Directions: Complete the criss-cross puzzle and familiarize yourself of the cables being described. Write your answer in a clean sheet of paper. 

CABLES 

Objective: To apply the concepts of computer system and network configuration in a simulated environment. Participants will plan, design, and implement a network for a small business, considering hardware selection, security measures, and scalability.

Materials Needed:

• Computers or laptops with internet access

• Network simulation software (such as Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3) or actual physical devices (routers, switches, and cables)

• Network design tools (pen and paper or software like Microsoft Visio or Lucidchart for creating network diagrams)

• Access to basic software (operating systems, web browsers)

Instructions:

Step 1: Requirements Gathering and Network Design (Planning Phase)

1. Scenario:

   • You are tasked with designing and configuring a network for a small office that has 20 employees. The office requires the following:

     • Internet access for all devices

     • File sharing capabilities between computers

     • Wireless connectivity for employees' laptops and mobile devices

     • Printing services via shared printers

     • A secure environment to protect sensitive data

2. Design the Network:

   • Draw the network topology diagram for the office, considering the following:

     • Number of devices and their types (e.g., computers, printers, wireless devices)

     • Network devices required (routers, switches, wireless access points)

     • Type of cables needed (Ethernet cables for wired connections, and Wi-Fi for wireless)

     • IP addressing scheme (decide whether to use static or dynamic IP addresses)

     • Consider network security (e.g., Wi-Fi encryption standards, firewall settings)

3. Deliverable:

   • A detailed network topology diagram that illustrates the design and connections between network devices.

Step 2: Selecting and Configuring Hardware (Implementation Phase)

1. Hardware Selection:

   • Choose the required hardware for the network. For the simulation:

     • Select routers, switches, and wireless access points based on the network size and required features.

     • Choose a router with sufficient bandwidth for handling the internet and internal traffic.

     • Ensure you have enough network cables for wired connections.

2. Simulating the Configuration:

   • In a network simulation tool (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer), configure the following:

     • Set up the router with internet access and internal network.

     • Configure switches to allow communication between wired devices.

     • Set up a wireless access point with security settings (e.g., WPA3 encryption).

     • Configure IP addressing (DHCP or static IP addresses for all devices).

3. Deliverable:

   • A working network simulation with all devices properly configured and connected.

Step 3: Security Configuration (Security Measures)

1. Security Setup:

   • Apply security measures to ensure the network is protected:

     • Enable firewall settings on the router to block unwanted traffic.

     • Configure strong Wi-Fi encryption (WPA3).

     • Set up user access controls and passwords for shared resources.

     • Secure sensitive data through file-sharing permissions.

2. Deliverable:

   • A list of security configurations applied, including firewall settings, Wi-Fi security, and user access control.

Step 4: Testing and Troubleshooting (Verification Phase)

1. Test Network Connectivity:

   • Use the ping command or network diagnostic tools to test connectivity between devices.

   • Verify that each device can access the internet and other devices on the network.

   • Test the file-sharing capabilities between two or more computers.

2. Troubleshooting:

   • If any device fails to connect, troubleshoot the network by checking cables, IP settings, and firewall configurations.

   • Simulate potential issues like incorrect IP addresses, disconnected cables, or security settings that block access.

3. Deliverable:

   • A report detailing the network testing results and any troubleshooting steps taken.

Step 5: Reflection and Reporting

1. Reflection:

   • Write a short report summarizing the network configuration process, the decisions made during the design phase, the security measures implemented, and any challenges faced during the testing and troubleshooting phases.

   • Reflect on how the network setup can be scaled in the future as the business grows.

2. Presentation:

   • Present your network design and configuration to the class or group. Explain your choices for hardware, IP addressing, security, and any challenges you overcame during the implementation.

3. Deliverable:

   • A final report and presentation that showcases your network design, security configurations, and testing results.