transport information can disappear. Computer networks can manage to put down the barriers between information held on several (not only computer) systems. Only with the help of computer networks can a borderless communication and information environment be built. Computer networks allow the user to access remote programs and remote databases either of the same organization or from
other enterprises or public sources. Computer networks provide communication possibilities faster than other facilities. Because of these optimal information and communication possibilities, computer networks may increase the organizational learning rate, which many authors declare as the only fundamental advantage in competition. (ICT Global 2008) In an article by Mitchell (2010), he defined computer networking as the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data. Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software. Networks can be categorized in several different ways. One approach defines the type of network according to the geographic area it spans. Local area networks (LANs), for example, typically span a single home, school, or small office building, whereas wide area networks (WANs), reach across cities, states, or even across the world. The Internet is the world's largest public WAN. Computer networks also differ in their design. The two basic forms of network design are called client/server and peerto-peer. Client-server networks feature centralized server computers that store email, Web pages, files and or applications. On a peer-to-peer network, conversely, all computers tend to support the same functions. Client-server
networks are much more common in business and peer-to-peer networks much more common in homes. Communication languages used by computer devices are called network protocol. Yet another way to classify computer networks is by the set of protocols they support. Networks often implement multiple protocols with each supporting specific applications. Popular protocols include TCP/IP, the most common protocol found on the Internet and in home networks. (Mitchell, 2010). According to Rouse (2006), a given network can also be characterized by the type of data transmission technology in use on it (for example, a TCP/IP or Systems Network Architecture network); by whether it carries voice, data, or both kinds of signals; by who can use the network (public or private); by the usual nature of its connections (dial-up or switched, dedicated or non-switched, or virtual connections); and by the types of physical links (for example, optical fiber, coaxial cable, and Unshielded Twisted Pair). Large telephone networks and networks using their infrastructure (such as the Internet) have sharing and exchange arrangements with other companies so that larger networks are created. As networks become an integral part of everyone's lives, advanced network management technologies are being developed to protect data and preserve privacy, especially Internet privacy.
Network management is often a primary concern when building a network infrastructure. Network management is the top-level administration and maintenance of large networks, often in areas such as computers or telecommunications, but not including user terminal equipment. It often involves functions such as security, monitoring, control, allocation, deployment, coordination, and planning. Routing, which refers to the process of selecting the paths in a computer network on which to send data, is an important area of network management. In this area, logically addressed packets are passed from their source to their destination through nodes, which are called routers, in a process called forwarding. This is usually based on routing tables that maintain a record of the most efficient routes. Security management is also a key management component. This involves protecting a network from unauthorized access and includes many sub-functions, such as the authorization of subscriber access, the control of the distribution of cryptographic keying material, and the distribution and reporting of security related events. Configuration management relates to both the security and quality areas of network management. It refers to the management of security features in a network by controlling changes made to
the software, hardware, firmware, documentation, and test features in a system. This area keeps the system under control as it evolves and grows, maintaining quality and security. (Kietzman, 2008) Janssen (2005) explained that the first layer of network security is enforced through a username/password mechanism, which only allows access to authenticated users with customized privileges. When a user is authenticated and granted specific system access, the configured firewall enforces network policies, that is, accessible user services. However, firewalls do not always detect and stop viruses or harmful malware, which may lead to data loss. An anti-virus software or an intrusion prevention system (IPS) is implemented to prevent the virus and/or harmful malware from entering the network. Although networks have been used in business environments for many years, they are becoming increasingly common in homes as a means of sharing an Internet connection. A computer network has several different parts, and each serves its own purpose for example personal computers, servers, networking devices, and cabling. These components can be grouped into four main categories: hosts, shared peripherals networking devices, networking media.
The network components that people are most familiar with are hosts and shared peripherals. Hosts are devices that send and receive messages directly across the network. Shared peripherals are not directly connected to the network, but instead are connected to hosts. The host is then responsible for sharing the peripheral across the network. Hosts have computer software configured to enable people on the network to use the attached peripheral devices. The network devices, as well as networking media, are used to interconnect hosts. Some devices can play more than one role, depending on how they are connected. For example, a printer directly connected to a host (local printer) is a peripheral. A printer directly connected to a network device and participates directly in network communications is a host. (http://networking.xtreemhost.com 2010) An implementation of network infrastructure has been proven beneficial of many researches including the local study made by Mauri (2008). He mentioned that although the upgrade of the organization’s infrastructure and implementation of proposed network infrastructure at Data Center College-Baguio involves high expenditure for the company, having a network infrastructure provides greater advantages, which eventually compensates the cost at the end.
According to the study of Bangat (2009) entitled “Network Infrastructure Plan of Kalinga-Apayao State College Bulnao Campus”, the advantage of having a network infrastructure plan in government transactions shall be a great help for better and faster delivery of services to citizens at lesser costs while generating higher revenues. Also, Bangat mentioned that network architecture plan will facilitate communication efficiently, easily and effectively. Gali(2010)in his study, network infrastructure plan in local government unit shall be a great help to facilitate effective resource sharing and shall increase the work productivity and also allows the employees do their tasks in their respective offices. The researchers decided to propose a Network Infrastructure for the Department of Education to address the problems found in the existing network set-up of the office and to cater the needs of the different departments. If the problems within the network will be solved it would result to a faster dissemination of information and the outcome will also reflect the outside transactions of the company. This study shall provide communication to the different workplaces that needs sharing of files and other resources, automating many of the administrative tasks that the employees are compelled to perform. This study
will also help in managing and organizing files in a more effective and efficient manner; the time the employees use in searching to their paper-based documents will be lessen. The proper allocation of bandwidth will also be addressed. Higher speed must be provided to the departments with heavy workloads to facilitate high-speed data transmission. Company Profile The Department of Education is one of the most important branches of the Philippine government body. Division Office of Baguio has served the education field in several years. With numerous records, updates, memorandum, laws, meetings and transcripts to store through these years, mandating and monitoring over 54 sections in pre-elementary, 66 in elementary and 43 sections in secondary, with 2 special education schools. Aside from this, the office also governs office employees, teachers and non-teaching employees. The site on the other hand, is owned by the Department of Education. It is a corner lot located along Military Cut-off road exactly along the crossroads rotunda of Loakan Road, Southdrive Road, and the Military Cut-off road at south and Session road at north. It is beside the Quezon Elementary School property, Special Education school and the Baguio School of arts at west.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office is presently under a major construction of their new 2-storey building housing different departments in their temporary workplaces. The building is nearing its completion. More than half of the portions of the first and second floor were occupied temporarily since some departments are yet to have their permanent location once the construction is finish. There is also a dormitory building standing at the rightmost side in-front of the building being constructed (that is if you’re facing the main entrance of the new building). However, it is no longer being utilized and was planned to be demolished for the future expansion of the new building being constructed. The office has seventy three (73) employees and one of which is the office’s Computer Operator I, Mr. Harris Dizon. He takes the responsibility of managing the network set-up they currently have, the internet connection and maintenance and troubleshooting of the computers. He also maintains the website of Dep. Ed. Baguio Division Office. Anyone who wishes to know more about them can visit their office. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to make a network infrastructure plan for the Department of Education Division
Office in order to increase the productivity of the workers right on the cutting edge. This shall benefit the following: To the Company. This study shall serve as a solution to the problems faced by the organization. It is through this study that will provide the company the knowledge on how they are going to implement the design of the network that is correlated to their needs. To the Office Personnel. This study shall boost the productivity of the workers which is the result of the rectification in their network. To other Companies. This study shall serve as a basis for the other companies who wishes to have or improve their network infrastructure plan. To the Society. Through this study, people in the community would gain benefits since the problem in this sector would be narrowed. This results to faster and accurate work procedures. To the Researchers. This study shall serve as a training ground for the researchers to apply the things that they gained during the days that they have spent in the four corners of the classroom. To the Future Researchers. This study shall serve as reference for the future researchers concerning the network design and implementation plan of the Department of Education Division Office. It would also be a resource material in
building an infrastructure plan that will aid in the matter of network technology. Objectives of the Study The main aim of the study is to design a network infrastructure plan for the Department of Education Division Office. Specifically, it shall address the following: 1. To determine the current network layout used by Department of Education Division Office. 2. To create the logical infrastructure of the network infrastructure for Department of Education Division Office. 3. To design the physical infrastructure and topological diagram of network infrastructure for the Department of Education Division Office. Scope and Delimitation This study is focused on the network infrastructure plan of the Department of Education Division Office that shall bear a hand in the improvement of the processes or transactions made by the organization through a faster connection by centralizing the servers together with their services and as a backbone for their current system. This study will also cover the physical components that will be needed for the development of the infrastructure of the company. The logical infrastructure will also be included in the study along the areas on connectivity, the routing and switching
set-up, access control, and the software products and networking protocols, device simulation, and network security. Moreover, costing, acquisition and implementation plan to help the company in the futurity of carrying out the design will also be included. It is for them to be guided what to buy first by taking into consideration the current situation of the organization and prioritizing what is the top most important device that will give way to the improvement of the data flowing through the network. Furthermore, the company would be wellinformed on the cost they incurring if implemented. The phases 4 to 6 of the methodology namely implement phase, operate phase, and optimize phase are not carried out since the focus of the study was only the design of the network plan and the implementation of the plan is subject for approval. Likewise, other features that can be included on a network like CCTV design and installation, separation of data and voice for their phone systems are beyond the scope of this study. Even though costing for hardware and software needed for the realization of this plan is part of the discussion, an indepth cost benefit analysis will not be performed by the proponents. Definition of Terms This paper shall be better understood if the understanding of some terms is set aside in favor of the way they are used in
this paper. The following terms are used in this paper with the following meaning: Access Control. The selective restriction of access to a place or other resource on the network. Cabling. Comprises of activities like crimping and connecting the different devices together where the data will flow. Connectivity. Refers to a program or device's ability to link with other programs and devices. Host (Web Hosting).A type of Internet hosting service that allows individuals and organizations to make their website accessible via the World Wide Web. Infrastructure. The basic framework that supports the development of a structure. Internet. A network of networks that enables people to communicate virtually (e.g., chat, sharing of documents, online meeting with your colleagues or business partners). LAN or Local Area Network. Group of stations communicating with each other thru a common media. Network. A group of interconnected devices. Network Security. The primary concern in developing a network infrastructure plan. The act of properly planning where to put the cables (and other devices) and giving authorization of access to data in the network.
Router. A device that connect networks together. Routing. It is enabling devices to communicate with each other. Server. It provides services to the connected computers whether is it directly or remotely attached to the network. Stations. Desktop computers being used by the employees in doing the daily activities of the office.
