Reference no: EM131759851

Assignment: Wireless Needs Assessment Report

Description of LASA:

Many organizations will participate in a formal needs assessment before implementing a technological solution. For this assignment, you will identify an organization for research (it may be the one which you are already familiar with) and create a 10- to 12-page wireless needs assessment report for the same.

Tasks:

Create a 10- to 12-page wireless needs assessment report, by answering the following:

Part I: Overview of Organization (approximately 2-3 pages)

• Describe the organization chosen; include its name, size, and an existing illustration of its network diagram.

o Note: You can accomplish this by utilizing Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft Visio. Then, copy it as a graphic into Microsoft Word. If you prefer, you may choose to use Microsoft Visio entirely. However, you will need to upload your file in a PDF format for your instructor to review. If you choose Microsoft Word, you can copy the whole diagram after creating it using the flowchart tools.

o If you have trouble locating the organization's network diagram, ask the network administrator.

• If you still are unable to locate a network diagram for your chosen organization, locate another one from the Internet that you feel would be appropriate for your chosen organization.

• Explain how a network diagram can assist with the assessment of a network. If necessary, create a simple diagram for your client using fictitious data.

• Evaluate the whole organization's anticipated growth. Compare the growth to the daily job activities of employees in the different IT positions within the organization.

Part II: Assess Current Network (approximately 3 pages)

• Assess the current status of the preexisting network.

o Correlate anticipated human and technology growth and compare with the current network capacity.

o Evaluate the network based on the type of network that is currently in use, the current capacity, and whether it is sufficient for long-term growth of the organization.

• Evaluate the security requirements of the network depending on the type of organization involved.

• Determine if the security measures meet the needs of the organization. Determine if they currently have any security gaps and identify those. Consider all the elements of security that you have covered in this course, including mobile security.Note: Wireless technologies may be faster than already implemented wired network infrastructure, requiring an upgrade to physical cable to support the new speeds.

Part III: Create a Vendor Comparison Chart (approximately 2 pages in chart format)

• Describe the available hardware or software solutions from vendors. Explain how this can be gathered using a RFP form from the owners.

• Compare and contrast at least two different wireless technologies. For example, you can compare 2 and 5.4 GHz systems.

• In footnotes, discuss how special software can be utilized to help perform a proper site survey and note that these tools typically allow the inclusion of a floor plan.

• Analyze mobile requirements. Compare and contrast mobile requirements to what the company already has in place. Be sure that the end users' needs are taken into consideration for this component.

Part IV: Describe Site Surveys (approximately 2 pages)

• When testing a wireless network for the owners and IT personnel identify and describe how to perform a proper wireless site survey by measuring the strength and quality of signal and transmission speeds and throughput available.

• Explain what tools should be utilized when performing a site survey, such as an access point and a laptop.

• Provide a list of additional tools and additional considerations that the organization may wish to utilize when making its decision.

• List the considerations that should be addressed when performing a site survey, such as (these are some examples):

o Security features and policies
o Radio signal range
o Number of applications processors (APs) and channels required
o Throughput required
o Location of AP radios and antennas
o Location of fixed client devices
o Location of Ethernet cables for connecting APs
o Type of client adapters (wireless network interface cards [wireless NICs])

- Power

o Growth
o Potential interference sources
o Standards and frequencies to be implemented
o Requirements for integration with a company's wired network

Part V: Offer Recommendations (approximately 1 page)

Provide a recommendation to the organization on whether it should proceed with its wireless program.

Note: Your report should utilize at least three scholarly or professional sources (beyond your textbook). Your report should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., in APA format); and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.