Lab 9.1.2 Editing and Organizing the Existing Information
Step 1: Collate and organize the information
a. Gather and read through all the project documents that you created in previous labs.
b. Ensure that multipage documents are together and that the pages are in the correct sequence.
Step 2: Review the existing information
Ensure that the documents are complete and contain the information specified. Any incomplete documents, or missing information that was not recorded at the time of that lab, now need to be checked and included at this stage.
Step 3: Organize the information
A project proposal typically contains the following sections:
Section | Description |
Executive Summary | Discusses the project goals and project scope at a high level. This section demonstrates that the network vendor understands the extent of the project and the role of the network in meeting the business goals. The goal of the summary is to convince the decision-makers of the business benefits of the design. This section is typically one to two pages long. |
Network Requirements | Reviews the business goals and network requirements, including users and applications that need to be supported. This section often lists the business goals, in order of priority, with critical goals marked. This section includes the topologies; protocols, hardware, software, and training that are required to meet the business goals. |
Current Network Environment | Documents the state of the existing network. This section includes physical and logical diagrams and the IP addressing scheme. The section summarizes the results of the network characterization, including strengths and weaknesses of the existing network. It also documents the user community and applications currently in use, based on the network characterization. |
Proposed Physical Design | Describes the physical layout of the proposed design. This section documents trade-offs made to accommodate business goals and technical requirements. The section describes the features and recommended uses for the technologies and devices proposed for the new network design. This section documents the new WAN service and new network equipment. The section also includes proposed network diagrams. |
Proposed Logical Design | Describes the logical topology of the proposed network. This section documents any proposed addressing and naming conventions. It describes the routing and switching protocols recommended for the planned network. This section includes recommended security mechanisms and products that support the security policy of the business. The section may include information on recommended network management procedures and applications. |
Implementation Plan | Provides a detailed list of the tasks that must be performed to install and implement the new network. This section includes tasks, steps, time required, and proposed schedules. |
Cost Proposal | Provides cost proposal for equipment, software, installation, and ongoing |
Step 4: Edit and finalize the information
a. Review all the materials to ensure that they are complete. It is important that the FilmCompany management and technical staff are able to easily find and understand the material contained in the proposal. A disorganized or incomplete proposal can cause the customer to choose another contractor to complete the project.
b. Ensure that all the information has a consistent format and style. If necessary, edit or rewrite sections
so that the proposal has the appearance of a single document and not a set of separate documents.
c. Complete diagrams and other graphics and finalize what is to be included in the proposal.
d. Clearly note those sections of the proposal that have to be completed; these sections will be compiled
in the following labs.
e. Save the word processing documents and file the hardcopy information in your portfolio.
Lab 9.2.1 Creating an Implementation Plan
Step 1: Determine the tasks to implement the network design
Implementing a network design requires the completion of a set of tasks, such as installing hardware,
configuring systems, testing the network, and launching the network into production. Each task consists of several steps.
Each task requires the following documentation:
• A description of the task
• References to design documents
• Detailed implementation guidelines
• Detailed rollback guidelines in case of failure
• The estimated time required for implementation
• Completion sign-off
Analyze the FilmCompany network design documentation that you have compiled in previous labs. Determine and list the three main sets of tasks required to be performed to implement the network upgrade. These sets of tasks will be referred to as phases.
Phase 1
Install Distribution and Core Layer equipment
Configure new IP addressing & VLAN scheme
Configure routing
Phase 2
Upgrade the WAN connectivity
Extend the network to the remote site
Configure ACLs & security
Phase 3
Install wireless/mobility network
Step 2: Note identified success and failure criteria
When implementing a design, the possibility of a failure must be considered – even after a successful pilot or prototype network test. Each step of the implementation may require additional testing to ensure that the network operates as designed.
In the Reflection section in Chapter 2, Lab 2.3.3, you considered success criteria when determining the
objectives of the FilmCompany network upgrade. List two or three success or failure criteria for each phase of the project.
Step 3: Include provision for customer approval
The Implementation Plan details the work required to accomplish the project goals. The plan includes the
customer expectations and the success criteria for customer approval and project sign-off. As soon as customer approval of the implementation plan is obtained, the installation can begin. The customer is given a detailed list of all devices required and the work to be completed. This list forms part of the Implementation Plan. A signed copy of this list is kept by the network designer and account manager.
Upon completion of each task, the customer is required to sign off that the work was completed and that the results are as expected.
a. Include in the documentation a signature page for an authorized FilmCompany representative to sign
and approve the Implementation Plan.
b. Include in the documentation a signature page at the end of each task for an authorized
FilmCompany representative to sign and accept the completion of each task.
Step 4: Document Phase 1
Step 5: Document Phase 2
Step 5: Document Phase 3
Lab 9.2.2 Creating a Phased Installation Plan
Step 1: Compare the installation methods
There are three possible installation methods:
• New installation, commonly referred to as agreen field installation
• Phased installation into an existing, functioning network
• Complete replacement, commonly referred to as a fork-lift upgrade
Consider and list the advantages and disadvantages of the three installation methods.
New Installation
Advantages:
Semua peralatan dan layanan dapat diinstal dan diuji pada saat yang sama.
Rencana implementasi untuk jaringan baru kurang kompleks dibandingkan dengan dua jenis instalasi.
Jadwal lebih fleksibel daripada ketika jaringan yang ada di tempat.
Ada gangguan minimal terhadap perusahaan.
Disadvantages:
Modal besar karena semua peralatan dan layanan yang diinstal pada waktu yang sama.
Phased Installation into Existing Network
Advantages:
Bagian-bagian dari upgrade jaringan diimplementasikan dalam isolasi dari bagian yang sedang berjalan.
Upgrade jaringan dibagi menjadi potongan-potongan kecil yang dapat diinstal dan diuji dengan cepat.
Instalasi upgrade secara bertahap yang lebih kecil menyebabkan sedikitnya jumlah downtime.
Disadvantages:
Sebuah penerapan secara bertahap membutuhkan perencanaan yang lebih rinci dengan pelanggan.
Complete Network Replacement
Advantages:
Jaringan yang ada bisa tetap beroperasi sepenuhnya sampai jaringan pengganti dibawa ke dalam produksi.
Disadvantages:
Kedua jaringan mungkin beroperasi secara paralel untuk beberapa waktu, yang meningkatkan biaya operasi dan dapat menyebabkan kebingungan dan dukunganbagi pemakai
Step 2: Select the installation method
Two of the FilmCompany requirements are:
• The company network services must be available during the upgrade.
• Existing equipment must be used in the new network design.
Select the appropriate installation approach for the FilmCompany network upgrade.
Pendekatan instalasi bertahap akan digunakan untuk proyek ini
Step 3: Complete the details for the installation phases
Using the charts created in Lab 9.2.1; fill out the information for each of the Installation Phases.
a. On the table created in Lab 9.2.1 for Phase 1, fill in the Task/Step, Description, and Implementation
Details information:
• Install Distribution and Core Layer equipment
• Configure new IP addressing & VLAN scheme
• Configure routing
b. On the table for Phase 2, fill in the Task/Step, Description, and Implementation Details information:
• Upgrade the WAN connectivity
• Extend the network to the remote site
• Configure Access Control Lists & security
c. On the table for Phase 3, fill in the Task/Step, Description, and Implementation Details information:
• Install and configure the wireless and associated mobility network equipment
Lab 9.2.3 Creating a Timeline
Step 1: List and prioritize the factors affecting the timeline
Note issues such as equipment and material availability, skilled personnel, and customer requirements that should be considered for the following factors when developing a project timeline. Consider the possibility that the project might not begin on the proposed start date.
Equipment order and delivery
Service installation, such as WAN links
Customer schedule, including available maintenance and downtime windows
Availability of appropriate technical personnel
Step 2: Complete the time details for each installation phase
The FilmCompany network upgrade is linked to the StadiumCompany network redevelopment. It would be efficient to align the FilmCompany stadium remote site work with that project. The StadiumCompany RFP states that the project must be completed during the off-season for the two teams. This requirement gives the project a timeline of four months, which can be also applied to the FilmCompany upgrade.
a. On the table created in Lab 9.2.1 for Phase 1, fill in the Date information:
• Install Distribution and Core Layer equipment
• Configure new IP addressing & VLAN scheme
• Configure routing
b. On the table for Phase 2, fill in the Date information:
• Upgrade the WAN connectivity
• Extend the network to the remote site
• Configure Access Control Lists & security
c. On the table for Phase 3, fill in the Date information:
• Install and configure the wireless and associated mobility network equipment
Step 3: Consider customer-caused delays
Customers may make changes to the requirements during the installation of a project. When changes occur, the timeline is used to make adjustments to personnel and other available resources. The timeline
documentation can also be used to show the customer how delays affect the project completion date.
Based on the timeline, write a project variation statement showing the possible delay in the project completion date if the FilmCompany decided at this stage to relocate an additional three production staff and their workstations to the stadium.
Step 4: Using project management software (Optional)
Project management tools such as Microsoft Project can be used to create a project timeline. This software can be useful for:
• Tracking the progress of the project
• Keeping the project on schedule
• Identifying milestones
• Tracking labor assignments and costs
• Alerting the designer if the project is falling behind schedule.
If this software is available, enter the resources and timeline for one phase of the Implementation Plan and examine the output.
Lab 9.2.4 Creating an Installation Schedule
Step 1: List and prioritize the tasks that require downtime on the current network
List the tasks that require network downtime.
Step 2: Document the required downtime on the project timeline
Sometimes it is not possible to complete all of the required tasks during an approved maintenance window. If an installation task requires the network, or part of the network, to be down during normal business hours, it is important to obtain permission from the customer. As soon as the time frame is determined and approved, all the people involved need to be notified accordingly.
a. List those tasks that can be completed during a scheduled maintenance window.
b. List those tasks that require the network to be down during normal business hours.
Step 3: Document customer approved downtime
a. Indicate on the Installation Plan Timeline when the network downtime will occur.
b. Include a provision for customer approval to be recorded for this downtime.
c. Include a task that requires that the users who will be affected are notified with adequate advance
notice of the network downtime. Ensure that the users are also notified when the network or service
returns to full operation.
Lab 9.3.4 Creating the Bill Of Material
Step 1: List the items required
a. Use the table below, or create a similar one, to list all the items and equipment that need to be
purchased for the FilmCompany network upgrade project.
b. Search the Internet or use information provided by your instructor to add possible suppliers or
vendors to the BOM table.
c. Add costs to the BOM. Where possible, obtain costs from local vendors and suppliers. If this
information is not readily available, your instructor will provide estimated costs for you to use.
Step 2: Determine the software requirements
a. During the early stages of the network Design Phase, existing applications were identified. Add new
applications required by the network upgrade to the BOM. Categorize these as either Network or Specialist applications.
b. Add the new applications, installation costs, and required training to the BOM with the identified
hardware. Also indicate whether the network upgrade requires additional licenses to be purchased for
existing software applications.
Step 3: Add maintenance contracts
a. Investigate the maintenance support service contracts available for both the new and existing equipment.
b. Add the details and costs to the BOM.
Step 4: Create the BOM
a. Create the BOM using word processing or spreadsheet software. Using a spreadsheet will facilitate the calculation of total costs and enable easy updating of the document if costs or quantities are amended.
b. Save this file and include it in the proposal document. Add a hardcopy of the file to your portfolio.
Lab 9.4.1 Compiling the Documentation
Task 1: Compile the Project Proposal
Step 1: Finalize the documentation requirements
a. Finalize the documentation created in the previous labs and in your project portfolio.
b. Insert and compile the information under the following headings:
• Executive Summary
• Network Requirements
• Current Network Environment
• Proposed Physical Design
• Proposed Logical Design
• Implementation Plan
• Cost Proposal
Step 2: Prepare the cover page
Include a cover page at the beginning of the proposal. The cover page describes the proposal, including the RFP or solicitation number and date, the customer contact information, and the vendor name and contact information.
Step 3: Prepare the Table of Contents
Develop a Table of Contents for the proposal document.
Step 4: Create the proposal
Complete the proposal document. The proposal layout should be highly readable and should aid the reader in locating information.
• Use graphics to enhance the readability of a proposal and convey information where appropriate.
• Text should be legible, typically a serif typeface such as Times Roman, at 10-point to 12-point type.
• Page margins should be at least 0.5 inches (125mm).
• Page numbers should be included at the top or bottom of each page.
Step 5: Update the Executive Summary
Use information from the completed implementation and costing sections to update the Executive Summary.
Step 6: Organize the Proposal binder
Arrange the proposal components in a binder, based on the order cited in the Table of Contents.
Step 7: Prepare Terms and Signatures page
a. Prepare the terms of agreement and an acceptance page for customer signatures to be included at
the end of the proposal. The terms and conditions describe all relevant legal terms and contracts that
will be required. These terms and conditions support the supply of goods and services related to
network improvements and installations.
Important clauses in the terms and conditions usually include:
• Details about the proposal expiration date
• Obligations of the customer to obtain permission or other consents within their organization
• Obligations of the vendor to provide services and equipment with care and skill
• Dates when completed milestone deliverables are payable
• Interest chargeable on outstanding payments
• The amount of notice the customer must give to cancel their equipment and service orders
• Details about guarantees (if any) provided by the vendor
• Details about escalating and resolving complaints or issues
If the customer accepts the proposal, an appropriate customer representative signs the Terms and
Signatures page.
Your instructor will advise of the standard terms and conditions that will apply to all proposals.
b. Save this file and include in the proposal document.
Task 2: Prepare the Presentation
Step 1: Plan the presentation
After compiling a proposal, network designers review the entire proposal with their management organization by means of a formal presentation. During this stage of the design proposal, the designer must first sell the concept to the internal management and then to the customer.
For your presentation, list the important points to include that illustrate the proposal. A proposal presentation includes slides or other visual aids to graphically represent the proposal. The presentation, along with the proposal document, is vital to ensuring a successful meeting and increasing the probability of a customer sign-off.
Step 2: Create the presentation
