Assignment $1$: Secure Wireless Network Design for a Small Business Office

Scenario:

InnoMinds Marketing Solutions is a vibrant small marketing agency located in a bustling urban area. The office spans two floors, with a reception area on the ground floor and an open workspace for collaboration. There are individual offices for each team member and two conference rooms equipped with audiovisual facilities for client presentations and virtual meetings. The agency, specializing in digital marketing campaigns, has recently hired five new employees, bringing the total to $25.$

$1.$ Coverage and Capacity:

The open workspace is the heart of collaborative projects; seamless coverage is crucial.

Conference rooms need robust connectivity for client presentations and virtual meetings.

The expansion plan includes hiring more employees, so network capacity must accommodate growth.

$2.$ Security Concerns:

InnoMinds handles sensitive client data and confidential marketing strategies.

Implement security measures to prevent cyber threats and protect client information.

$3.$ Hardware Setup:

Place the router centrally on the ground floor to ensure even coverage.

Install elevated access points in conference rooms and individual offices for enhanced coverage.

Implement cable management strategies, including organized routing and using high$-$quality CAT$6$ cables.

Instructions:

$1.$ Network Design:

Review the scenario provided for a small marketing agency office.

Consider coverage, capacity, and security aspects in your network design.

Considerations:

Collaborate with team members to ensure comprehensive coverage and capacity planning.

Identify and address specific security concerns related to client data and confidential information.

$2.$ Hardware Setup:

Theoretical Emphasis:

Centralized Placement Concept $(30$ minutes$)$:

Study the theoretical concept of centralized hardware placement and its impact on network coverage and performance.

Discuss how placing the router centrally enhances the overall efficiency of the network.

Access Point Height and Coverage $(30$ minutes$)$:

Explore the theoretical considerations of access point height and its influence on signal propagation.

Discuss how elevated access points contribute to better coverage and reduced interference.

Cable Management Theories $(30$ minutes$)$:

Understand the theoretical importance of cable management for network stability.

Discuss the principles of organized cable routing and its role in preventing issues and ensuring long$-$term reliability.

Cable Types and Reliability $(30$ minutes$)$:

Delve into the theoretical aspects of cable types, especially CAT$6,$ and understand their suitability for different network components.

Discuss the theoretical importance of choosing reliable cables to maintain consistent and high$-$performance connections.

$3.$ Network Configuration:

Router Access:

Theoretical understanding of securing router access and changing default credentials.

Discuss the importance of creating strong passwords and utilizing multi$-$factor authentication.

Explore the theoretical significance of regularly updating router firmware for security patches.

Wireless Configuration:

Theoretical considerations for SSID naming conventions and dual$-$band usage.

Discuss the theoretical advantages and challenges of concealing SSIDs for added security.

Explore the theoretical benefits and considerations of dual$-$band usage in a smart home environment.

$4.$ Connectivity Testing:

Device Connection:

Theoretical aspects of testing connectivity with various smart devices.

Discuss the theoretical role of DHCP and its impact on smart device connection.

Explore the theoretical importance of testing with different smart devices to ensure a versatile network.

Performance Testing:

Theoretical insights into performance testing.

Discuss the theoretical significance of measuring throughput, latency, and jitter for assessing network performance.

Explore the theoretical use of iPerf as a tool for advanced performance analysis.

$5.$ Security Testing:

Theoretical Overview:

Ethical Hacking Principles:

Study the theoretical understanding of ethical hacking principles.

Discuss the role of ethical hackers in identifying potential vulnerabilities without causing harm.

Simulated Unauthorized Access Attempts:

Explore the theoretical concept of simulated unauthorized access attempts.

Discuss the importance of obtaining proper authorization for conducting security testing.

Wireshark Analysis: Theoretical Considerations:

Engage in a theoretical discussion on Wireshark analysis and its implications.

Understand how Wireshark captures and analyzes network traffic theoretically.

Discuss the theoretical ethical considerations of analyzing network packets, ensuring compliance with privacy laws.

$6.$ Documentation:

Theoretical Network Design Document:

Develop a comprehensive theoretical document outlining the network design, emphasizing the strategic placement of r