I would suggest the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS) because:-
It makes it possible to centrally manage network resources, such as programs, data and devices (McLeish, 2009).
It makes it possible for employees to secure access to the network.
It allows remote users to connect to the network.
It allows users to connect to other networks like the Internet.
It backs up data entered and make sure it's always available.
It allow for simple additions of computers and other resources in the network.
It monitors the status and functionality of network elements e.g. computers.
It distributes programs and software updates to computers.
It ensures efficient use of a server's capabilities.
I would in co-operate two servers, an AAA server and a VPN server. A VPN server would enable users to access the network remotely. It is an intranet resource that is attached to the perimeter network.
An AAA server is server that is capable of handling user request for access to computer resources in a particular network. The AAA server usually interacts with the access to network while VPN server interacts with directories and databases that contain user information.
A router would also be also introduced to the environment. It manages the paths along which information is forwarded within a network. It is necessary to facilitate communication between computers in different networks (Kigui, 2010).
A switch will also be inco-orperated in the environment which will facilitate the connection of different computers within that environment. It is a device that channels incoming data from any of multiple input ports to the specific output port that will take the data towards its intended destination. The different computers will be connected to the switch using the twisted pair cables which were proposed earlier. The twisted pair cables would be transformed to a straight through cable to facilitate connection of the work stations to the switch.
1. A remotely accessed virtual network cuts down on expenses on connectivity to the outside world. With remotely accessed VPN, firms will only need a good and effective connection to the provider offering viable and speedy connectivity. Local broadband connections are slightly cheaper and more reliable compared to long distance connections. VPNs will also reduce the expenses by lowering the instances one will need to make long-distant calls in order to gain access to a remote network which costs the company an extra coin to make that call (Holland et.al., 1986). With a VPN, one will only be required to call the nearest service’s provider access point in order to gain access to the network remotely.
2. Initial cost for setting up a leased line may be cheap. However, the rates increase as the firm expands. For example, if a firm had two premises when it began, it only needs one dedicated line to connect the two but when it adds up to two or three premises, other lines will need to be installed which will be slightly expensive. Allowing the staff to gain entry to the firm’s network while seated at home will lead to high productivity since they can communicate or even perform work in the evenings instead of having to remain at the office to access files and programs that are on the corporate network.
3. Huge firm networks are possible target to intruders; giving access to employees from anywhere can be a threat to the company. A VPN is a secure, encrypted connection between an outside computer and a corporate network, and in any case someone eavesdrops to the communication that is being channeled via the VPN connection, it would be difficult for them to interpret any of the information because of the encryption. Employees can still use the firm’s network while enjoying high security standards (McKenzie et.al. 2012).
4. A frequently used computer having a remotely accesse VPN allows its users to access it from any place around world. This is a huge advantage to the owner because he/she doesn’t have to carry his work information or personal information because he/she can still access it while it is still at the work place or at home.
5. A remote access VPN reduces the transit time and transportation expenditures for remote employees, thus an employee doesn’t have to incur commuter expenses coming to work and valuable time being wasted in commuting.
6. The general maintenance of servers which have remote access VPN compared with other alternatives are relatively cheaper and manageable because companies can seek the required assistance from people who know it best i.e. third-party service providers. It can also be cost effective on the network administrator of the company since when certain configurations need to be changed on a remote server the administrator doesn’t have travel to the location.
Work cited
Kigui, C. (2010). Incooperating server networks. New York, USA: Flat World Knowledge, L.L.C.
McKenzie, J. F., Pinger, R. R., & Kotecki, J. E. (2012). Virtual Private Networks Health, 7th Ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers
Holland, J. H., Holyoak, K. J., Nisbett, R. E., & Thagard, P. R. (1986). VPN Secure Remote Access, Learning and Discovery. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press
McLeish, E. (2009). Operating Systems and Computer Networks. London UK: The Rosen Publishing Group
