AIAT - Student Lab Set-up: Harware and Networking - Website Design & Development Agency Melbourne

Introduction _

Modern organizations rely heavily on reliable network infrastructure to support their daily operations, communication systems, data sharing, and security management. The purpose of this project was to design, install, and configure a complete network infrastructure for AIAT.

The project involved the installation of enterprise networking equipment from Ubiquiti, including routers, switches, wireless access points, surveillance cameras, and a network video recording system.

In addition to the network infrastructure, the project also included the installation and configuration of 70 desktop computer systems, which required hardware setup, operating system configuration, and installation of organization-specific software.

The overall objective was to create a stable, scalable, and secure IT environment that would support both wired and wireless connectivity throughout the facility.

Project Objectives _

The main objectives of this project were:

To install a reliable wired and wireless network infrastructure
To deploy and configure enterprise networking devices
To install and configure 70 desktop computer systems
To implement a centralized network architecture
To provide secure Wi-Fi coverage across the facility
To install a network surveillance system
To perform network testing and performance verification
To ensure that all systems meet the operational requirements of AIAT

Scope of Work _

The project covered multiple aspects of IT infrastructure deployment, including:

Network Hardware Deployment

Router installation
Switch installation
Access point installation
Camera and NVR installation

System Deployment

Installation of 70 desktop computers
Operating system setup
Software installation

Network Infrastructure

LAN cable routing
Rack mounting
Device configuration
Network testing

The project also involved proper cable management and device organization inside a server rack to ensure maintainability and scalability.

Network Hardware and Equipment _

The network infrastructure utilized several enterprise-level devices.

Networking Devices

1 × 48 Port PoE Switch
2 × 24 Port Non-PoE Switches
1 × UniFi Pro Router
6 × Wireless Access Points
1 × Network Video Recorder (NVR)
5 × IP Surveillance Cameras

All networking equipment used in the deployment was manufactured by Ubiquiti.

Computer Systems

70 Desktop PCs
Monitors
Keyboards
Mouse devices

Additional Infrastructure

Server rack
Ethernet LAN cables
Patch panels
Power distribution units
Cable management accessories

Network Architecture Overview _

The AIAT network was designed using a centralized topology, where the router serves as the core network controller and switches distribute connectivity to all devices.

The architecture allows centralized management, easy troubleshooting, and scalability for future expansion.

Project Implementation Methodology _

The project followed a structured step-by-step approach to ensure smooth deployment and proper device configuration.

Equipment Unboxing and Inspection

The first step involved unpacking and verifying all hardware equipment. Each device was carefully inspected to ensure:

No physical damage
All components were included
Correct model specifications

Devices inspected included:

Switches
Router
Access Points
Network Video Recorder
Surveillance Cameras
Desktop Computers

Server Rack Installation

A server rack was used to house critical network devices. This ensured organized infrastructure management and easier maintenance.

Devices installed inside the rack included:

UniFi Pro Router
48-Port PoE Switch
Two 24-Port switches
Network Video Recorder

Proper cable management techniques were used to maintain clean wiring.

Benefits of rack installation:

Efficient space utilization
Improved airflow and cooling
Easier troubleshooting
Professional infrastructure layout

Network Cabling and Infrastructure

Network cabling formed the backbone of the wired infrastructure.

Tasks completed included:

Running Ethernet cables to each workstation
Connecting switches to the router
Connecting cameras and access points to the PoE switch
Labeling cables for easier identification

All cables were tested using network testing tools to ensure proper connectivity.

Switch Deployment

Three switches were installed in the network infrastructure.

1 × 48-Port PoE Switch
2 × 24-Port Non-PoE Switches

The PoE switch provided power to devices such as access points and IP cameras, eliminating the need for separate power supplies.

The two 24-port switches were used primarily to connect desktop computers.

Router Configuration

The network routing was managed using the UniFi Pro Router from Ubiquiti.

Configuration tasks included:

WAN configuration
LAN IP addressing
DHCP setup
Firewall configuration
Network management settings

This router acted as the central gateway for all network traffic.

Wireless Access Point Deployment

Six wireless access points were installed across the facility to provide complete Wi-Fi coverage.

Installation steps included:

Mounting APs on ceilings/walls
Connecting them to the PoE switch
Adopting them through the UniFi controller
Creating wireless SSIDs
Applying security settings

The AP placement ensured strong signal strength throughout the building.

Surveillance System Installation

The security system included:

5 IP Cameras
1 Network Video Recorder

Installation involved:

Mounting cameras at strategic locations
Connecting cameras via PoE switch
Configuring cameras in the NVR system
Testing live video streaming and recording

The surveillance system enabled continuous monitoring and recording of the facility.

Computer System Installation (70 PCs)

Seventy desktop computers were deployed throughout the facility.

Installation process:

Unboxing systems
Connecting monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Connecting power cables
Connecting LAN cables
Booting and configuring systems

Each computer was connected to the local network and verified for connectivity.

Software Installation

The organization provided a list of required applications.

Each system was configured with:

Operating System
Office software
Security software
Organization-specific applications
Device drivers

All installations were tested to ensure proper operation.

Network Configuration _

Network configuration tasks included:

IP addressing configuration
DHCP configuration
VLAN configuration
Access point network integration
Camera network configuration

This ensured smooth communication between all devices on the network.

Network Topology Diagram _

Network Testing and Validation _

After installation, extensive testing was performed.

Testing included:

Network connectivity testing
Internet access verification
Wireless signal testing
Camera connectivity testing
Switch port testing
System communication testing

All 70 computers were verified for network connectivity.

Security Implementation _

Network security measures included:

Router firewall configuration
Secure Wi-Fi authentication
Password protection for network devices
Surveillance monitoring system

These measures help protect the infrastructure from unauthorized access.

Challenges Encountered _

Some challenges during the project included:

Managing large-scale system deployment
Cable routing across multiple workstations
Ensuring proper wireless coverage
Coordinating installation of multiple devices

These challenges were resolved through systematic planning and teamwork.

Project Outcomes and Results _

The project successfully delivered:

Fully operational wired network
Wireless network coverage across the facility
70 functioning workstations
Secure surveillance monitoring system
Organized rack-based network infrastructure

The network is now capable of supporting the operational needs of AIAT.

Recommendations _

For future improvements, the following recommendations are suggested:

Implement network monitoring tools
Regular firmware updates for network devices
Periodic security audits
Network backup systems

These improvements will further enhance reliability and security.

Conclusion_

The AIAT network infrastructure deployment project was successfully completed with all objectives achieved.

The installation included enterprise networking equipment from Ubiquiti, the deployment of 70 computer systems, installation of wireless access points, and implementation of a surveillance system.

The final network infrastructure provides a stable, secure, and scalable environment for the organization’s operations.