Network Design and Configuration for TA Finance

Overview

This project focused on designing and implementing a small office network for TA Finance, a finance company expanding its high-street branches. The goal was to establish a fully functional network, supporting IPv4 connectivity and enabling seamless communication with the headquarters via the internet. The task emphasized hands-on application of networking principles, including IP addressing, subnetting, and device configuration, using Cisco Packet Tracer as the simulation tool.

Key Features

1. Network Topology Design

   • Developed a network using Cisco 2911 routers and 2960 switches.

   • Integrated wireless access points for Wi-Fi connectivity within the branch.

2. IP Addressing and Subnetting

   • Allocated IP addresses using the subnetting scheme derived from the provided IP block (10.X.0.0/16).

   • Configured a static IP address for the DNS server and a /30 subnet for serial ISP connections.

3. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

   • Automated IP address allocation in the Admin, Accounting, Sales, and wireless areas by configuring DHCP on the router.

4. Device Configuration and Naming

   • Assigned unique names to the router and switches using the engineer's first and last names.

   • Applied basic security and connectivity configurations to all devices.

5. Network Testing and Validation

   • Verified connectivity within the branch and with the ISP using ping, tracert, and ipconfig commands.

   • Achieved end-to-end connectivity, ensuring the branch network met operational requirements.

Design Process

1. Planning the Network Topology

   • The project began with analyzing the Figure 1 prototype to determine device placement and interconnectivity requirements.

   • Selected appropriate hardware, including the Cisco 2911 router for routing and the 2960 switch for Layer 2 switching.

2. IP Addressing and Subnetting

   • Divided the provided IP block (10.X.0.0/16) into smaller subnets to accommodate the specific host requirements of each network segment.

   • Assigned static IPs to critical devices, such as the DNS server, and configured a /30 subnet for ISP connectivity.

3. Implementation in Packet Tracer

   • Constructed the network topology using Packet Tracer, connecting devices with the appropriate cables.

   • Configured the router and switches with basic settings and ensured VLANs were correctly assigned for each segment.

4. Dynamic Host Configuration

   • Configured DHCP on the router to enable automatic IP assignment for devices in the Admin, Accounting, Sales, and wireless areas.

   • Verified the accuracy of DHCP allocation through connected devices.

5. Testing and Troubleshooting

   • Conducted rigorous testing using ping, tracert, and ipconfig commands to validate connectivity.

   • Resolved any configuration issues to ensure full connectivity within the branch and with the headquarters via the ISP.

This project showcases a robust understanding of network design and implementation, including practical skills in subnetting, DHCP configuration, device setup, and troubleshooting. It highlights proficiency in using Cisco Packet Tracer and applying networking principles to real-world scenarios.