Discussion 2: Final Project Part 1: Project Needs Analysis

Final Project Part 1: Project Needs Analysis
Computer networks enable sharing of information among multiple computers and the people who are using them. The process of networking involves hardware, software, and many different networking devices. As a computing professional, for designing a network, it is important for you first to understand the needs that the network is intended to meet. The design would vary according to such needs.

For this Discussion, choose one of the four small businesses from the “Final Project Overview” document, which is located in this week’s Learning Resources. Imagine that the owner of the business has asked you to design a network for the business.

Post by Day 4 a list of the specific needs the network must meet. Explain why these needs exist and how they specifically support the business. Include in your post the number and types of devices that will be connected. Also, be sure to include mobile devices as well. Explain the different types of users and their access needs (be sure to consider customers or other users as well as employees). Describe any application/file/printer/other sharing needs. Explain the required bandwidths. Also, explain the budget considerations.

Respond by Day 7 to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

For different networks, provide a comparison of the number of devices connected to the network and the number of users compared to the network in your posts.
For the same networks, describe any design decisions that might increase or decrease the number of devices or users connected to the network.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.