Network Advisory Consulting

The purpose of the network assessment is to measure, analyze, and document the functionality, performance, and security of your network. Configuration and general network health data for all relevant network devices is collected. A security vulnerability analysis including firewall, switch and interface security, as well as external and internal vulnerability scans is also performed. Data collection includes interviews with your IT personnel to assess operations, administration, and management practices. The information collected during the assessment is analyzed, compared against best practices, and incorporated into an assessment final report, which includes a prioritized list of recommendations.

The purpose of the wireless network assessment is to measure, analyze, and document the functionality, performance, and security of your wireless network. Configuration and performance data for your wireless LAN infrastructure is collected. The assessment team also employs wireless survey tools to conduct passive and active surveys to measure critical WLAN performance indicators, including signal coverage and interference. The information collected during the assessment is analyzed, compared against best practices, and incorporated into an assessment final report, which includes a prioritized list of recommendations.

The security assessment is a subset of the network assessment. A security vulnerability analysis including firewall, switch and interface security, as well as external and internal vulnerability scans is performed. The information collected during the assessment is analyzed, compared against best practices, and incorporated into an assessment final report, which includes a prioritized list of recommendations.

With the increased reliance on your network by users, it is crucial that it is designed and set up properly. Based on a comprehensive understanding of your business goals and technical requirements, our team will work with you to design and configure a network that meets your performance and functional expectations, brings increased operational efficiency, and has security embedded in the design.

MCNC does not provide front-line support for end users, however, MCNC’s network consulting team is available to assist with the most difficult or advanced technology problems. We can work with your IT staff to characterize the problem, and identify and implement possible solutions.

Our team, in collaboration with E-rate consultants from the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), can assist K-12 school districts and charter schools with filing for E-rate Category 2 funding. Based on a needs assessment, and knowledge of your E-rate budget, our team will develop a detailed bill of materials, which can be used to file for Category 2 funding. The objective, through collaboration, is to help you make the most effective use of your Category 2 funding. Once funding is approved, our team can assist with deploying the Category 2 network infrastructure.

Information Technology staff in the education community typically do not have access to funding for professional development. Consequently, making high quality and cost-effective network administrator training available is a priority for our team. Subject matter experts are brought in once or twice a year to conduct intensive three or four day sessions on topics of interest to you. Past sessions have included Wireshark network analysis, WLAN analysis and troubleshooting. Less intensive one or two day sessions, typically more narrowly focused, are also scheduled throughout the year.