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ICTNWK540

Design, build and test


network servers
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Topic 1: Planning and design

ICTNWK540 Design, build and test network servers © 2020 RTO Works
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As you may know servers are a vital part of an ICT network and is
essentially a software or hardware device that accepts and respond to
requests made over a network.
In this topic you will learn all about designing, building and testing
network servers.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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PLANNING
One of the most important aspects of building a network server is
undertaking the planning and design stage, as it provides a clear
framework to following throughout the process as well as a record of will
be carried out.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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NETWORK SERVER PERFORMANCE


The network server performance requirements could include:
supporting business expansion
• improving the productivity of employees
• addressing the needs of people within the organisation
• a network that can support voice, data, video and wireless
• capability to support the introduction of remote sites.
• hardware and software requirements.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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DATA MIGRATION SPECIFICATIONS


If a new server is being installed then there would be data that needs
to be migrated onto the new machine, assuming that it is replacing
an existing one.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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DESIGN SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTATION


The documentation for the design and configuration of network services,
server applications, security and redundancy is used to record how the
network is connected, who is responsible for network connectivity, to
document all the components of the network, to provide configuration
information, physical locations of connections and links, operating
systems, nodes, servicers, routers, ports, etc.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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CONFIGURATIONS
• Configuration of a network can be done via the network software.
• This could be done manually or via a set up wizard.
• Configuration settings will vary according to the type and size of
network.

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ACTIVITY: READ
The following is an example of a LAN set up using Red Hat Linux to connect two or
more computers:
https://developer.ibm.com/articles/l-lan/
Common network topologies:
https://en.m.wikibooks.org/wiki/Communication_Networks/Network_Topologies
Topologies:
http://www.firewall.cx/networking-topics/general-networking/103-network-topologies.ht
ml

Topic 1: Planning and design


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PROTOTYPE DESIGN
• A prototype can be used to provide a conceptual framework for
validating designs, testing features, using case scenarios for testing
and can be used for pre-production and testing environments.
• It is also a way of showing a client or stakeholder how the design will
work.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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ACTIVITY: READ
Read the following article that discusses virtual prototypes:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/virtual-prototype
Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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DEVELOP THE TEST PLAN


Testing is generally carried out throughout the software development
lifecycle, however, there are further tests that will be specific to ensuring
that the server meets client specifications and requirements as well as
meeting any system specifications.

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ACTIVITY: READ AND CREATE


Read the following articles on testing:
https://sceweb.uhcl.edu/helm/RUP_course_example/courseregistration project/artifacts
/test/plans/test_plan_arch.htm

http://www.tech-faq.com/developing-a-test-network.html
• Create a test plan that could be used for checking a network firewall.
Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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ACTIVITY: READ
Review the support documentation from Microsoft for Server Testing:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/test/hlk/testref/server-testing-over
view

Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

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OBTAIN SIGN-OFF
After the planning and design has been carried out, the next stage would
be to prepare for the network server installation. Before this can be
undertaken, you will need to obtain sign off for this stage of the project.

Topic 1: Planning and design


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ACTIVITY: READ
Read the following article on network documentation:
https://searchitchannel.techtarget.com/feature/Channel-Checklist-10-steps-for-network
-documentation

Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

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ACTIVITY: PRACTICAL
Address the following:
• Describe the key features of a network operating system.
• What are the proxy server settings on your computer?
Demonstrate that you can configure the following:
• Web and proxy mail
• Firewall settings

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ACTIVITY: PRACTICAL
Your trainer/assessor will direct you to the software being used for documenting a
network server.
Ensure that you are familiar with the software and understand the functions to help you
create logical diagrams.

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ACTIVITY: RESEARCH AND REPORT


Research the listed and type your responses into a report format. Include a title page,
appropriate headings and present in a professionally structured business format.

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Topic 2: Network server installation preparations

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• The next stage of designing and building a network server will be to


undertake any necessary preparations for the installation.
• This can include safety hazards and risk measures, user disruptions
and baking up data.

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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SAFETY HAZARDS AND RISK PREVENTION


Before the installation of a server, it is necessary to prepare the site to
ensure that it meets site specific safety requirements and organisational
WHS standards, processes and procedures.

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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ACTIVITY: RESEARCH AND DISCUSS


Research and answer the following questions for discussion:
• What codes of practice should an IT technician follow when conducting a site
survey?
• How would due diligence apply to an IT technician conducting a site survey?
• What WHS issues apply to installing computer hardware?

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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SAFETY HAZARDS AND RISK PREVENTION


The WHS obligations of an organisation will vary dependent upon the
industry and circumstances, however, all must ensure that the business
operations comply with national standards and mitigate risks.

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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ACTIVITY: WATCH
The difference between hazards and risks
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRvULYpobms (02:00)
Write down your key takeaways.
The trainer/assessor will facilitate a class discussion about the outcomes from the
video

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SAFETY HAZARDS AND RISK PREVENTION


• The best way to have an injury-free workplace is to get rid of potential
safety problems. If the problem cannot be eliminated completely, then
the risk needs minimising.
• Risk assessment is the process of identifying risks and putting into
place plans to minimise the impact of these occurrences on the
business.

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ACTIVITY: READ
• Read the information on identifying, assessing and controlling hazards in the
workplace.
• Read the hazard identification checklist from Work Safe Australia.
• Read the code of practice for How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks.
• Read the information from WorkCover Queensland on managing risk.

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ACTIVITY: GROUP WORK


Divide into groups. Ensure you divide the work equally.
Visit the SafeWork NSW website and download a copy of their template for Work
health and safety policy.
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/construction/house-construction/housin
g-industry-site-safety-pack/hissp-accodion/your-whs-policy-template
Undertake the tasks that follow.

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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NETWORK AND USER DISRUPTIONS


• The main goal of any network installation is to cause as least
disruption to the users of the current system.
• Determining what network disruptions will be, when they will take place
and how long it will take can lessen the amount of user disruptions by
coordinating effectively with the client.

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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ACTIVITY: READ
Installation checklists are used to ensure that all tasks are performed and can be used
as a procedure for ensuring any necessary configurations have been implemented.
1. Read the following article on planning a network installation:
https://www.connectingup.org/learn/articles/planning-network-installation
2. Create a check list that could be used for setting up a firewall configuration (or any
relevant configuration for part of the installation of a network server).

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ACTIVITY: GROUP WORK


Divide into pairs.
Consider the following scenario:
You have been advised that a network server requires a full test, including
performance, user and network testing.
Undertake the tasks that follow.

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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BACKING UP LOCAL DATA


• Before migrating any data across, it is necessary to back up.
• This includes backing up data and testing the integrity of the back up to
ensure there is no data loss or corruption before the migration begins.

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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ACTIVITY: GROUP WORK


Divide into pairs.
You have been asked to ensure that the computer that you are working on has been
backed up so that installation of the new server can go ahead.
Undertake a backup of local data on your computer, take screen shots or a screen
recording to demonstrate that you have undertaken the task.

Topic 2: Network server installation preparations


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Topic 3: Installing and configuration

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When building a network server, it should be carried according to the


network design specifications. This should include how the installation will
take place, configurations, security, data migration and back up and
recovery methods in case of disaster.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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INSTALLATION
The way in which a network operating system is installed will be
dependent upon the type of installation required. For example, it could be
for a new installation, an upgrade, or virtualisation.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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DISK PARTITIONING AND RAID


The installation may include disk partitioning and RAID.
Disk partitioning is a process used to divide a hard drive disk into one or
more regions. You can create more than one partition on a server for the
purpose of separating operating system files and data.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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CREATING FILE SYSTEMS AND VIRTUAL MEMORY


• Another aspect of a server install can be creating file systems and
virtual memory.
• A file system typically manages storage, file naming, directories and
folders, metadata, privileges and access rules.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ADDITIONAL TOOLS OR THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE


APPLICATIONS
• Invariable there will be additional installs such as third party software
applications or specific software tools required by the organisation.
• This should be included in the planning and design stage and require
being checked off as they are installed and configured.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ACTIVITY: READ
OS patching essentials: Everything you ever wanted to know about Microsoft Windows
Updates:
https://blog.automox.com/everything-you-want-microsoft-windows-updates
Why you should patch and update your PCs and server computers:
https://www.spiceworks.com/it-articles/patch-and-update-pc-and-server-computers/
Assessing security vulnerabilities and applying patches:
https://www.cyber.gov.au/publications/assessing-security-vulnerabilities-and-applying-p
atches

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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CONFIGURE NETWORK SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS


Broadly, the configuration will include accessing the network services
software and walking through the steps for each setting required. It
should be carried out according to the network design specifications.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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CONFIGURING THE USER ENVIRONMENT


• A policy can be used to associate one or more scripts with a triggered
event.
• Policies and scripts can be used to automate the user environment
before, during and after the user logs onto a network

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ACTIVITY: READ
User authentication:
https://www.watchguard.com/training/fireware/82/authent2.htm
Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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CREATING THE DIRECTORY STRUCTURE


• Determining what kind of data, how it will be accessed and by whom
provides a framework for what the directory structure will look like.
• This needs to be planned in advanced and reflect the needs of the
organisation, for example, what data will be shared.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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CONFIGURING AND MANAGING PRINT SERVICES


A server can be configured to share and manage the use of print services
on a network. It can manage print queues, spooling and provide or limit
use.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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SECURITY
• The main reason for using a network is to be able share the resources
such as printing, internet connection, databases and file sharing.
• In some cases, it may be necessary to set security and access,
permissions and authorisations to only certain devices and users.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ACTIVITY: READ
Network access control:
https://www.esecurityplanet.com/network-security/network-access-control.html
Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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SECURITY
Security features control access to the network including permissions,
authorisation and access to the network as well as control over user
management, logons and passwords, network monitoring and remote
access.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ACTIVITY: READ
7 security measures to protect your servers:
https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/7-security-measures-to-protect-your-
servers

Refer to the information for configuring Windows Server 2019:


https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started-19/sys-reqs-19
Using an example, identify and describe server firewall configuration.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ACTIVITY: DISCUSS
Divide into small groups.
Brainstorm internal and external security threats when installing a network operating
system.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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RECONNECTING AND RECONFIGURING CONNECTIVITY


DEVICES
• If a new server is being installed the connectivity devices will need to
be reconnected and reconfigured so that it is compatible.
• This should be carried out according to the network server
requirements.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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AUTOMATIC UPDATES
Most systems and applications have the ability to download and install
updates automatically these may be software updates, patches, anti-virus
definitions, service packs or operating system upgrades.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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RESTORING LOCAL DATA


Once a server has been installed, the next step is to restore the local data
to the new server. The size of the drives, partitioning, file system and file
structure established should allow for the restoration to be undertaken
without any issues.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ACTIVITY: READ
Refer to the information on install/upgrade/migration to Windows Server 2019:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started-19/install-upgrade-migrat
e-19

Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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BACKUP AND RECOVERY


The main benefit of using a server is the ability to have all critical data
stored in one central location so that data can be easily backed up and
restored if necessary.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ACTIVITY: READ AND DISCUSS


Review the following IT Disaster Recovery Plan:
https://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/IT
Discuss in class:
• What are the risks a company would take by not undertaking a regular back up or
having a disaster recovery plan?
The trainer/assessor will facilitate a class discussion

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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ACTIVITY: DISCUSS, RESEARCH AND REPORT


Review the article on best practices in network security monitoring:
https://opensourceforu.com/2011/06/best-practices-network-security-monitoring/
Undertake the tasks that follow.

Topic 3: Installing and configuration


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Topic 4: Testing

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Testing carries on throughout a system development lifecycle. However,


once a service has been built and configured, further testing that
specifically relates to this phase should be undertaken.

Topic 4: Testing
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BENCHMARKING AGAINST SPECIFICATIONS


A test plan will include benchmarks to reach that fulfils client
specifications and requirements. This can be related to security,
functionality, system performance, etc.

Topic 4: Testing
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ACTIVITY: PRACTICAL
Create a test plan that could be used to test a shutdown and restart of a server.
• List the purpose of the test, the type of test, the benchmark, and any other relevant
headings.
• Run the test on a server and compare the results with the benchmarks.
• Run error reports.
• Ensure that you create a suitable test plan for this activity. You must document and
record everything that you do.

Topic 4: Testing
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REMEDIATING SERVER OPERATING ISSUES


• All tests that are run will have some type of outcome and you may
identify server operating issues.
• The network design specifications can be used to remediate any
issues.

Topic 4: Testing
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ACTIVITY: READ
See the following Server Test Submission Report as an example:
https://www.intel.com/content/dam/support/us/en/documents/motherboards /server/sb/
s5400sfsataswr_sts_report_rev10.pdf

Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

Topic 4: Testing
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TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES


• There are a number of troubleshooting tools and techniques that can
be used to diagnose and correct server problems.
• These will be dependent upon the type of server installed and make
and model.

Topic 4: Testing
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ACTIVITY: READ
Server troubleshooting can be used to help identify any possible solutions.
Review the links provided.

Topic 4: Testing
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ACTIVITY: RESEARCH AND DISCUSS


Using the server environment that you have access to, undertake the tasks provided.

Topic 4: Testing
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TESTING CHANGES OR ADDITIONS


If any changes or additions to any part of the server configuration is
required, then these should be incorporated and then a further test
carried out to see if the changes have been successful.

Topic 4: Testing
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VALIDATING CHANGES OR ADDITIONS


Once the tests have been carried out and there are no further errors or
issues, these must be validated to ensure that the changes have not
affected the initial specifications.

Topic 4: Testing
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Topic 5: Documentation

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The final stage of designing, building and testing network servers is to


complete any organisational requirements and documentation such as
the server configurations, any changes made, reports or final clean up
required for the close of the project.

Topic 5: Documentation
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SERVER CONFIGURATION, SERVER STATUS AND


OPERATIONAL CHANGES
• Whenever configurations and settings are carried out, it should be
recorded and documented.
• This is particularly true if they differ from the server documentation
recommended settings or from the initial requirements specified.

Topic 5: Documentation
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COMPLETING DOCUMENTATION
The settings and configurations for client reports and notification of server
status should be undertaken at the end of the installation to ensure that
these can be reported according to the requirements of the user.

Topic 5: Documentation
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ACTIVITY: READ
Azure Service Health support:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/service-health/azure-status-overview
• Identify the server status method of reporting at your RTO.
Take any notes to summarise what you have read and keep for future reference.

Topic 5: Documentation
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CLEAN UP AND RESTORE WORKSITE TO CLIENT’S


SATISFACTION
At the final stage of implementation, it is the responsibility of the project
team overseeing the project to ensure that the worksite is left in a safe
and clean environment.

Topic 5: Documentation
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ACTIVITY: REPORT
Undertake the tasks, writing up your answers in the form of a report.
Use screenshots to illustrate and support your responses.

Topic 5: Documentation
ICTNWK540 Design, build and test network servers © 2020 RTO Works

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