Bank of Paradise Case Study 1

Running Head: BANK OF PARADISE CASE STUDY

The Bank of Paradise Case Study

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The Bank of Paradise Case Study

1. a) List all examples of redundancy in the FBP network. b) What is the goal of

redundancy?

Answer 1. a) Network Level redundancy involves the application of multiple networking

equipments like Switches and Routers to provide alternate pathways for data flow.

Another aspect of this concept is to utilize end node redundancy through multiple

Network adapters that connect to the same network and are essential in a server

environment.

Examples of Network redundancy in the FBP network are listed below:

The North Shore facility is an example of Equipment Level redundancy and also

provides an alternate pathway in the event that the Operations center fails.

The 2 T1 lines that headquarters and North Shore use to connect to the Internet are

examples of Network redundancy.

The 2 PVC lines that connect the Operations and North Shore facilities to Frame Relay

network is also an example of Redundancy.

1. b) The logic behind redundancy is that in the event of a failure there are alternate

devices and pathways that ensure network availability and connectivity. In the current

business environment this feature is essential for maintaining business reputation and

especially in the Banking industry. Another feature of redundancy is that the technique

of load balancing can be applied so that network device utilization is close to 100%.

This facility also increases network capacity so that heavy network traffic can be

managed effectively.

2. a) Why do you think there are two access points instead of one? b) Where are the only

two access points?

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Answer. The two access points have been provided for almost the same reasons as that

of Network Redundancy. The primary reasons are listed below:

To provide enhanced Network security, as intra company transmissions via Bank

branches and credit card operations need to be separated. In case of Hacking incidents or

intrusions, the susceptibility of one system does not affect the other.

Providing two access points means that the operational failure of one network does not

affect the performance of the other. This assists in performing operations; the credit card

authorization bureau would also need to handle 24 hour transactions and has therefore

been granted a dedicated connection.

The 2 access points are provided in the form of Frame Relay systems that join:

i) The Credit Card Authorization bureau and

ii) Bank Branches

with the Operations facility.

3. Do you think the bank uses the same Frame Relay network to connect its branches as

it uses to connect to its credit card processing center?

Answer. Yes, I believe that the bank uses the same Frame Relay network to connect to

both the branches and the Credit Card Authorization Bureau. This is because the Frame

Relay network has several nodes and the channel transmits messages through these

nodes. The operational aspect ensures that each user gets a private line to the Frame

Relay node and the network assigns variable paths to the transmissions. In this respect

the branches and the Credit Card Bureau are just two nodes on the Frame Relay

network.

This method is used due to its high speed, low cost and easy availability dynamics. Its

application is especially witnessed in rural areas where DSL and ISDN lines are
 Bank of Paradise Case Study 4

unavailable. However, its usage has dramatically declined in the current times. The bank

uses this technique so that online transactions can be verified between the branches and

Credit Card center.

4. a) Why do you think the bank uses a fractional T1 line to its Da Kine Island branch

instead of a full T1 line? b) Instead of a Frame Relay connection?

Answer 4. a) Since this connection only serves to connect one branch with

Headquarters, it is feasible to use a Fractional T1 line instead of a full T1 line. A

fractional T1 line functions in the same manner as a T1 line, but enhances cost savings

for the user. Each T1 line is comprised of 24 DSOs (64 Kbps each), which carry the data

transmissions, the telephone company can allow 2 customers to equally share the DSOs

in a fractional T1 line with the same level of efficiency.

4. b) A Frame Relay network would be efficient in a geographically concentrated zone,

while the Da Kline island branch is out of the normal business network which may lead

to transmission loss and errors. This is why the Frame Relay network would not be

feasible for linking this branch with headquarters..

5. Why do you think the bank uses T3 lines to link its major facilities instead of using

ATM?

Answer. The bank uses T3 lines to link up its facility because these lines provide speeds

upto 44.7 mbps and form the basis of a reliable network. They combine several T1 lines

to provide higher satisfaction levels and therefore service availability is not an issue.

Furthermore, the three major facilities require secure and high speed lines to effectively

perform operations and handle breakdowns. These facilities are also provided by T3

lines.
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An Asynchronous Transfer Mode protocol is a highly efficient and complex network

protocol. It would not work in this environment because of the limited success of the

ATM in a LAN within a WAN working environment. Furthermore, the features offered

by the ATM model are not required in this environment and would not be efficiently

utilized here.

6. Why do branches need highly capable routers?

Answer. Routers are gate sentries and transport agents for corporations utilizing the

internet. This device receives messages and uses forwarding tables and headers to

choose the best path for the message. Without efficient routing systems, the networks

can be jammed and losses of data occur as a consequent result. The Internet connects

millions of users and numerous smaller networks and the Routers ensure seamless

network communication and transmission.

In the Banking environment, multiple routers are used to share the same internet

connection between several personal computers. Furthermore, the number of bank

branches and the complex Network structure mean that highly capable routers are an

essential part of the system. Below is an example of a Routing environment that

connects multiple computers to the Internet:

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Design Question

What type of connection do you think the bank should have to Northridge California?

I believe that the bank should have a T3 line connection with Northidge California. The

reasons for this choice are explained below:

a) A dedicated T3 line will be able to handle the long distance traffic to the Northidge

Company. Other lines and especially fractional ones will not be able to handle this task

effectively leading to transmission loss.

b) Since, the company is planning to outsource a significant portion of internal

operations to the Northidge facility, high speed and secure transmission lines are

required.

c) Substantial investments at this point in time will ensure that the company does not

have to worry about heavy IT Capital Expenditure in the near future.

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Reference

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