As part of my Digital Support Services T-Level at Strode College, I had the opportunity to assist with the management and upkeep of our off-college network computing room. This project involved working with a team of 3 pupils to maintain and manage 24 Windows 11 computers using Active Directory, setting up user accounts, managing group policies, and ensuring all systems were up to date with security patches. This experience was crucial in developing my skills in network infrastructure management and system administration.
This room at college was used by students for various projects and coursework, so it was essential to ensure that all systems were running smoothly and securely. The main challenges included managing user accounts and permissions, ensuring that all systems were updated with the latest security patches, and troubleshooting any issues that arose with the computers or network connectivity. Additionally, we had to coordinate with other staff members and students to minimize disruptions while performing maintenance tasks.
Due to safeguarding requirements, the network was configured with strict access controls and monitoring systems to ensure student safety and data security.
In this project we all worked together to manage the network, but my specific responsibilities included: setting up and managing TrueNAS for student account backups, configuring group policies to ensure a consistent user experience across all machine, and regular maintenance tasks. I also took the lead on troubleshooting any issues that arose with the computers or network connectivity, which involved diagnosing problems, researching solutions, and implementing fixes in a timely manner to minimize disruptions for students.
Our current setup includes 24 Windows 11 computers managed via Active Directory, with TrueNAS used for student account backups. We also have 6 Dell PowerEdge R340 servers running Proxmox for virtualization, which allows us to create and manage virtual machines for various projects and testing purposes, and 2 servers running AMP for games hosting as we occasionally host gaming events for students. We also use various monitoring tools to keep track of system performance and security, ensuring that any issues are quickly identified and resolved. Furhtermore, we have implemented strict access controls and monitoring systems to ensure student safety and data security, which is a crucial aspect of our network management strategy using IPFire as our firewall and network monitoring solution.
This has allow students to have their work and settings backed up regularly, ensuring that they can easily recover their data in case of any issues with the computers. It also provides a secure and reliable backup solution that meets the needs of our college environment.
By configuring group policies, we were able to standardize the user experience across all 24 computers, ensuring that students have access to the necessary applications and settings while also maintaining security and compliance with college policies. This has improved the overall usability of the network and has made it easier for students to navigate and use the resources available to them.
This has allowed us to quickly identify and resolve issues that arise in our network environment, ensuring minimal downtime for students and staff. We have developed a systematic approach to troubleshooting, which has improved our response time and overall network reliability.
This has allowed us to have better control over our network traffic and security, ensuring that our network is protected against potential threats while also providing a reliable and efficient connection for students and staff. The Aruba switch provides advanced features for network management, while IPFire allows us to monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic effectively.
Our work on the Strode College network has had a significant impact on the overall functionality and security of the network environment. By implementing effective management and maintenance practices, we have been able to ensure that the network is reliable, secure, and user-friendly for students and staff. The implementation of TrueNAS for backups has provided a secure and efficient solution for data protection, while the configuration of group policies has improved the user experience across all machines. Additionally, our proactive approach to troubleshooting has minimized downtime and ensured that any issues are resolved quickly. Overall, our efforts have contributed to a more efficient and secure network environment that supports the educational needs of our college community. Keeping in mind that this is only one room of the college networking infrastructure, but it has been a crucial part of our learning experience and has provided us with valuable skills in network management and system administration.
Through this project, I have developed a range of technical and soft skills that are essential for a career in IT and network management. These include:
One of the main challenges we faced was configuring the Aruba switch to properly handle network traffic and security settings. This required extensive research and testing to ensure that all devices on the network were communicating effectively and securely. We overcame this challenge by carefully reviewing the switch's documentation, consulting with IT professionals, and implementing a step-by-step configuration process that allowed us to gradually adjust settings without disrupting network operations.
Another challenge was setting up IPFire to manage firewall rules effectively. Initially, we struggled with understanding how to configure rules that would allow necessary traffic while blocking potential threats. We solved this by taking a systematic approach: first identifying essential services and ports, then creating specific firewall rules for each service, and finally testing each rule thoroughly to ensure it functioned as intended without causing any network disruptions.
This project taught me the importance of thorough planning and documentation when managing a network environment. I learned that effective communication and collaboration within a team are crucial for successfully implementing and maintaining network infrastructure. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in troubleshooting and problem-solving, which has enhanced my ability to quickly identify and resolve issues in a complex IT environment. Finally, I learned the significance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in network management to ensure that our network remains secure and efficient.