The first phase of the project consists of accurately assessing our ability to analyze and thoroughly interpret the specifications provided by the client, identifying the needs, constraints, and specific objectives described therein, and then rephrasing all of this information in a clear and structured manner in the form of a detailed project proposal, which is understandable and professional, intended to facilitate communication with the client and to lay the foundations for the subsequent planning and execution of the project.

I therefore took care to draft a project proposal based on all the information and requirements specified in the specifications provided to me. This project proposal was developed to faithfully reflect the needs and expectations of the project, including a complete diagram of the computer network design, allowing for visualization of the planned architecture, interconnections, and data flows. You can view this complete document and the diagram by clicking the button below.

Project Framing

Following client feedback, we adjusted our initial proposal to include network segmentation into VLANs with a precise addressing plan and naming conventions for workstations and servers (e.g., srv-debian-1, Office-PC01).

Technical Objectives

We prepared a VirtualBox mockup including:

• A router and a switch configured with all VLANs
• A Debian 12 server with Apache2
• A Windows 2019 server
• A Windows 10 PC for the office network with Nmap.

Result

The virtualized infrastructure is fully functional, respects VLANs and the addressing plan, allows for inter-network communication, and offers a web service accessible from the Debian server, ready for the client demonstration.

Experience Feedback

Theme 2 allowed us to virtualize and configure the network. For Theme 3, we simplified the topology to focus on the configuration of systems and services. The methodology remains essential: anticipate problems, test VMs, create backups and use snapshots to secure configurations.

Infrastructure

Set up a mixed Windows/Linux environment on VirtualBox including: Windows Server: domain controller, DHCP server and file server, managing 100 users divided into groups (Office, Logistics, Production, Research), and configuring P: (personal) and U: (shared) drives. Windows 10 Workstations: domain integration SAELogin.local, roaming profiles, personalized home page based on the user's group. Linux Server (Debian 12): intranet server with Apache2 hosting an internal site for employees, accessible via Windows workstations.

Objectives

Simplified network in NAT on VirtualBox, without an integrated DHCP server, with fixed IP addresses assigned by the Windows DHCP server. All workstations and servers must be able to communicate with each other and access the Internet. Use WinSCP and Notepad++ to manage the Linux server from Windows workstations. Strict adherence to naming conventions and access rights to ensure the security and clarity of the infrastructure.

Result

The infrastructure is fully functional, with centralized authentication, secure file sharing, intranet access for each group, and a consistent environment on all workstations, ready for the client demonstration.

Objective

This fourth theme consists of configuring a Linux Debian 12 server in an environment without a graphical interface, administered via SSH from the host machine. The VM is configured in bridge mode and serves to manage an FTP server for access to shared folders

Customization and Services

Renaming the machine according to the nomenclature Installation of the FTP service to allow users to connect and access their personal folder (/ftp/username). Creation of a "teacher" group to manage users.

User Management

Manual creation of specific accounts via the myNewUser.sh script, with verification of the double password entry. Each user has Read/Write/Delete access to their folder and Read-only access to others' folders. Automation of user creation with myNewUser1.sh (individual parameters) and myNewUser2.sh (mass creation for 100 users).

Analysis and Control

Use Wireshark to analyze FTP exchanges and verify connection security.

Best Practices

Editing files via WinSCP or VSCode in SSH for more comfort and security. Respected methodology: test, save, automate to ensure server reliability and facilitate the final demonstration.

Result

The Linux server is fully functional, with a secure FTP service, properly configured users and automated scripts allowing for fast and consistent account management.

The project was a complete and progressive experience, combining analysis, design, virtualization, and administration of Windows and Linux systems. It allowed us to move from understanding a set of specifications to the concrete implementation of functional, secure, and consistent network and system infrastructures. We learned to configure VLANs, DHCP servers, domain controllers, file services, and an intranet server, while applying rigorous methods for user management, task automation, and securing exchanges. The four themes progressively exposed us to the real-world complexity of a professional environment, while strengthening our technical and methodological skills. This project showed us the importance of preparation, organization, and methodology, and gave us a concrete vision of managing hybrid infrastructures in a business setting, thus solidifying our expertise for future IT projects.