TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Proposed Network System

1. Compliance Matrix

1. Suggested Items

1. Network Layout Diagram

Insert diagram here

2. Network Description

The following outlines our proposal in response to your requirements for installing a local area network (LAN) and computerizing your operation. It includes a brief description of the various components outlined in the compliance matrix and their organization within the proposed network. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information or clarification.

1. 
   Servers

The network is designed to serve fifty + users taking into consideration a growth potential of ten percent within two years. It is a Server-Based network consisting of two servers, a primary server for ongoing day-to-day operations and a second, backup server utilized in the event of primary server failure. This server continually backs up key data from the primary server at five minute intervals. Critical enterprise data can be backed up on a daily basis using the tape backup drive.

The server that we suggest is a Compac Prosignia Server 740¹. This server is very powerful and gives the company the opportunity to expand with a minimum hardware addition. The specifications of that unit follow the pace of the new technology in the market.

 

2. Hubs

• Complements the cable structure already in place.
• If one computer goes down, it will not affect the rest of the network. The other computers will be able to continue to communicate.
• The connection material is relatively simple to work with.
• It is easy to add users.
• It runs on an "open circuit" system thereby simplifying trouble-shooting.

1. PCWorkstations

The proposed laptop, Compaq Deskpro EP Series – SLP, is well suited for small or medium size businesses¹. Those units are very competitive in price and offer a good performance all around.

To complement these workstations, we selected 15" V500 Monitor. This monitor maximizes convenience without sacrificing functionality. Considering the overall cost effectiveness of the network, the selected monitor is a practical choice.

2. Laptops and Modems

• The laptop will be used for travel purposes and not as primary working unit.
• The model is lightweight and compact (only 6.9 pounds)
• The laptop must also be expandable to handle future applications without being obsolete in a few months.

1. Software

Based on our research, the best deal is to work directly with Microsoft and not through a distributor. Depending on the purchaser specifications and the amount of users, Microsoft offers various packages. Here is what we suggest for Thompson, Strickland and Clissold:

Operating System Software

NT Server software will be licensed for 2 servers and packaged together with fifty client access licenses. Microsoft under this license agreement will allow additional client accesses (no additional charge) for the laptops.

Note that for an additional 10%, Microsoft will include the required server and client components of their internal mail software, MS Exchange, for fifty users. Such software would increase office efficiency and limit the usage of paper.

System Management Software & Application Software



Windows 95 and Office 97 will be packaged together for 20% less than if they were purchased separately. This holds true if being installed on fifty or more workstations. The software will be installed directly on each machine including laptops. This enables every station to work independently from the server. If the server goes down, the workstations can still be running.

The Professional Edition of Office 97 will be installed. This version includes Outlook 97, Word 97, Excel 97, Access 97, Bookshelf Basics and Internet Explorer⁴.

 

2. Virus Detection

• It detects and destroys most viruses automatically and has the best virus detection rates with the lowest number of false alarms.
• Its exclusive NetGuard technology provides highly advanced virus protection against viruses in hostile Internet downloads and e-mails.
• Its recursive decompression technology finds viruses even in compressed and zipped files.
• Its famous SOS disk rescues computers in case of virus attack.

1. Connection to the Internet and Dial-In Capabilities

Users in the office will be able to connect to the Internet through one Router, a dedicated 128K ISDN line, and TCP/IP protocol. The router is connected to the ISDN Line and to the network HUB. It maintains continuous connection with the server allowing IP traffic to be routed between the LAN and the Internet. MS Windows NT Server offers the Windows NT Remote Access Service (RAS) to allow users to access the network from a remote location.

RAS makes it possible for up to 256 users to dial into the network through regular telephone lines, allowing the same access to the network as if the employees were at the office. Based the specifications as outlined in the Request for Proposal Document, it is necessary for two concurrent users to have dial-up access to the network. To meet this requirement, two individual telephone lines must be purchased, one for each employee requiring access. Access to the server will be provided by the installation of a Comtrol 4 Port RocketModem II 56K* V.90 Multimodem PCI Card into the back-up server⁶.

 

2. Printers

Seven printers are recommended in total to serve the six departments. This provides a ratio of better than one printer per ten users. There will be one printer in each department with the exception of the Tax & Real Estate Law department, which will have two as it has more users to support. All users will have a default printer and an alternate printer configured on their workstation. Therefore, if a user’s default printer goes down, they will be able to redirect their print requests to another printer.


The HP LaserJet 8000 N printer was selected as it addresses a growing network burden; users who print multiple original copies of their documents (or mopies, as HP calls them) rather than printing one original and making photocopies⁷. To keep network traffic light, these printers use a technology that sends a print job across the network only once, regardless how many copies are requested by the user. The printers then handle the multiple job requests locally, instead of clogging up the network.


Combined with these networking smarts are fast printing speeds. The HP LaserJet 8000 N with fast 133MHz processor increases the printer’s overall speed and efficiency.

3. On-Line Help Desk Support Application

• Centralized database for easy information access to collective knowledge.
• Multi-field search function for fast, easy review of problem histories.
• Pop-up "to do" function for tracking and maintaining service quality.
• User-defined fields for enhanced customizability.
• Convenient browser button for Internet launch direct from Persist.
• Customizable graphical interface for enhanced user-friendliness, decreased training time.
• Very competitive in price compared to similar products.

1. Network Security


In the law firm, there will be some information that will be shared only within a particular group or a department and will be shielded from the rest of the members. For this reason, the network will be composed of centralized system with dedicated servers².

A LAN Administrator should be assigned to setup and maintain users individual access rights to the server as well as designations for access to all other shared network resources. A password policy should be clearly defined to control data access including password renewal every sixty days for example. Additionally, certain access rights should be assigned on a user by user basis.

To guard against use without permission, user accounts should be locked, for a duration of forty hours for example, if a user types the incorrect password four times in succession. The Administrator has access to unlock the account immediately.

To accommodate for temporary, contract, or other non-permanent employee access; a guest account should be set up with limited access privileges to the system.

Other security considerations:

Auditing: Can be used to restrict access to particularly sensitive network resources or peripherals, or to identify which users have accessed which resources over given period of time

Diskless computers: Can be used if there is any concern that non-permanent employees or permanent employees will intentionally copy data to disks and take it off the premises or download data and misuse it.

Encryption: Can be used to protect sensitive data against those individuals who can potentially cause harm if they were to get a hold of the data.

2. Suggested Upgrades Description

Portable Printer and Laptop Carry Case

Portable printers provide printing and scanning on the go convenience for firm associates who are on business trips. We feel that they will pair up nicely with the laptop computer they will be carrying on the trip.

Figure 3.11-1 Canon BJC-80

The portable printer we are proposing has the following features9: Ability to both print and scan documents. Contain battery pack that makes it a truly portable printer. Small (11.8- by 6.2-inch footprint) and weighs only 4.5 lbs. with AC adapter. Setting up the printer is a 5-minute exercise, and operating it is just as simple. Built-in IrDA port for wireless printing.

Digital Sender

A digital sender would be a useful tool for a law firm sending out a lot of original documents. The digital sender acts as a scanner and forwards documents via e-mail or the internet. Here are some features¹⁰:

• Has address storage capability (called LADP).
• Has the speed of a fax machine and the quality of an original document at the cost of an e-mail transmission.
• Less expensive than overnight courier, mail or fax with higher quality on the receiver’s end.
• Compresses the image saving disk space.
• Speeds network traffic and avoids a bottle neck.
• Saves a step between going to the scanner, putting it on the server then collecting it and e-mailing, done all right there at the digital sender.

In order to implement this, a fax server is required. With the Fast Track process, installation takes about five minutes. Simply connect the device to your network with the HP JetDirect connection, then enter in the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and e-mail server address. That's all it takes to be able to send paper documents via e-mail.

Printer Attachment - 5 Bin Mailbox Finisher

1. Equipment List

The following Table provides a summary of the equipment needed.

1. Network Implementation

• Please refer to Appendix B for a detailed Time-Line of the implementation. Also note that the list below is not in chronological order.

Table 4.1

Steps to Network Implementation

1. Support

Vibe is committed to maintaining and supporting our systems year after year. Might our client encounter any problem such as fire or flood, Vibe will be there. We maintain a library of all projects (specifications, layout diagram) on our premises. Vibe is immediately prepared to reinstall the system.

For this particular project, Vibe will have a technician on site for the first week to fix any problems or conflicts encountered by the various users. We will also offer training at different levels to ensure a smooth transition.

Furthermore, Vibe offers Network Support and Maintenance on an on-going basis at a competitive price. If a problem can be solved by a brief phone call, no time is billed. When more expensive modifications are needed, our highly technical staff can solve the problem quickly and efficiently. Our Network Engineers are maintain certifications in the following manufacturer technical programs: Microsoft Solution Provider, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, etc…

Vibe provides a four-hour response service call between the hours of 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM Monday to Friday. Arrangements can also be made for support or maintenance outside of those hours. If a component cannot be repaired within forty-eight hours of a service call, we provide a no-charge loaner device while your unit is being repaired.

2. Corporate Overview
1. Firm Profile

Vibe was founded in 1998 to address a growing need for Network and Infrastructure support. We currently support clients in the Toronto metropolitan area. Our focus markets include legal, association, and other professional service organizations. While maintaining a local presence, we have strategic partnership with national service providers to facilitate supports to clients with multiple locations.

Vibe is committed to solving today’s business challenges through the strategic use of networking technology. The company also has robust support implementation. For these reasons, our relationships with our customers are often ongoing partnerships that extend beyond the parameters of a single one-time installation project. Our staff of consultants and engineers readily shares its wealth of experience with our customers.

For further information on Vibe, you can visit our Web Site:

http://205.250.133.7/novvb3t9

 

2. Project Personnel

Vibe is proposing a five-person project team to complete the implementation of the LAN. Each member specializes in a specific field of networking and provides for an all-star team. Please note that each team member is Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and possess specific technical certifications in their area of expertise. Here is an outline of the project personnel:

Judith Paradis, Project Manager and LAN Solution Provider

With over 10 year of real-life experience in network strategy and implementation, Judith provides effective and efficient LAN solutions. She will meet with you to overview all network requirement and present and discuss the implementation process.

The Project Manager will be your primary contact for the Business Proposal. Do not hesitate to contact this person for any information required.

Business Phone: 905-936-1118
Toll Free: 1-800-936-8756
Fax: 905-936-7229
E-mail: jparadis@Vibe.com

Rob Leblanc, Senior Network Engineer

Rob is an experienced Local Area Network specialist. He will be the key person in the network installation and hardware configuration. His technical training includes Compaq, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft Certifications.

Waleed Al-Saad, Server and Software Implementation Specialist

Waleed will provide for all primary and backup servers needs. With over 8 years of experience and a Microsoft Windows NT Certification, he brings extreme competency in the team. Furthermore, Waleed will install all required software and test the system.

Amy Sanderson, Hardware Specialist

This highly trained Hardware Technician with over 8 years of hands-on experience will be working at every step of the implementation project. Amy is technically certified by many manufacturers such as Compaq and Hewlett Packard.

Kevin Choe, Support and Training Specialist

Kevin will be working closely with your Information Systems Department. He will be physically present the first week following the network implementation. Kevin will provide a training program called: "Network Orientation and Training". This training program was developed by Vibe especially for Network Administrator and users.

Note: Personal Resumes of the team members further describing their experience and certifications is attached in Appendix A.

3. References and Business of Similar Scope

Vibe has extensive experience in the design, configuration, implementation and support of LAN networks. The selected references described below demonstrate our experience and expertise:

Deloitte & Touche Accountants

The tax law department of Deloitte & Touche, accounting firm of, has fifty users and is located in Toronto, ON. The firm’s core practice is in professional tax law and corporate contracts.

The firm faced several challenges with its existing network, including software and hardware obsolescence, an inability to communicate and exchange documents with clients, and internet access. For some time, the firm’s partners had recognized a need to upgrade their present system in order to maintain their competitive edge. Vibe was selected for the project because of our technical depth, infrastructure support, and our local commitment to the client. Working with Vibe and other independent consultants, the computer committee determined a need to migrate from Novell 3.12 to a Microsoft NT 4.0 server. At the same time, they needed to upgrade all staff workstations from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95, Exchange 5.0 with internet e-mail capabilities, and from WordPerfect 5.1 to Microsoft Office Suite 97.

Vibe presented a phased-in approach with an emphasis on ongoing network support. One of the firm’s most fundamental needs was to make sure that all employees could understand and work successfully in the desktop environment. To meet this need, the firm set up on-site application training in MS Word for all accountants and staff. Additional training sessions are planned for PowerPoint and other desktop applications. The attitude of employees to these changes has been very receptive. Only four months after this new environment was introduced, the Novell server and DOS environment have been completely disconnected. What’s more, not a single employee has asked to have the old WordPerfect program reinstalled.

Blacke Cassells, Law Firm

Blacke Cassells retained Vibe to design and implement a network for their office in the Toronto metropolitan area. Vibe developed an NT server configuration, Windows 95 workstation configuration and a Microsoft Mail architecture to serve up to 100 users. The design construction was flexible, enabling growth to provide for their potential merger with a Financial Planning firm. The project included file, print and database services.

4. References Contact (Fictional)

 

Client: Deloitte & Touche Accountants

Project: Network Upgrade and Internet Solutions
Contact: Mr. Charles Reid, VP Operations
Phone: 416-748-8692
Fax: 416-748-9492

 

Client: Mutual Life Insurance

Project: Corporate Network Planning and Implementation
Contact: Ms. Cheryl Pape, IS Director
Phone: 905-587-54276
Fax: 905-765-7328

 

3. Bibliography

2. http://www.compaq.ca
3. Network Essentials, Microsoft Press, Redmond, California. ISBN 1-57231-527-X
4. http://www.3com.com
5. http://www.microsoft.com
6. http://www.mcafee.com
7. http://www.comtrol.com
8. http://www.pandi.hp.com
9. http://www.ctc-core.com
10. http://computershopper.2dnet.com
11. http://www.digitalsender.hp.com

1. Glossary of Terms

Backup domain controller (BDC)

In a Windows NT Server domain, a BDC refers to a computer that receives a copy of the domain’s security policy and domain database and authenticates network logons. It provides a backup in the event the primary domain controller becomes unavailable. See also Primary Domain Controller.

Bridge

A network "relay" which reads, buffers, and sends data to relay it from one data link to another, but makes the two data links appear as one to levels higher than the data link layer.

Bus

A term used for a kind of electronic device in which a number of elements are wired together with a single wire in such way that all the elements can use the same wire to transmit information to other devices on it. Buses are used internally in computers and used to attach computers to peripherals. For the purposes of LANs, bus is a term for a LAN topology which has the same characteristic: the same wire is attached to a number of devices which all share that wire to transmit to other devices on the LAN. ThickWire and ThinWire Ethernet, Localtalk, and ARCnet are examples of LAN technologies with a bus topology.

Dialup Modem

Modem used over ordinary dial-up telephone lines as opposed to private or leased lines.

Dedicated Server

A dedicated server is a computer on a network that only functions as a server and is not used as a client.

Domain Controller

Server-based computer that authenticates domain logons, and maintains the security policy and the master database for a domain.

Encryption

The process of making information indecipherable to protect it from unauthorized viewing or use, especially during transmission or when the data is stored on a transportable magnetic medium. A key is required to decode the information.

 

Fire wall

Barriers set up in bridges, routers, or gateways to filter packets based on type of packet (TCP/IP, IPX, and so on) or destination address. Fire walls control traffic between the network and the environment beyond it by controlling which packets pass through them.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system including any peripheral equipment such as printers, modems and mouse devices.

 

Hub

A connectivity component that provides a common connection among computers in a star-configured network. Active hubs required electrical power, but they are able to regenerate and retransmit network data. Passive hubs simply organize the wiring.

IP "Internet Protocol"

The basic protocol of TCP/IP and the Internet.

 

ISDN "Integrated Services Digital Network"

A recent development in telephone/data communications that offers the subscriber digitized voice service and/or 64Kbps data service.

LAN "Local Area Network"

Computers connected together in a geographically close network, such as in the same building, campus, or office park.

Modem

A communication device that enables a computer to transmit information over a standard telephone line.

 

Network

Two or more computers and associated devices that are connected by communication facilities.

 

NIC "Network Interface Card"

A term used for the card you put in a PC to allow it to be attached to a network. The term and acronym is most often used with respect to IBM compatibles, and LANs such as Ethernet and Token Ring.

 

POP "Post Office Protocol"

A TCP/IP-based protocol designed to allow client-stations (e.g. micros) to read mail from a server. There are three versions under the name "POP": POP, POP2, and POP3. Latter versions are NOT compatible with earlier versions.

Primary Domain Controller "PDC"

The PDC is the first computer in a Windows NT Server domian during installation. It contains a master copy of domain information, validates rules, and can act as a file, print, and application server. Every domain is required to have one and only one PDC.

Protocol

Set of rules or standards designed to enable computers to connect with one another, and peripheral devices to exchange information with as little error as possible.

RJ-11 ("Registered Jack" 11)

A four-wire modular connector used to join a telephone line to a wall plate or a communications peripheral such as a modem.

RJ-45 ("Registered Jack" 45)

A eight-wire modular connector used to join a telephone line to a wall plate or some other device. It is similar to an RJ-11 telephone connector but has twice the number of conductors.

Router

A network "relay" that uses a protocol beyond the data-link protocol to route traffic between LANs and other network links.

Server

A computer that provides shared resources to network users.

Server-based Network

A network in which resource security and lost other network functions are provided by dedicated servers.

Star

A classification of network technology (known as its topology) defined by a network which consists of a central element attached to its client computers via wires leading out from the central element. A LAN that consists of a number of computers each directly attached to an ATM switch is a good example of a star-topology LAN.

 

TCP/IP "Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol"

TCP/IP is an industry standard suite of protocols providing communications in a heterogeneous environment. In addition, TCP/IP provides a routable, enterprise networking protocol and access to the Internet and its resources.

Topology

Term used to describe a general characteristic of a LAN technology which more or less describes the shape of the necessary wiring. Three examples are bus, ring, and star.

UPS "Uninterruptible Power Supply"

A device connected between a computer, or some other piece of electronic equipment, and a power source, such as an electrical outlet. The UPS ensures that the electrical flow to the computer is not interrupted because of blackout and, in most cases, to protect the computer against potentially damaging events such as power surges and brownouts.