4-1 Discussion: Network Architecture Planning

A local entrepreneur plans to open a retail business. The business owner needs to develop the right network to conduct a number of business functions including implementing email marketing and e-commerce, processing credit card transactions, ordering from and communicating with various supply chain vendors, and providing a variety of telecommunications functions to compete with similar businesses. The business owner is unsure about the network architecture needed to perform these functions and does not have an unlimited budget like the larger retailers do.

For this discussion, assume the role of a network architect and develop three suggestions for building an internal network capable of performing these functions. In your main post, list the suggestions and rationale that supports your recommendations. Be sure you address which network capability or capabilities your recommendation will fulfill.