Computer Sci Network Design

About this Project

In this assignment, you will apply your knowledge of IP addressing schemes, address translation, routing protocol, and network topologies to  design a simple network architecture for a mid-sized organization that meets user requirements and supports core business operations.

Course Learning Outcomes

The following course learning outcomes are assessed in this project:

· Apply knowledge of software and hardware requirements to design basic network applications that address specialized needs.

AI may be used as a tool to support your process with  proper documentation but may  not create or write any part of your project for you. AI-generated projects will result in an academic integrity violation as outlined in the  Study.com Academic Integrity Policy.

Instructions

Scenario:

You have been hired as a network designer by WaveRight Solutions, a growing IT services company. The company consists of three departments--Administration, Sales, and Support. The organization currently operates in a small setup but is expanding to a new office that will accommodate approximately 50 employees.

WaveRight Solutions requires a scalable and secure IP-based network that supports internet connectivity, data sharing, VoIP communication, and access to centralized resources such as printers and servers.

As the network designer, your task is to plan and document a complete network design that meets the company's requirements for performance, scalability, and reliability.

Tasks

Create a network design document that includes the following components:

1) Network Requirement Analysis

· Describe the networking requirements of the organization, including the number of users, devices, and supported applications.

· Briefly explain the reasoning behind your assessment--why these specific needs matter for the organization and how they influence your overall network design choices (e.g., bandwidth needs, departmental demands, scalability considerations).

2) Topology Design

· Propose logical and physical network topology for the organization.

· Draw clear and precise network diagrams.

· Briefly describe the reasoning behind your topology decisions, including why you selected the specific layout and how it best supports performance, scalability, fault tolerance, and departmental structure.

3) IP Addressing and Subnetting Plan

· Outline an IP addressing scheme for the organization.

· Provide subnetting tables showing network segments and host allocations.

· Briefly explain the reasoning behind your addressing choices, such as how you determined network segments, host allocations, and efficient use of IP ranges.

4) Reflection on Design Choices

· Discuss one design challenge you encountered and how your final solution meets real-world networking needs.

Deliverables:

Network design document that includes:

· Detailed overview of the network design

· Logical and physical topology diagrams

· An IP addressing scheme with subnetting tables

· Reflection (200-250 words) on challenges and real-world relevance

You may refer to the course material for supporting evidence, but you must also use  1-2 external sources. All sources should be cited using APA format.

Formatting

Please write your project in APA format and submit it as a Microsoft Word or Google Docs file.

Grading

Your project will be graded based on the following rubric:

Criteria	Excellent (5)	Good (4)	Needs Improvement (2-3)	Unacceptable (1)	Total Possible Points
Network Requirement Analysis (x5)	Clearly identifies all user groups, devices, and applications; thoroughly explains why each requirement matters to business operations.	Clearly identifies most needs accurately but misses some connections to business use.	Lists requirements but gives limited or vague reasoning or organization.	Missing or inaccurate description of needs.	25
Topology & Architecture Design (x5)	Creates accurate logical and physical diagrams; design supports scalability, security, and reliability; includes clear, detailed justification for decisions.	Designs are accurate and support needs, but justification may lack depth in parts.	Shows only a basic or unclear diagram; unclear or vague justification.	No usable or accurate design submitted; justification is missing or irrelevant.	25
IP Addressing and Subnetting Plan (x5)	Provides a complete IP scheme with correct subnet calculations and clear tables; addresses all departments and provides clear, detailed justificaton for decisions.	Mostly accurate with minor calculation or formatting errors; justification is present but may lack depth.	Includes IPs but incomplete or inconsistent subnetting; justification is limited or unclear.	Missing or incorrect addressing and subnetting details; justification is missing or irrelevant.	25
Reflection on Design Choices (x3)	Reflection shows deep insight into design challenges encountered and thoughtfully explains how final solution meets real-world networking needs.	Clear reflection on design challenges encountered and explanation of how final solution meets real-world networking needs.	Reflection is limited, unclear, or vague; explanation of how final solution meets real-world networking needs is shallow.	Reflection and explanation are missing or largely unclear or irrelevant.	15
Written Communication (x2)	Writing is exceptionally clear, well-organized, professional, and free of errors. Technical vocabulary used correctly.	Writing is generally clear and organized with only minor errors.	Writing contains noticeable issues in grammar, flow, or clarity; organization is weak.	Writing is unclear, disorganized, or contains persistent errors that impede understanding.	10

Grading Timeline & Policies:

· You should receive your project grade within 48 hours.

· If you are not satisfied with the score you receive, you may revise and resubmit for grading.

· Keep in mind that the grade you receive on your project is only a portion of your overall grade for the course. Please see the course syllabus for a more detailed breakdown of the grading policy.

Resources

Related Lessons

· Logical vs. Physical Topology: Definition, Types & Examples

· Designing IPv4 Networks & Subnetting

· Router Architecture: Definition & Components

· Routing & Switching: Definition & Function

· Network Segmentation & IP Subnetting: Definition & Processes

Writing Help

For additional guidance on completing this project, consult the following:

· Research Sources

· Evaluating Sources

· What is APA Format? Style & Definition

· How To Format APA Citations