This document provides an overview of a virtual network project for students. The objectives are to demonstrate installing and configuring virtual network/server operating systems, virtual workstations, and ensuring security and manageability of the virtual network. Students will perform tasks over two days, such as installing client and server operating systems, configuring security and file sharing on the server, and setting up a basic intranet with user webpages. The project aims to simulate a small office network using virtualization software.

1. Mini Project- A Virtual Network Project
Author: University of Hertfordshire
Date created:
Date revised: 2009
Abstract
The following resources come from the 2009/10 BSc in Computer and Network Technologies (course
number 2ELE0072) from the University of Hertfordshire. All the mini projects are designed as level two
modules of the undergraduate programmes.
The objectives of this project are to demonstrate by building a virtual local area network environment:
• Installation and configuration of virtual network/server operating systems (virtual)
• Installation and configuration of virtual workstations (operating systems)
• Ensure a suitable level of security and access control exists for the virtual network.
• Ensure that the network can be easily managed.
This project entails using a virtual network to demonstrate a typical setup for a networked office environment.
Students are expected to be able to perform simple installation of workstation and server operating systems.
Students are required to investigate important management tools on a server operating system and to
configure these tools to simplify management of the network. The network environment should have a
suitable level of security and access control.
Contents
Mini Project- A Virtual Network Project.............................................................................................1
Section 1. Project Introduction.............................................................................................................2
Section 2. Project Day 1 Tasks List......................................................................................................4
Section 3. Project Day 2 Tasks List......................................................................................................5
Credits...................................................................................................................................................6
In addition to the resources found below there are supporting documents which should be used in
combination with this resource. Please see:
Mini Projects - Introductory presentation.
Mini Projects - E-Log.
Mini Projects - Staff & Student Guide.
Mini Projects - Standard Grading Criteria.
Mini Projects - Reflection.
You will also need the ‘Mini Project- A Virtual Network Project’ presentation.
© University of Hertfordshire 2009 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.

2. Mini Project- A Virtual Network Project
Section 1. Project Introduction
1. Learning Outcomes assessed (as taken from the DMD)
All Learning Outcomes specified in the Definitive Module Documentation are assessed as part of this
miniproject, the specific Learning Outcomes are:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Be able to analyse and breakdown problem tasks into manageable steps.
• Integrate previous and concurrent learning and to use it to solve technology-based problems.
• Be able to describe the project life-cycle appropriately.
• Be able to select appropriate Computer and Network Technologies and techniques for a given
situation.
Skills and Attributes
• Produce a solution to a defined Computer and Network Technology problem.
• Carry out a simple critical evaluation of their solution.
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a teams, small groups and individually.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage time and resources effectively.
2. Project Title: A Virtual Network Project
3. Project Objectives: (technical, specific to this project)
Demonstrate by building a virtual local area network environment:
• Installation and configuration of virtual network/server operating systems (virtual)
• Installation and configuration of virtual workstations (operating systems)
• Ensure a suitable level of security and access control exists for the virtual network.
• Ensure that the network can be easily managed.
4. Project Summary: (50 words max)
This project entails using a virtual network to demonstrate a typical setup for a networked office environment.
Students are expected to be able to perform simple installation of workstation and server operating systems.
Students are required to investigate important management tools on a server operating system and to
configure these tools to simplify management of the network. The network environment should have a
suitable level of security and access control.
5. Introductory Lecture (2hrs) Content:
The introductory lecture consists of:
i. Operating systems, Server operating systems
ii. Network management tools, network services
iii. Laboratory setup, virtual environment, virtual networks.
6. Preparation Session (3hrs):
i. Familiarisation with Virtual PCs and Virtual Servers.
ii. Familiarisation with laboratory network setup, and constraints.
iii. Practical work on installing an O/S on the Virtual PC.
7. Day 1
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Each student is expected to configure the operating system, including server operating system of a strict
specification.
Assessment criteria; the way in which the work has been planned and managed, the configuration and
adherence to the specification as well as the technical parameters considered.
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3. Mini Project- A Virtual Network Project
Key Tasks:
Setting up the virtual environment to allow:
1. Design the typical office setup (e.g. 2 client workstations, and 1 server)
2. Perform installation of the appropriate Windows® o/s
3. Configure basic settings on client operating systems.
8. Day 2
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Each student must now restore the image of the operating system from previous tasks. Each student must
now plan to configure the server, each client, to a set of requirement in terms of providing services and most
importantly, security.
Assessment criteria; the way in which the work has been planned and managed, and the overall integrity of
the virtual office.
Key Tasks:
• Re-establishing the virtual network created on Day 1.
• Configure server operating systems and tools to enable management of client workstations
• Create shared resources for client workstations (e.g. Printers, folders, etc.)
• Ensure that a suitable level of security access and control exists.
9. Facilitator guidance (key ideas to draw out from students):
Day 1: Virtual PC, Virtual Server, Client operating systems, Server operating systems
Day 2: Network Management, Security Access and Control.
10. Required Resources: Laboratory Facilities and Teaching Support.
Laboratory Resources:
Workstations capable of running Virtual PC software. Servers for running Virtual Servers. DVDs for
student to backup their workstation images.
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4. Mini Project- A Virtual Network Project
Section 2. Project Day 1 Tasks List
Server
Server name:
Domain name:
Server IP Address:
Server Subnet Mask:
Server Gateway:
Install server operating system
Install and configure Active Directory
Create 5 user accounts (mini1 -> mini5)
Create 5 folders for each user (mini1 -> mini5)
Create 1 manager account (manager)
Create 1 folder for the manager
Secure each user’s folder
Create shares to each user’s folder
Configure a mapped network drive for each user (must reflect each user’s directory on the server)
Configure DNS server for Active Directory
Client
Client name:
Domain name:
Client IP Address:
Client Subnet Mask:
Client Gateway:
Install client operating system
Enable users to login to the system (mini1 -> mini5)
Enable manager to login to the system
Enable each user to have access to their mapped network drive
Allow manager to administer the client
Allow the client workstation to administer the server (i.e. access Active Directory Users and
Computers, Group Policy, etc.)
Enable the client workstation to access Group Policy.
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5. Mini Project- A Virtual Network Project
Section 3. Project Day 2 Tasks List
Server
Server name:
Domain name:
Server IP Address:
Server Subnet Mask:
Server Gateway:
Install and Configure Internet Information Services to enable hosting of websites
Ensure that each user’s webspace is using their network shared folder (on client computers, the
personal network drive).
Ensure that each user’s webspace is secure according to their active directory credentials
Create a new DNS alias for the web server (i.e. www.yourdomain.local, web.yourdomain.local)
Create a new security certificate for your web server
Client
Client name:
Domain name:
Client IP Address:
Client Subnet Mask:
Client Gateway:
Enable users to login to the system (mini1 -> mini5)
Enable manager to login to the system
Enable each user to have access to their mapped network drive to create and edit their webpages
Each users must then be able to browse their website through the web server
Configure the Group Policy to restrict user’s access to a few control panel icons
Configure the Group Policy to change the workstation’s background to a common image
Finally, create a simple script that schedule the client and server to shut down.
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6. Mini Project- A Virtual Network Project
Credits
This resource was created by the University of Hertfordshire and released as an open
educational resource through the Open Engineering Resources project of the HE
Academy Engineering Subject Centre. The Open Engineering Resources project was
funded by HEFCE and part of the JISC/HE Academy UKOER programme.
© University of Hertfordshire 2009
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
The name of the University of Hertfordshire, UH and the UH logo are the name and registered marks of the University of Hertfordshire.
To the fullest extent permitted by law the University of Hertfordshire reserves all its rights in its name and marks which may not be used
except with its written permission.
The JISC logo is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England
& Wales Licence. All reproductions must comply with the terms of that licence.
The HEA logo is owned by the Higher Education Academy Limited may be freely distributed and copied for educational purposes only,
provided that appropriate acknowledgement is given to the Higher Education Academy as the copyright holder and original publisher.
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