Network Solution Delivery Procedure 🌐

This phase defines the project scope by understanding the client's current setup and future needs.

• Requirements Gathering: Define goals (e.g., security, speed, scale).
• Current Infrastructure Audit: Map existing **LAN**, **WAN** links, hardware, and security policies.
• Gap Analysis: Identify vulnerabilities and performance bottlenecks.
• Solution Design & Scope: Propose the specific **LAN, WAN, VPN, and Firewall** strategy.
• Project Plan & Budget: Create a detailed timeline and cost estimate.

Translating conceptual ideas into detailed, technical documentation and procuring equipment.

• Detailed Network Topology: Create diagrams including IP schemes and routing protocols.
• Security Policy Creation: Develop granular **Firewall** rulesets and access control lists (ACLs).
• VPN Configuration Specification: Define protocols and encryption for all required **VPNs**.
• Hardware and Software Procurement: Order all necessary equipment based on the final design.
• Test Environment Setup: Build an isolated environment to validate core configurations.

The hands-on deployment and integration of the new network components.

• Pre-Configuration: Configure all new devices (firewalls, routers, switches) in a staging area.
• LAN Deployment: Install switches, deploy Wi-Fi, and implement VLAN segmentation.
• WAN Connectivity: Install and configure devices for long-distance connectivity (e.g., SD-WAN tunnels).
• Firewall and Security Policy Deployment: Install the appliance and load the fully vetted rule set.
• VPN Setup: Configure **VPN** services and integrate user authentication.

Ensuring the solution meets all performance, functionality, and security requirements.

• Connectivity Testing: Verify all **LAN** and **WAN** links are fully functional.
• Performance Testing: Conduct stress and load tests on the network and **WAN** links.
• VPN Functionality Testing: Verify secure remote user access and site-to-site tunnels.
• Security Validation: Aggressively test the **Firewall** rules to ensure proper blocking/filtering.
• Documentation Finalization: Update network maps and troubleshooting guides ("as-built").

Transferring ownership, providing training, and establishing ongoing support.

• Go-Live: Cut over to the new network infrastructure.
• Client Training: Train IT staff on management, monitoring, and troubleshooting of the new system.
• Monitoring and Optimization: Implement active network monitoring and performance reporting.
• Support and Maintenance Contract: Establish terms for ongoing support, patching, and configuration backups.