Creating a Comprehensive Network Infrastructure Strategy for a 10-Floor Building Using Ubuntu

  To create a well-documented strategy for a 10-floor building network infrastructure based on Ubuntu, the document will include: Projec...

 

To create a well-documented strategy for a 10-floor building network infrastructure based on Ubuntu, the document will include:

1. Project Strategy
2. Hardware Requirements
3. Software and Tools
4. Network Layout & Design
5. Personnel Requirements (IT Technicians, Admins)
6. Cost Estimation (for Pakistan)

Here's a detailed breakdown:

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1. Project Strategy

This project involves setting up a robust network infrastructure across a 10-floor building with a server in the basement, serving thousands of employees in various departments. The project objectives are:

1. Network Reliability: Ensure continuous network availability.
2. Centralized Management: Centralize user and resource management for ease of administration.
3. Compatibility with Windows and Linux: Enable use of WINE for running Windows applications on Ubuntu workstations.
4. Wi-Fi Access and IP Phones: Enable wireless connectivity on each floor and provide IP phone capabilities for intercommunication.
5. Printing and File Sharing: Shared printers on each floor and network file sharing capabilities.

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2. Hardware Requirements

2.1. Servers

• Server Type: Dell PowerEdge or HPE ProLiant Rack Servers
• Specifications:
• Model: Dell PowerEdge R740 or HPE ProLiant DL380
• Processor: Dual Intel Xeon Silver/Gold (for high performance)
• RAM: 64GB minimum (upgradable to 128GB)
• Storage: SSDs (2TB) for speed, HDDs (10TB+) for data storage
• Operating System: Ubuntu Server LTS
• Approximate Cost: PKR 400,000 - 600,000 per server.

2.2. Routers and Switches

• Main Router: Cisco ISR 4000 Series or Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Infinity for enterprise routing capabilities
• Cost: PKR 200,000 - 300,000

• Switches:
• Core Switch (Basement): Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series for high-performance switching.
• Cost: PKR 300,000 - 500,000

• Access Switches (Floor Distribution): Cisco Catalyst 2960-X for each floor.
• Cost per Switch: PKR 70,000 - 100,000 (10 required for 10 floors)

2.3. Wireless Access Points (Wi-Fi)

• Model: Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO or Cisco Meraki MR Series
• Installation: 5-6 per floor for optimal coverage.
• Cost per AP: PKR 25,000 - 35,000
• Total Cost: PKR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000

2.4. IP Phones

• Model: Cisco IP Phone 8800 Series or Yealink SIP-T46S
• Cost per Unit: PKR 20,000 - 30,000
• Total Units: 100-120 for the entire building.
• Total Cost: PKR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000
  
  
  

2.5. Printing and Scanning

• Model: HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw for central printing/scanning on each floor.
• Cost per Unit: PKR 100,000
• Total Cost: PKR 1,000,000 (for 10 floors)
  
  
  

2.6. CCTV

• Model: Hikvision DS-2CD2385G1-I or Dahua HD cameras
• Cost per Unit: PKR 10,000 - 15,000
• Total Cameras: 5-8 per floor.
• Total Cost: PKR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000

2.7. Racks and Cabling

• Server Racks: 42U floor-standing server rack cabinets for housing servers, routers, and switches.
• Cost per Rack: PKR 150,000 - 200,000 (2 racks needed)

• Cabling: Cat6 cables for Ethernet connectivity, fiber optic for backbone links.
• Cabling Cost: PKR 500,000 - 700,000
• Patch Panels and Accessories: PKR 200,000 - 300,000

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3. Software and Tools

3.1. Operating System

• Ubuntu Server LTS for servers (free, open-source).
• Ubuntu Desktop for workstations with WINE and PlayOnLinux installed for Windows compatibility.

3.2. Network and User Management

• OpenLDAP: For centralized authentication and user management.
• Samba: For file and printer sharing compatible with Windows.
• FreePBX: For IP phone system integration and call routing.

3.3. Monitoring and Security

• Nagios: Network monitoring tool to track uptime and performance.
• UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall): Built-in firewall on Ubuntu for securing access.
• Suricata or Snort: Intrusion detection and prevention systems.

3.4. Backup and Storage Solutions

• rsnapshot: For incremental backups of workstations and servers.

• Nextcloud: For cloud file sharing and collaboration, similar to Dropbox.
  
  
  

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4. Network Layout & Design

4.1. IP Distribution and VLANs

• Each floor will have its own VLAN to separate traffic.
• IP Allocation:
• Server VLAN: 10.0.0.x
• Management VLAN (9th and 10th Floors): 10.0.1.x
• Employee VLANs (for other floors): 10.0.2.x to 10.0.10.x
• Wi-Fi VLAN: For guests and employee BYOD devices (Bring Your Own Device).

4.2. Wi-Fi Coverage and Roaming

• Multiple access points on each floor to ensure full coverage and seamless roaming between floors.
• Centralized controller for AP management (using Ubiquiti or Cisco Controller).

4.3. Security Measures

• Access Control: Use OpenLDAP for user login management.
• Network Segmentation: VLANs to limit traffic between departments.
• Firewall Policies: UFW and advanced firewall settings on routers to manage external and internal access.

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5. Personnel Requirements and Cost Estimates (for Pakistan)

5.1. IT Personnel

• Network Administrator (1 position)
• Role: Oversee network setup, VLAN configurations, server management, network security.
• Salary: PKR 100,000 - 150,000/month
• System Administrator (1 position)
• Role: Manage Ubuntu Server, OpenLDAP, Samba configurations, and system backups.
• Salary: PKR 90,000 - 120,000/month
• IT Support Technicians (3 positions for daily support)
• Role: Resolve workstation issues, printer configurations, and minor network troubleshooting.
• Salary: PKR 40,000 - 60,000/month per technician
• Security Specialist (1 position)
• Role: Monitor security threats, manage firewall rules, and handle intrusion detection.
• Salary: PKR 80,000 - 100,000/month
• PBX Administrator (1 position)
• Role: Manage IP phone systems, PBX configurations, and outside call handling.
• Salary: PKR 60,000 - 80,000/month

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6. Estimated Costs Summary

Component	Estimated Cost (PKR)
Servers	1,000,000
Routers & Switches	2,000,000
Access Points (Wi-Fi)	2,000,000
IP Phones	2,500,000
Printing Equipment	1,000,000
CCTV	1,500,000
Racks and Cabling	1,200,000
Personnel Costs (Annual)	5,800,000
Total Estimate	17,000,000+

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This setup balances server performance, high security, and compatibility with Windows-based applications through WINE on Ubuntu. The estimated costs and staff requirements are designed for a scalable, efficient network solution for a large-scale building in Pakistan.

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