Kudler Fine Foods Integrative Network Design Project
Gregory Harris
Fundamentals in Networking NTC/362
March 24, 2013
John Ho

Kudler Fine Foods Integrative Network Design Project

As previously discussed in prior papers, the main purpose of this project is to analyze the best way to upgrade the system at each location. Upgrading the technology will afford the company the benefit of having better communications internally at each location, as well as being able to communicate better from each branch. This will help to company to maintain a better system for such things as keeping inventory at a predetermined level. Recovering from any catastrophe in an orderly fashion is definitely a concern. Installing the right combination of hardware and software will create a more stable network that will be able to overcome many small bumps on the operation that could have staggering consequences on the current network. It is the goal of the development team to have a better LAN that will serve to enhance the network at each individual location. With that taken care of the upgraded LANs will in turn improve the link between each store on a WAN. Each store will be equipped with wireless capability that will allow for connectivity to all of the other stores and serve as the access for internet. Part of the reason for implementing a better wireless network is to stay competitive in the marketplace. It is very important in todays’ market that a business be able to address any issue that may arise in a very timely manner. For example if a customer wanted a certain product that was not currently in stock any employee would be able to help that customer by being able to get data right away on that product , and expediting the order from the POS. The plan for the LAN is for the system to be server based as opposed to the peer to peer arrangement. After reviewing the possibilities for operating systems the choice came down to Microsoft Windows. There are a few reasons that this OS was chosen. The main reason for choosing Windows is that most people are familiar with this as opposed to using a Mac OS. This makes it easier to train or retrain employees when the new procedures are rolled out. This method will include up to date wireless scanners for personnel to instantly report sales or inventory levels immediately to each locations. Using RFID technology will be a great tool in achieving this goal. The LANS will use Ethernet technology with routers that will be able to handle the expected amount of traffic over the network, and will allow room for company growth as it expands. Using the new topology over the one that is in place will allow for this transition, and allow an easier method to communicate not only with the portals within each store because the operation will be centralized using dumb terminals at each location. Ethernet technology was chosen because it is cost effective. Routers, cabling and switches will help to facilitate such things as security through the use of passwords for employees. It will also help to restrict internet abuse by employees and visiting websites that are prohibited by the company. In order to ensure the integrity of the passwords they will be required to be changed every ninety days. There will be different levels of access based on the needs of each employee. There will be a security policy put in place that will prohibit employees from tampering with the network unless authorized to perform work on the system. It will be recommended that there be constant monitoring of the system for any type of security breaches. In the old system there was not a lot of concern about this, but with all of the intrusions on the internet it is a must to have this type of monitoring. Certainly within the last few months there has been a number of eye opening events where there has been costly shutdowns or DOS attempts on several businesses, even certain branches of the Federal government. This may prove to be somewhat expensive because the system will have to be monitored by an outside source, but it is well worth the expense if it prevents any outside attacks. Another concern addressed by the upgrade is the introduction of a company intranet that can be accessed by the company’s vendors. This will certainly be a plus because it will create a direct pipeline between Kudlers and the suppliers. Using this system will help to assist the stores free up some of the space in the stores by only keeping what they need on hand because of the ease getting the goods that are needed. The main goal of this update is to improve customer satisfaction, it is believed by management that all of the changes that are mentioned in this report will go a long way toward doing this. It is similar to the system that is employed by Wal-Mart that automatically re-order any supplies that are at a preset level deemed to be low. This will certainly streamline the way that purchases are made, and will provide a more secure way to pay bills.