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Executive Summary
Internet connectivity is the backbone of many business operations in the modern world. Any organization seeking to maintain relevance in serving customers, creating partnership ties, and upholding a positive customer support image needs to invest in strong internet solutions. To determine the nature of current internet solutions, an organization needs to rely on the services of a computer engineer. Therefore, a computer engineer has been tasked with examining the internet infrastructure and providing recommendations for its improvement. Poor internet connectivity has always been an issue in the office, with many responsibilities remaining unresolved.
Moreover, many clients have recently pulled out of their contracts due to complaints regarding the internet service. The office strives to uphold a positive image in service delivery, but poor internet connectivity has impaired most activities.
Starting from the findings from the investigation, this report focuses on the financial obligations associated with implementing different internet connectivity options then examines the preferred choice in great detail. This sheds light on the benefits of this option, including its technical requirements, recommendations, and hardware options. The report concludes with the expected project outcomes where the efficacy of the recommended option on addressing low internet connectivity is examined. Therefore, this report builds on the office’s main goal of solving low internet connectivity, which has crippled business operations, including customer interactions, and installing an upgraded internet solution to foster growth and productivity.
Case Analysis
After conducting a detailed investigation of the company’s internet framework, the engineer suggested that either a wireless or wired network be installed. Both options are effective and can improve the office’s internet connectivity, although the organization can only choose one based on its advantages. For instance, establishing a wireless network is characterized by low installation costs and operational costs, while wired internet coverage has high installation costs and low operating costs. Therefore, the objectives of this project include eliminating prevalent cases with internet connectivity by providing strong wireless or wired coverage across the office, resolving the organization’s online customer support affected by poor internet, and improving the overall internet user experience for visitors, partners, and the staff.
The overall goal is for the office to experience positive outcomes based on the recommended options. Initial investigations revealed that the organization has a weak internet system, with recommendations for improving it made by the engineer. The following tables show the cost requirements for installing (a) wireless internet and (b) wired internet.
Table 1(a) Installation and operational costs for installing wireless internet.
Table 1(b) Installation and operational costs for installing wired internet.
Both options are effective, but the organization needs to consider costs and time for installation to settle for one. From the tables, the only difference in time, initial, and operational costs assuming that the interest rate for both options is 10%. Although these slight differences exist, the project is ideal for solving the current problem. Investing funds to improve internet connectivity has a time value since the purchasing power of money changes over time. This implies that the budget considered for the project will deliver positive outcomes.
Based on the objectives, these will include improved business operations and timely customer support service. This can also attract many clients that can help the organization improve its image, thus increasing profits. To achieve a goal, the organization has to calculate the time value of money, which essentially presents the difference between the current amount and the same budget in the future (Hasugian & Dewi, 2020). The time value of money is calculated to illustrate that the current amount is more valuable than the same amount in the future owing to different factors such as inflation that may change the price of products and services (Muda & Hasibuan, 2018; Park, & Sharp, 2021). Therefore, it is important to make critical purchase decisions at the present moment.
Based on the 10% interest rate, and assuming that it is only charged on the initial amount, the accumulated amount will be $4,000. The time value of money (F) is calculated by the formula
, where P = Principal Amount, I = Simple Interest Rate, N = Number Of Interest Periods, Total Amount Accumulated. To install wireless internet connectivity, the organization has to invest $2,500. Therefore, F = 2500 + (10% X 2500)6 = 4,000, meaning that after 6 years, the total amount accumulated will be $4,000. However, to install a wired network, the total amount accumulated will be $11,400 from a $6,000 investment.
This means that installing a wired network is more expensive than installing a wireless network, meaning installing it now is more profitable for the organization than waiting to install it later. This calculation has been done to determine how worthy the investment will be based on annual interest rates helping the company determine potential profits and how the project will be suitable for the long-term goal of establishing ubiquitous internet connectivity. Based on this analysis, the best option for implementation would be a wireless internet option.
Wireless Network Benefits
Wireless internet is part of the rapidly advancing technologies providing unparalleled freedom to different users within an organization. It is also equipped with advanced features such as the hotspot that allow several people to be connected. This can enable the organization to create different networks, such as the guest network for visitors, while maintaining a secure network for various organizational activities. Among the benefits an organization can have with installing wireless internet include increasing the number of users on the network, accommodating the bandwidth needs of specific applications and software, enhancing wireless security, increasing the number of wireless devices peruse, and enhancing organizational growth.
Increasing the number of users
For any organization, completing different activities is a key factor in productivity. Internet access is an important commodity for the typical office environment to ensure that all personnel is connected to the internet to complete their tasks (Zhang et al., 2018). This was one of the major concerns in the organization because a poor internet was hindering the productivity of different employees. With the installation of a strong wireless internet, more users will connect and conduct their daily tasks with ease. Moreover, they will be able to use the internet from anywhere in the office without needing to be near the server, as seen in the case of wired internet. Installing wireless internet promotes progression by enabling the use of many connections on the network.
Addressing bandwidth needs of specific applications
Some important applications and software necessary for business operations have excessive bandwidth needs. Applications that require continued internet connection, such as DropBox and Google Drive, are well served with a wireless network. Organizations use such services to back up information and share data with their partners, which means that they have to keep running in the background all the time (Zhang et al., 2018). This can result in bandwidth hogs when the internet is unreliable. As the office has many employees connected to these services, the bandwidth of their effective operation grows. A wireless network is capable of addressing this challenge by allocating sufficient bandwidth for specific applications.
Enhancing wireless security
Upon the recommendations of the computer engineer, a new observation arose, which focused on network security. Effective configuration of the wireless network enhances network security (Zhang et al., 2018). A vital area of consideration is the organization’s online presence which entails communication with clients and suppliers. On many occasions, the office shares confidential information with other branches, posing a critical security threat if an unauthorized individual can access it. A properly configured wireless network enhances the security in the office by providing layers of protection such as usernames and passwords.
Increasing productivity
With today’s business being competitive and rapid, the need to keep up is what drives companies to success. Many employees nowadays possess more than one device in lack of a network connection (Zhang et al., 2018). A regular employee has access to a smartphone, laptop, or desktop. Using these devices simultaneously and at ease is an important factor of productivity, promoting competitiveness as an individual can multitask easily. Wireless internet enables mobility in numerous business settings, such as in meetings where laptops are more flexible than a desktop.
Fostering growth
One of the reasons behind the need to improve the office’s internet connectivity is because the organization is experiencing immense growth and expansion to different regions. To meet this need, the organization has focused on developing the office to meet all the requirements of progress, such as hiring more personnel and purchasing additional devices. With increased resources, the internet started slowing down, suggesting the need to upgrade. Increased downtime’s on the office’s network meant increased losses in revenue.
Although these benefits are important for addressing the organization’s business needs, they are associated with introducing new technology to the current network infrastructure. Wired networks have long been seen as the way forward for many businesses, prompting the development of several security activities that prevent accidental data leakage (Zhang et al., 2018). However, a wired network has not provided effective security measures against the existing network threats. Wireless technology is coupled with security measures that can help address the threats existing even on wired networks. This means that if the organization chooses to install wired internet, it will be forced to factor in establishing a wireless network to prevent the prevalence of such threats.
Wireless Network Requirements
These refer to the minimum requirements the office needs the wireless network to do, providing the foundation for project focus. They include needs such as complete office coverage and support for telephony. Based on the benefits of wireless internet, it is evident that this installation would add more value and productivity to the office through activities such as easy email access, online browsing, and backup and transfer of heavy files. Requirements for this installation are derived from different outputs, including data collected from similar businesses, conferences on wireless technology, and overall organizational requirements. These requirements include:
- Coverage. This refers to the wireless network’s environment, including how far the organization wants the strength to reach. In this case, the environment in the office with the network is expected to cover the entire office from the reception area, employee offices, and the meeting room.
- Another key requirement is how scalable the internet should be in serving a given population. For instance, on a busy day, the office receives up to 100 visitors, which when added to the employees amounts to 250 individuals. Most of these visitors frequently use their smartphones and complain about how slow the internet is. Therefore, the internet should address the needs of a population of up to 250 individuals.
- Hardware and software support is also important requirement. The organization should choose interoperable systems capable of addressing business needs. A key consideration is a high compatibility in selected options to reduce operation errors due to incompatible hardware. Additionally, the network needs to fully support user applications such as web browsing, file transfer, email, voice telephony, and cloud storage.
- Security. The office systems need to have WPA2 encryption and authentication protocol to address the sensitivity of information transferred on the network to abide by the security policy of confidentiality and secrecy.
- The network should also address the needs of every end-user. Mobility is the key characteristic of most end users due to the daily operations in the office.
- Another consideration is the devices used by end-users. Due to mobility, most employees will be using laptops. Therefore, the wireless network should specify the operating systems of these machines with the preferred radio, such as 802.11b/b radio for all laptops.
- Funding. The preferred wireless network needs to fall under the targeted budget as presented in the initial investigation. This would allow for effective cost control because all financial obligations will align with the predicted budget (Mattisson, 2017).
Technical Recommendations and Hardware Options
Recommendations
These recommendations aim to address key aspects of the initial investigation, current financial status, and potential future benefits. They include:
- Installation of one dedicated fiber line to replace the current low bandwidth internet connection. The recommended bandwidth for fiber line is 200Mbps.
- Installation of wireless access points across different areas in the office, including the meeting room, employee offices, and the reception area. The recommended access points are 12, four in the meeting room, six for the offices, and two in the reception area.
- Implementing a central unit to monitor and manage all access points.
Hardware options
Verizon is the best fiber internet service provider for business with its Fios plan, which provides the best speed and reliability for the office’s business needs. Moreover, Fios is coupled with enterprise-level security for the business, meaning that safety is guaranteed. Verizon’s Fios is dedicated to providing businesses with the best internet solutions for various business needs. Available options include the Fios 200 Mbps, Fios 400 Mbps, and Fios 940/880 Mbps.
The recommendation for the office is the 200 Mbps plan which has a one-year service guarantee for $69 per month. However, in case the office is looking to improve its internet and voice call feature. The Fios 200 Mbps Internet + Voice plan is the best option since it comes with 1 VoIP line at a discounted price of $79 per month for the first year and an additional $10 per month from the second year onward.
For the access point, the Cisco MR30H 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless with integrated gigabit access point will be the best option together with a compatible Cisco MS125-48 Cloud-Managed Switching for the office. The Cisco MX67 is the best option for cloud security management through its 450 Mbps firewall throughput. Combining the Cisco MR30H 802.11ac Wave 2 access points with the Cisco Catalyst 9100 ensures effectively controlling the access points. These Cisco products are available for pricing upon request since the company believes that specific business needs determine the perfect pricing plan. Combining this hardware is meant to deliver improved internet connectivity in the office by implementing a dedicated fiber line.
Conducting a postcode check
Before placing an order for the recommended hardware, an important consideration is conducting a postcode check to determine if the products are available in the region. After confirming their presence and pricing plans for the Cisco products, stakeholders need to attend a post-project meeting to ascertain that they can cover the monthly costs associated with the products and ensure that they are affordable for the business. The Verizon Fios plan is associated with a $99 installation fee that the office can save by ordering it online (George, 2020). This is a great way to save on other activities, such as identifying underlying costs before installing the fiber during the initial situational survey.
Conducting an initial situational survey
A situational survey follows a postcode check to identify any underlying responsibility or activity required to install Verizon Fios and ascertain the emergence of any construction costs and charges that may ensue. This is important to determine how the installation will impact the current office setup, including the items that will need purchasing before the installation commences. The average installation time for Verizon Fios is between 4 – 6 hours, depending on how far the nearest Verizon supplier is located. This time is very short, suggesting that the project is very forward as there will be additional time during the day for the employees to get familiar with the new network.
As a result, it is expected that after examining the finances and making an order, the office will enjoy a robust 200 Mbps dedicated fiber internet connection that will create a favorable work environment. Immediate benefits include handling applications with heavy bandwidth requirements, easy access to email, and effective hospitality providing visitors with a robust guest internet connection. Sharing documents online with stakeholders and suppliers will also be improved and backing up critical information on a secured server.
Advantages of fiber line
A fiber line is the best option for small businesses over other wireless internet options such as a router due to some of its advantages such as:
- Dedicated internet connection with a guaranteed speed of above 200 Mbps.
- Fiber lines are fast and more reliable than the current broadband internet.
- Dedicated fiber lines account for heavy bandwidth, promoting sufficient throughput for different applications like Google Drive and DropBox.
- The connection will be dedicated to the office, ensuring that there is no congestion or downtimes.
- The fiber is compatible with the Cisco MX67 providing unparalleled network security.
- Unlimited bandwidth from a single monthly fee provides the office unlimited internet usage allowing continued video calls, meetings, and data backup.
Conducting a wireless situational survey
Another situational survey is required after installing a fiber line to assess whether the new installation has solved the low internet issue. The main goal of this project was to address the problem by improving internet connectivity in the office. This survey will be conducted through a pre-deployment site survey on the office’s wireless internet infrastructure. A detailed visual wireless network map would be important for highlighting critical aspects such as the access points, number of devices, and signal leakage to different areas in and around the office. An additional diagnosis mechanism will be deployed to assess and mitigate any network interferences that may arise after the installation. This mechanism can also be used to identify the interference of any non-wireless device connected to the network, such as a wireless audio system and surveillance cameras.
Expected Project Outcomes
The preferred outcome for the project’s success is that the overall internet connectivity will be improved. Therefore, the project is expected to be a complete success in delivery time and immediate work resumption. The project is expected to be completed in two days, with one day seeing a thorough postcode check and ordering recommended hardware. The second day will see the fiber line installation, which should last between four and six hours. The second half of the day will see the computer engineer and the IT department talking to the employees regarding the best wireless internet practices to ensure that the project meets its requirements.
Afterward, a situational wireless survey will be conducted the next day following work resumption to ensure that the wireless network is working as expected. The long-term outcomes are improved online presence in the office, including timely customer support, email access, and online meetings. The project also expects that guest internet will be enhanced for all visitors and prospective clients. We hope that the visitor experience is improved because a major rise in complaints in the reception has been due to internet connectivity. We also expect that the organization will receive continued client support from Verizon and Cisco’s customer support team to address any concerns that may arise with using their hardware.
Conclusion
The report presents an overview of addressing low internet connectivity in the office to promote productivity, growth, and enhanced customer service. This issue has long been a major hindrance to progress and service delivery, with the organization seeing many clients cancel their contracts and guests complaining about low internet connectivity. Moreover, business operations have largely been impaired, with employees experiencing frequent downtimes and increased time uploading large documents on the internet. Online meetings were also impaired due to poor internet connectivity. These challenges saw the organization send a computer engineer to conduct an initial assessment on the network infrastructure, identifying the challenge to be on the broadband connection that users were overcrowded. The recommendations made from this assessment included the installation of either wireless internet or a wired network.
A detailed financial analysis, coupled with a time value of money, was done to determine whether the company can afford either of these installations, recommending wireless installation over the wired option. A detailed assessment of wireless internet, including its benefits to a small office, revealed potential positive observations critical for the organization’s growth. Verizon Fios and Cisco wireless internet package were the preferred hardware options based on the wireless network requirements and technical recommendations and hardware options. The expected outcome was 100% improved internet connectivity.
References
George, N. (2020). The hidden internet fees you really pay with each provider. All Connect. Web.
Hasugian, I. A., & Dewi, E. (2020). Engineering economics evaluation for manufacturing competitiveness: A case study. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering (Vol. 851, No. 1, p. 012027). IOP Publishing. Web.
Mattisson, S. (2017). Overview of 5G requirements and future wireless networks. ESSCIRC 2017-43rd IEEE European Solid State Circuits Conference (pp. 1-6). IEEE. Web.
Muda, I., & Hasibuan, A. N. (2018). Public discovery of the concept of time value of money with economic value of time. In Proceedings of MICoMS 2017. Emerald Publishing Limited. Web.
Park, C. S., & Sharp, G. P. (2021). Advanced engineering economics. John Wiley & Sons.
Zhang, N., Yang, P., Ren, J., Chen, D., Yu, L., & Shen, X. (2018). Synergy of big data and 5G wireless networks: Opportunities, approaches, and challenges. IEEE Wireless Communications, 25(1), 12-18. Web.
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