Enhanced Interdepartmental Communication System (Campus Area Network)
Completed: May 10, 2024
Technologies: Networking, Campus Network, OSPF, VLAN, Security, Active Directory
This project involved designing, simulating, and implementing a complete campus network infrastructure to enhance communication and collaboration among different university departments. Using VMware, GNS3, and Windows Server 2016, the setup provided centralized management, secure data exchange, and interdepartmental connectivity.
Key Features
- VLAN Segmentation & Trunking: Departmental isolation and efficient traffic management.
- OSPF Dynamic Routing: Ensured scalable and resilient routing across multiple routers and Fortinet firewall.
- Centralized User Management: Active Directory for user accounts, OUs, groups, and Group Policies.
- DHCP & DNS Services: Automated IP allocation with DHCP relay and centralized name resolution.
- Firewall & Security Policies: NAT, ACLs, and departmental firewall policies for secure internet access.
- High Availability: STP and VTP domain configuration for redundancy and VLAN propagation.
- User Experience: Windows 10 and Windows 7 clients joined to the domain with applied departmental policies.
- Group Policy Automation: BGInfo implementation for department-based user desktops.
Tools & Technologies
- Simulation & Virtualization: GNS3, VMware Workstation
- Servers & Services: Windows Server 2016 (AD DS, DHCP, DNS)
- Network Devices: Cisco Routers & Switches (OSPF, VLAN, Trunking, STP, VTP)
- Security: Fortinet Firewall (Zone-based firewall, NAT, ACLs, VPN)
- Client Systems: Windows 10 & Windows 7 domain-joined PCs
Outcome
The deployed system provided:
- Improved inter-department connectivity and centralized communication.
- Reduced broadcast traffic through proper VLAN segmentation.
- Enhanced security via ACLs, firewall zoning, and domain policies.
- Streamlined IT administration with centralized Active Directory and Group Policies.
This setup simulated a real-world enterprise campus network, preparing for scalable growth, improved collaboration, and secure communication.
