UNIT TITLE:
Network Implementation
CREDIT POINTS: 20
FHEQ LEVEL: 5
UNIT DESIGNATION: Traditional
UNIT CODE: CEN500
ACADEMIC SCHOOL: Media
Technology
Delivering School: Media
Technology
Date validated: March 2013
Date last modified: N/A
Unit delivery model: CD
Max & Min Student No: N/A
Arts
and
Arts
and
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD
Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal scheduled sessions for
the unit. Students are also expected to manage their directed learning and independent
study in support of the unit.
PRE-REQUISITES AND CO-REQUISITES: None
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit uses a real world case study, involving several interconnected sites, to consider
the design and practical implementation of computer network systems and services to
meet the needs of modern businesses. It will investigate the design of the network and its
address space, the configuration of network hardware, for example routers, and network
services, such as web servers. Throughout the year the unit will show how a complete
solution can be developed and implemented for the requirements of the case study, with
the Local Area Network (LAN) components of the network interconnected to form a Wide
Area Network (WAN). The case study is seen as important in allowing students to develop a
complete picture of how computer networks function and are configured. The unit aims to
give students a good practical, as well as theoretical, knowledge of computer networks in
order to allow them to be immediately useful to industry in the role of network
technician, and to equip them with the skills to allow career progression in network
engineering roles.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the unit, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1
Discuss the issues involved in the design and implementation of computer
networks.
Cognitive Skills
C1
Evaluate solutions for a given computer networking problem.
Practical and Professional Skills
P1
Apply techniques in implementing, configuring and troubleshooting a network
infrastructure.
AREAS OF STUDY
Network Structure and Design
The phases involved in the implementation of computer networks, including requirements
analysis, design, implementation and testing. Planning the address space and address
conservation techniques, eg. subnetting and Network Address Translation. IPv4 versus
IPv6. Designing and drawing network diagrams, for example using Cisco Packet Tracer.
Modelling network designs using simulation software, for example using Opnet.
Local and Wide Area Network Systems and Technologies
Interconnection and configuration of network devices such as routers and switches. The
interconnection of LANs by means of WAN technologies, including the Internet, whilst
ensuring security of data in transit, for example VPNs. Introduction to basic network
security, for example firewalls.
Wireless LANs and Security
Introduction to Wireless networks and communication. Implementing, securing and
managing wireless networks for small and large enterprises.
Implementing Computer Networks
Practical and theoretical issues involved in the implementation and configuration of
computer network systems and services in the real world, for example DNS and DHCP.
Implementing web servers and Internet services, for example IIS or Apache.
Troubleshooting, Monitoring and Management
Issues and techniques for troubleshooting, monitoring and managing computer networks.
Troubleshooting tools, eg. ipconfig, tracert, pathping, nslookup, wireshark.
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
The teaching and learning strategy for this unit will be based on a real world case study
based on a typical modern business, involved in e-commerce, and with several offices at
various sites. This scenario will give scope for the full range of computer network systems
and services necessary to support a typical enterprise.
Preparation sessions will be used to introduce the theoretical concepts, consider the
requirements of the case study, and investigate solutions. Once they have an
understanding of the theory and practice of these, students will implement them in a
practical workshop in order to meet the requirements of the scenario. A student centred
approach will be adopted in which students will realise the implementation of solutions
for themselves by means of directed learning. They will be expected to maintain a selfmanaged logbook or notes that they will use as background material for summative
assessment.
To support learning on this unit, students will encounter a range of learning opportunities
involving classroom and lab based activities. The MyCourse Virtual Learning Environment
(VLE) will be used to provider additional resources, such as videos and links to other
material.
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
There will be two summative assessments, with opportunities for formative assessment
throughout the year. Students will be expected to take notes during preparation sessions
and practical laboratories to use in the summative assessments, though this will not
directly form part of the assessment.
For the first summative assessment students will be expected to develop an educational
training package, based around the case study mentioned in the teaching and learning
strategy above that could be used to teach the subject of network implementation to an
adult audience. The training package will be delivered in the form of a report which will
consist of teaching notes that introduce each topic within the subject, in the context of
the scenario, and reference supporting material such as presentation slides, speaker
notes, figures, quizzes and other innovative material, for example videos of practical
tasks.
The second summative assessment will consist of a practically based time-constrained
assignment (TCA). This will employ simulation software to enable students to design and
draw a diagram of a computer network according to a given scenario, and configure the
network devices and server services on the network. Students will be able to use the notes
taken during preparation and laboratory sessions. The output of this assessment will be
the network diagram, device and server configurations and answers to questions about
observations made during the TCA.
ASSESSMENT
AE1
weighting:
assessment type:
length/duration:
online submission:
grade marking:
anonymous marking:
AE2
weighting:
assessment type:
length/duration:
online submission:
grade marking:
anonymous marking:
60%
Report
3000 words
Yes
No
No
40%
Time-Constrained Assignment
2 hours open book
No
No
No
Aggregation of marks
The marks for each element of assessment will be aggregated to produce an overall mark
for the unit.
Re-assessment Arrangements
Referral in AE1 will require revision and resubmission of the report and supporting
evidence in the light of tutor feedback. Laboratory access may be required to obtain data
and other evidence to support this.
Referral in AE2 will require the student to submit an equivalent piece of work based on
the use of simulation software.
Unit Author: Neville Palmer and Jomo Batola
Date of version: March 2013