 Networks A visit to the admin block…

Network Topology  Our school uses the flat topology.  All devices are connected directly to one another in this type of topology except when hubs or switches are used.  The main threat or issue for this type of topology is securing this network from inside attack.  Since every devices are directly connected, access restriction to certain information is more lenient.

VLANS  VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network or simply Virtual LANs.  It allows the network system to be split up into virtual environments.  The PCs for teachers, students, accounts department etc. all operate under separate LANs.  However, it looks as if they are all on the same network since the LANs are connected to each other and forms a Virtual Lans (VLAN).  Teachers do not have access to information on the PCs in the accounts department and students don’t have access to information shared between teachers and vice versa.

VLAN illustration Source:

System storage  IBM system storage is used to backup data stored in the network.  Data is backed up on tapes using incremental backup method.  There are slots for tapes to be inserted in the device.  New data are backed up every night during weekdays and all of the data will be backed up on weekends.  At the end of every term, all data are stored on fireproof tapes and are brought to an off site territory.

Servers  These are the servers stacked next to each other in the rack.  The servers on the top are the older ones. They store applications shared between all the computers e.g Microsoft outlook.  The bottom ones are called the blade servers. They are more compact and dense which allows the size to be reduced.  The servers process very large amount of data and heat up very quickly hence they are stored in an air conditioned room.

HUBs  This is the hub that connects all the devices and workstations and form a network.  The school uses fiber optic cables that runs underground and connect to devices in different blocks of the school.  Fiber optic cables transmit data at the speed of light.

VMware  The software used to control the operation of the servers are called the VMware.  They allowed the virtualization of the network which is the concept of the VLAN.  The software allows user to control and monitor the operations of all the servers.  Since a virtual network is used, errors in any server would not be a problem since the data and files can simply be transferred to another one using this software.

Symantec  Data transferred within the network is protected using a software called Symantec.  The server in the network is also protected by this software.  Up to a million or 97% of all s received by users in the network are spams.  The software blocks 99% of all spam mails. Mails without a subject are considered as spam mails and will be blocked.  Rogue mails are those which they are uncertain of. Users will be notified that they received these s and will be able to accept or decline.