Unit 2:
Networking
Authorised Assignment Brief 1
Student Name/ ID
Number
Unit Number and
Title
Unit 2: Networking
Academic Year
Unit Tutor
Assignment Title
Principles and Design of Networked Systems
Issue Date
Submission Date
Submission Format
The assignment submission is in the form of:
A formal 10-minute presentation (10–15 slides as a guide, with supporting speaker
notes) to communicate an investigation to a non-technical audience discussing the key
features and characteristics of a range of network types, topologies, hardware and software.
An implementation plan to design a networked system and maintenance schedule for the
specified scenario. The report should also include discussion of a range of server types and
a justification of the final selection, along with a test plan and an analysis of user feedback.
The recommended word limit is 1,000–1,500 words, although you will not be penalised for
exceeding the total word limit.
You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate, and
all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing
system.
A technical report to demonstrate the implementation of the designs for a networked
system. The test plan created in the design should also be carried out and the test results
recorded.
The recommended word limit is 1,500–2,000 words, although you will not be penalised for
exceeding the total word limit.
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You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate, and
all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing
system.
A written report to evaluate the topology selected for the development of the networked
system, as well as an evaluation of the implemented network.
The recommended word limit is 1,000–1,500 words, although you will not be penalised for
exceeding the total word limit.
You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate, and
all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing
system.
Unit Learning Outcomes
LO1
Examine networking principles and their protocols
LO2
Explain networking devices and operations
LO3
Design efficient networked systems
LO4
Implement and diagnose networked systems.
Transferable skills and competencies developed
Computing-related cognitive skills
●
Computational thinking (including its relevance to everyday life)
●
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and
theories relating to computing and computer applications
●
Use such knowledge and understanding in the modelling and design of computer-based
systems for the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and the
understanding of trade-offs
●
Recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and
plan strategies for their solutions
●
Critical evaluation and testing: analyse the extent to which a computer-based system
meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development
●
Methods and tools: deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the design,
implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems.
Computing-related practical skills
●
The ability to specify, design and construct reliable, secure and usable computer-based
systems
●
The ability to evaluate systems in terms of quality attributes and possible trade-offs
presented within the given problem
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The ability to deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation
of computer applications, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process
involved in the effective deployment of computers to solve practical problems
●
The ability to critically evaluate and analyse complex problems, including those with
incomplete information, and devise appropriate solutions, within the constraints of a
budget.
Generic skills for employability
●
Intellectual skills: critical thinking; making a case; numeracy and literacy
●
Self-management: self-awareness and reflection; goal setting and action planning
●
Independence and adaptability; acting on initiative; innovation and creativity
●
Interaction: reflection and communication
●
Contextual awareness, e.g. the ability to understand and meet the needs of individuals,
business and the community, and to understand how workplaces and organisations are
governed.
Vocational scenario
You are a Junior Network Administrator at Swift & Bacon Publishers (SBP) Ltd, a mediumsized company that deals with the publication of books and journals for the scientific and
technical community. Books are published both as physical and electronic copies.
SBP Ltd is currently situated in two office buildings and contains four Publishing Teams that
deal with subject-specific material: a team for Computer Science and Engineering, a team for
Maths and Physics, a team for Biological and Chemical sciences and a team for the
Biomedical Sciences.
Each Publishing Team has a Publishing Team Leader (PTL), and up to 20 Publishing Editors
(PE). Each team has their own secured area on the network. Each PE has access to their own
content only, as well as any shared team documentation, but they do not have access to any
other documentation.
The PTL can access all material for that team. There is an area for SBP company
documentation that anyone can view.
SBP receives manuscripts securely from their authors into an encrypted Public Repository
Server (PRS) located on the premises. The manuscripts are then extracted from this
repository by one of the four PTLs, who then assigns the manuscript to the PE.
All documentation and office software are located on a company file server.
Once a manuscript has been reviewed, it is uploaded to the Secure Publishing Server (SPS)
where the content is either sent electronically to an external printing company or is
available for download by paying customers.
SBP also maintains a team of three Network Administrators who have full admin access to
the entire network.
There is also a Senior Publishing Manager and CEO who have access to all company
documentation.
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Since the 2020 pandemic, the company has realised that a hybrid working model is now
most effective for their employees. SBP is planning to close one office building completely to
allow staff to work from home if they choose.
SBP wants to set up their remaining building in the following physical configuration.
●
The PRS and SPS servers are in a data centre on the top floor
●
The middle floor is a suite of five public meeting rooms with full wired and wireless
access
●
The Network Server Room containing the company network and email servers is on the
middle floor
●
The network administrators are also located on the middle floor
●
One network administrator must be present in the building each day. The on-site
network administrator uses a desktop machine for server administration
●
The ground floor is to be a collection of 20 open-plan ‘hot desks’ where employees who
choose to come into work can go to any desk, plug their laptop into the cabled network
and begin working.
To facilitate working from home the company wants the following.
●
Each employee is to be issued with a company laptop
●
The laptop will contain a software firewall, as well as VPN client
●
Employees will store company data on the company fileservers
●
A high-throughput VPN server will need to be installed and configured to allow secure
connectivity for all remote working employees
●
The security model of all company data must be preserved
●
All office software must be accessed using a cloud-based delivery model, e.g. Google
Docs, Office 365
●
Each employee is to be based in mainland UK.
SBP also wants to explore moving the company data located on the fileserver to a cloudbased offering such as SharePoint or Google Workspace, but they are also happy to
maintain a fileserver within the data centre if necessary.
The SBP network requirements are that:
●
the data centre can handle high-volume traffic of data from inside and outside the
organisation
●
the ground and middle floors have a mixture of wired and wireless connectivity
●
all Publishing Teams are isolated from each other
●
there is proper consideration given to network security to minimise a data breach
●
a firewall will need to be installed and configured to allow inbound and outbound traffic
●
there is no lag of data traffic between floors and no connectivity ‘dead spots’
●
any data sent to a cloud server or stored on the RPS server is encrypted
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there are robust backup facilities in place for the SBP data in case of a data loss or
security breach
●
the current network security model for teams and employees is preserved even though
employees are working from home.
The SBP CEO and Senior Network Administrator has asked you to design and build a virtual
network solution that will fulfill the company requirements. This will help SBP to identify any
potential issues in the requirements before spending money on closing a building and
reorganising the remaining building layout and employee requirements.
In addition, SPB wants you to create a presentation for them, showing the range of available
networking topologies, protocols, hardware and software, to demonstrate that you have the
breadth of knowledge available to you before you begin the design task.
Assignment activity and guidance
Activity 1
Produce a formal presentation (with supporting notes) for the CEO and Senior Network
Administrator of SBP Ltd that explains the core principles of networks and networking
protocols. The presentation will also include a discussion of the range of network hardware
and software available to the systems developer.
Your presentation should include:
●
a discussion of the benefits and constraints of different network types, e.g. wired,
wireless, hybrid
●
a discussion of the benefits and constraints of different network standards, e.g. OSI,
TCP/IP, 802.x
●
an explanation of the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth
requirements, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each to a network design
●
an assessment of common networking principles and how network protocols, e.g. IPv4,
IPv6, HTTPS, can enable an effective networked system
●
a discussion of the operating principles of networking devices and network server types,
e.g. routers, switches, firewalls, repeaters, bridges, IoT gateways, domain, web, file and
database servers, access permissions
●
a discussion of how workstation hardware and the relevant networking software depend
on each other.
Activity 2
You are required to design a networked solution for the requirements specified by SBP Ltd.
You should make use of whichever design tools and techniques are most appropriate for
your network and for the nature of the networked solution. You should produce your
evidence as an implementation plan.
Your implementation plan should include the following.
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●
The design of the network, including any networking hardware, software, network
addresses and devices and users, including any network sub domains as well as the
physical location of these devices within the organisation
●
Any device configuration and security considerations should be included
●
The design of a maintenance schedule to support the networked system
●
A test plan covering all areas of the networked system requirements, indicating the test
action, test data and expected results
●
Feedback from a range of users on the effectiveness of the solution design
●
An analysis of the user feedback with the aim of optimising the design and improving the
efficiency of the networked solution
●
A clear explanation of how the network designs have been optimised and improved
●
An explanation of the range of network server types available required by the SBP
scenario and a recommended selection
●
A justification of the recommended server selection, with specific focus on cost and
performance optimisation.
Activity 3
You are required to implement a virtual networked solution for the requirements specified
by SBP Ltd. You should make use of whichever virtual network simulator is most
appropriate for your optimised network design and for the nature of the networked
solution. You should produce your evidence as a technical report.
Your report should include:
●
clear evidence for the implementation of the optimised design, for example screenshots,
configuration files, annotated and verified demonstration evidence, network monitoring
reports
●
a test plan implementation, using the test plan designed in Activity 2, clearly
documenting the test results against the expected results
●
an analysis of the results of the test plan and, based on this, recommendations of
potential enhancements for the networked system.
Activity 4
Write an evaluative report for the CEO and Senior Network Administrator of SBP Ltd that
provides a reflective overview of the selected topology as well as the network design and
implementation.
Your report should include:
●
an evaluation of network topology and any protocols selected for the given SBP scenario
●
an evaluation of how the topology and protocols demonstrate the efficient use of a
networking system
●
a critical reflection on the final implemented network and design
●
a critical reflection of the decisions made to enhance the network design and the
implemented solution.
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Authorised Assignment Briefs – Issue 1 – August 2022 © Pearson Education Limited 2022
Recommended resources
Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your
research – the list is not definitive.
Weblinks:
https://blog.netwrix.com/ (2022) Network Devices Explained [online] Available at:
https://blog.netwrix.com/2019/01/08/network-devices-explained/ [Accessed 1 August 2022]
https://www.checkpoint.com/ (n.d.) What is a Firewall? [online] Available at:
https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/network-security/what-is-firewall/ [Accessed 1
August 2022]
https://www.checkpoint.com/ (n.d.) What is an IoT Gateway? [online] Available at:
https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/network-security/what-is-iot/what-is-an-iotgateway/ [Accessed 1 August 2022]
https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/ (n.d.) A global network built for the cloud [online] Available
at: https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/learning/network-layer/internet-protocol/ [Accessed 1
August 2022]
https://www.comparitech.com/ (2020) Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM) Tutorial [online]
Available at: https://www.comparitech.com/net-admin/variable-length-subnet-mask-vlsmtutorial/ [Accessed 1 August 2022]
https://www.comptia.org/ (n.d.) What Is a Network Protocol, and How Does It Work? [online]
Available at: https://www.comptia.org/content/guides/what-is-a-network-protocol [Accessed
1 August 2022]
https://www.ibm.com/uk-en (2021) Networking [online] Available at:
https://www.ibm.com/uk-en/cloud/learn/networking-a-complete-guide [Accessed 1 August
2022]
https://www.ibm.com/uk-en (2022) TCP/IP protocols [online] Available at:
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/aix/7.2?topic=protocol-tcpip-protocols [Accessed 1 August
2022]
https://www.lifewire.com/ (2022) What Is Bandwidth? Definition, Meaning, and Details [online]
Available at: https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-bandwidth-2625809 [Accessed 1 August
2022]
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/ (2019) Secure design principles [online] Available at:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/cyber-security-design-principles [Accessed 1 August
2022]
https://www.serverwatch.com/ (2021) Network Server [online] Available at:
https://www.serverwatch.com/servers/network-server/ [Accessed 1 August 2022]
https://www.techtarget.com/ (2022) IoT gateway [online] Available at:
https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/IoT-gateway [Accessed 1 August 2022]
https://www.univention.com/ (2022) Brief Introduction: DHCP and DNS [online] Available at:
https://www.univention.com/blog-en/brief-introduction/2019/03/brief-introduction-dhcpdns/ [Accessed 1 August 2022]
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Virtual Network Simulators:
https://www.adobe.com/ (n.d.) DNS/DHCP/EMAIL VIA PACKET TRACER [online] Available at:
https://express.adobe.com/page/7ogipygZfOh0B/ [Accessed 1 August 2022]
https://techgenix.com/ (2019) Tips and tools for simulating a complex network in a virtual lab
[online] Available at: https://techgenix.com/simulating-network-in-virtual-lab/ [Accessed 1
August 2022]
https://www.eve-ng.net/ (2022) EVE - The Emulated Virtual Environment For Network, Security
and DevOps Professionals [online] Available at: https://www.eve-ng.net/ [Accessed 1 August
2022]
https://www.gns3.com/ (2022) The software that empowers network professionals [online]
Available at: https://www.gns3.com/ [Accessed 1 August 2022]
https://www.netacad.com/ (n.d.) Cisco Packet Tracer [online] Available at:
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer [Accessed 1 August 2022]
Journal articles
Agyemang, J., Kponyo, J. and Klogo, G., 2022. The State of Wireless Routers as Gateways for
Internet of Things (IoT) Devices. [online] Pubs.sciepub.com. Available at:
<http://pubs.sciepub.com/iscf/6/1/2/index.html> [Accessed 1 August 2022].
Oje, A. (2021) Optimization and analysis of the packet switched network with focus on the 3G
network. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Volume 1734, International Conference on Recent
Trends in Applied Research doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1734/1/012037 Available at:
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1734/1/012037/meta [Accessed 1
August 2022].
Tyagi, A. (2020) TCP/IP Protocol Suite. International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer
Science Engineering and Information Technology doi:10.32628/CSEIT206420 Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346829282_TCPIP_Protocol_Suite [Accessed 1
August 2022].
Van der Toorn et al. (2022) Addressing the challenges of modern DNS a comprehensive
tutorial. Computer Science Review, Volume 45, 2022, 100469,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosrev.2022.100469
Xu, G. (2021) Research on the Application of the IPv6 Network Protocol. Journal of Physics:
Conference Series doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2031/1/012040 Available at:
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/2031/1/012040/pdf [Accessed 1 August
2022].
ZHUKOVYTS’KYY, Igor & PAKHOMOVA, Victoria. (2018). Research of token ring network
options in automation system of marshalling yard. Transport Problems. 13. 149-158.
doi:10.20858/tp.2018.13.2.14.
Reading:
Bonaventure, O. (2011) Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice, The Saylor
Foundation, Available at: https://resources.saylor.org/wwwresources/archived/site/wpcontent/uploads/2012/02/Computer-Networking-Principles-Bonaventure-1-30-31-OTC1.pdf
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Effective assignment design for the Higher Nationals in Computing/Computing for England:
Authorised Assignment Briefs – Issue 1 – August 2022 © Pearson Education Limited 2022
Burgess, M. (2003) Principles of Network and System Administration. 2nd edn. John Wiley and
Sons Ltd.
Donahue, G. A. (2011) Network Warrior. 2nd edn. O'Reilly Media.
Goransson, P. Black, C. et al (2016) Software Defined Networks: A Comprehensive Approach.
2nd edn. Morgan Kaufmann
Limoncelli, T. and Hogan, C. (2001) The Practice of System and Network Administration.
Addison-Wesley.
Lowe, D. (2005) Networking All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies. 2nd edn. Hungry Minds
Inc.
Morgan Kaufmann. Hallberg, B. (2005) Networking: A Beginner’s Guide. 4th edn.
Osborne/McGraw-Hill US.
Olifer, N. and Olifer, V. (2005) Computer Networks: Principles, Technologies and Protocols for
Network Design. John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
Stallings, W. (2003) Data and Computer Communications. 7th edn. (Prentice Hall).
Tanenbaum, A. (2002) Computer Networks. Prentice Hall PTR.
HN Global
HN Global HN Global (2021) Reading Lists. Available at:
https://hnglobal.highernationals.com/learning-zone/reading-lists
HN Global (2021) Student Resource Library. Available at:
https://hnglobal.highernationals.com/subjects/resource-libraries
HN Global (2021) Textbooks. Available at:
https://hnglobal.highernationals.com/textbooks
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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Pass
Merit
Distinction
LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols
P1 Discuss the benefits and
constraints of different
network types and
standards.
P2 Explain the impact of
network topology,
communication and
bandwidth requirements.
M1 Assess common
networking principles and
how protocols enable the
effectiveness of networked
systems.
LO1 & LO2
D1 Evaluate the topology
protocol selected for a given
scenario and how it
demonstrates the efficient
utilisation of a networking
system.
LO2 Explain networking devices and operations
P3 Discuss the operating
principles of networking
devices and server types.
P4 Discuss the
interdependence of
workstation hardware and
relevant networking
software.
M2 Explore a range of
server types and justify the
selection of a server for a
given scenario, regarding
cost and performance
optimisation.
LO3 Design efficient networked systems
P5 Design a networked
system to meet a given
specification.
M4 Recommend potential
enhancements for the
networked systems.
P6 Design a maintenance
schedule to support the
networked system.
LO3 & LO4
D2 Critically reflect on the
implemented network, including
the design and decisions made
to enhance the system.
LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems.
P7 Implement a networked
system based on a
prepared design.
M4 Recommend potential
enhancements for the
networked systems.
P8 Document and analyse
test results against
expected results.
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Effective assignment design for the Higher Nationals in Computing/Computing for England:
Authorised Assignment Briefs – Issue 1 – August 2022 © Pearson Education Limited 2022