ICT Solutions

Network Management

Network Management

The backbone of an organisation’s technology infrastructure is the computer network. This network is an intricate chain of equipment and cables that enables all the computers to work from a central point. Each link in the chain can be a potential failure point and put every other link at risk.

Setting up a network does not guarantee a maintenance-free system environment. After the network has been set up, continual support, troubleshooting and maintenance is required to benefit from the system.

By performing the following functions, B&D System Engineers assures a network in good working order and as a result a business that can work and communicate effectively:

Network Design

  • Analyse the existing infrastructure;
  • Determine the technology budget;
  • Research current and future technologies applicable to the type of business;
  • Perform cost benefit analysis and Return on Investment (ROI) analysis;
  • Assess the most appropriate network for the client’s specific business process and goals;
  • Plan for network capacity based on the number of users and system requirements;
  • Plan for the expansion of the network;
  • Develop the network topology and architecture.

Hardware Installation

  • Install the network hardware including servers, routers, switches, hubs, bridges and wireless networking. 
  • Install data protection systems (uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), redundant array of independent disks (RAID), and tape backup systems. 
  • Install storage systems including storage area network (SAN), fibre channel storage and network attached storage (NAS). 
  • Set up storage racks to hold network hardware (servers, routers, switches).

Security Management

  • Update the firewall software; 
  • Update the anti-virus software; 
  • Test the network security including the firewall, server as well as internal and external processes.

Software Installation

  • Install operating systems (OS), applications and hardware, drivers. 
  • Install software including operating systems (OS), e-mail server, database server, web server, file transfer protocol (FTP) and internet faxing.
  • Install redundancy and clustering technologies like network load balancing and cluster servers. 
  • Implement remote networking including virtual private network (VPN), secure shell (SSH) and remote desktop access. 
  • Install network security including firewalls, demilitarized zone (DMZ), virtual LAN (VLAN), intrusion detection system (IDS), anti-virus software and secure socket layer (SSL). 
  • Install network services like domain controllers, file and print, domain name system (DNS), dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), windows internet naming service (WINS) and proxy servers.
  • Network Administration

Data Management

  • Perform routine backups of critical data on a daily or weekly basis (as per client’s request); 
  • Store data backup tapes offsite for disaster recovery; 
  • Perform defragmentation of disks and databases. User Administration 
  • Develop and implement workstation usage policies for employees; 
  • Issue and maintain authorised access ID’s for new and existing employees; 
  • Set security restrictions and network access for users; 
  • Set end-user rights; 
  • Limit desktop administrative rights; 
  • Maintain domain controllers (logon scripts, profiles, domain policies).

Network Maintenance

  • Install network software upgrades; 
  • Install operating system upgrades; 
  • Perform network diagnostics; 
  • Resolve server crashes; 
  • Schedule network maintenance; 
  • Update service patches and service packs. Network Monitoring 
  • Monitor the firewall for intrusion attacks;
  • Monitor the logs including system, anti-virus, firewall, error, user, application;
  • Monitor user activity;
  • Monitor servers for optimal efficiency;
  • Perform random checks remotely to monitor user compliance;
  • Monitor network for usage, collision detection and performance;
  • Monitor back-up drives and software.

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