Proposal for a Merged Network Topology
Introduction
In today’s highly interconnected business environment, mergers and acquisitions have become a common strategy for companies to expand their market reach and gain a competitive advantage. However, integrating the network infrastructure of two separate organizations can be a complex task. This essay aims to propose a merged network topology that addresses the requirements of the newly merged company while considering budgetary constraints, regulatory compliance, emerging threats, and performance impacts.
Thesis Statement
The proposed merged network topology provides a scalable and secure solution that meets the requirements of the newly merged company while ensuring regulatory compliance and mitigating emerging threats. Through careful consideration of network components and their placement, this topology optimizes performance and addresses budgetary constraints.
Network Topology Diagram
Merged Network Topology Diagram
Layer Identification
The proposed merged network topology diagram adheres to the layers of both the OSI model and the TCP/IP protocol stack. The layer identification for each component is as follows:
Physical Layer: Cables, switches, routers, and access points.
Data Link Layer: Switches and wireless access points.
Network Layer: Routers.
Transport Layer: Firewalls.
Application Layer: Servers, workstations, printers, and other network devices.
Rationale for Network Component Selection
The selection of network components in the proposed merged network topology diagram is based on the following rationale:
Adding Components: Additional switches and routers are added to accommodate the increased number of users and devices in the merged organization.
Deleting Components: Redundant or outdated network components are removed to optimize performance and reduce maintenance costs.
Repurposing Components: Existing servers and workstations are repurposed to minimize budgetary constraints while still meeting the computational requirements of the merged organization.
Secure Network Design Principles
The proposed merged network topology diagram incorporates two secure network design principles:
Defense-in-Depth: By using multiple layers of security devices such as firewalls and access control mechanisms, the merged organization can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and protect sensitive information.
Least Privilege: Network components are configured to provide users with only the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. This principle reduces the potential for internal threats and limits the impact of compromised accounts.
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
The proposed merged network topology diagram addresses two regulatory compliance requirements that are relevant to the newly merged company:
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): As the newly merged company operates within the European Union, GDPR compliance is crucial to protect the personal data of EU citizens. The proposed topology ensures that data encryption, access controls, and audit logs are implemented to meet GDPR requirements.
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): If the merged organization handles credit card payments, PCI DSS compliance is necessary to safeguard cardholder data. The network topology includes secure segmentation of payment systems, implementation of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments to meet PCI DSS requirements.
Emerging Threats
Two emerging threats that are applicable to the merged organization are:
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): APTs pose a significant network security risk as they employ sophisticated techniques to gain unauthorized access and remain undetected for extended periods. To manage this risk, the organization should deploy advanced threat detection systems, conduct regular security audits, and educate employees about phishing and social engineering attacks.
Internet of Things (IoT) Vulnerabilities: With the proliferation of IoT devices, there is an increased risk of security breaches due to inherent vulnerabilities in these connected devices. To mitigate these risks, strict access controls, network segmentation, regular firmware updates, and vulnerability assessments should be implemented.
Managing Potential Security Risks
To manage potential security risks associated with implementing the proposed merged network topology, several measures can be taken:
Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and address any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure.
User training programs should be implemented to educate employees about safe browsing habits, social engineering attacks, and other potential security risks.
Network monitoring tools should be deployed to detect any suspicious activities or anomalous behavior within the network.
Regular patching and updates should be applied to all network components to ensure they are protected against known vulnerabilities.
Recommendations for Implementation
Based on the scenario and budgetary requirements, the following recommendations are made for the implementation of the proposed merged network:
Cost-Benefit Analysis: A cost-benefit analysis should be conducted to evaluate the feasibility of both on-premises and cloud infrastructure solutions. Factors such as initial investment, maintenance costs, scalability, and data security should be considered in making an informed decision.
Justification for Recommendations: The proposed secure merged network design provides a scalable solution that meets regulatory compliance requirements while mitigating emerging threats. By utilizing secure design principles and implementing appropriate security measures, the merged organization can achieve a robust and reliable network infrastructure.
Conclusion
The proposed merged network topology diagram offers a comprehensive solution that meets the requirements of the newly merged company while addressing budgetary constraints, regulatory compliance, emerging threats, and performance impacts. By carefully selecting and placing network components, implementing secure design principles, and managing potential security risks, the merged organization can achieve a secure and efficient network infrastructure that supports its business objectives.