Module Title:
Routing Protocols and Concepts
Level:
4
Module code:
(if known)
COMF411
1/2
With effect from:
Existing/New:
New
Originating Subject:
Module duration
(contact hours/
directed/directed private
study:
Semester(s) in which to
be offered:
Title of module being
replaced (if any):
Computing
200 hrs
(60/60/80)
20
Sept 2009
COMF441
Module Leader:
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
Programme(s) in which to be
offered:
Credit Value:
John N. Davies
Option
0%
Pre-requisites per programme
(between levels):
Co-requisites per programme
(within a level):
None
None
FdSc Applied Computing
Module Aims:
This module describes the architecture, components, and operation of routers, and explains the
principles of routing and routing protocols. Students analyse, configure, verify, and troubleshoot the
primary routing protocols RIPv1, RIPv2, EIGRP, and OSPF. By the end of this module, students will be
able to recognise and correct common routing issues and problems. Packet Tracer (PT) activities
reinforce new concepts, and allow students to model and analyze routing processes that may be
difficult to visualize or understand.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Use and explain the role of routers and their role in WANs
Implement and use Cisco Internetworking Operating System (IOS) commands
Plan, Configure and troubleshoot router installations, including file management
Describe the role of dynamic routing protocols and place these protocols in the context of
modern network design
Identify and demonstrate a practical understanding of RIP and IGRP Routing Protocols
Describe the main features and operations of the Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol
(EIGRP)
Configure and verify basic RIPv1, RIPv2, single area OSPF, and EIGRP operations in a small
routed network.
Use router show and debug commands to troubleshoot common errors that occur in small
routed networks.
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:





learn independently, enhancing their existing skills and developing new ones to a high level,
enabling them to sustain their own continued professional development
demonstrate creativity in problem solving and decision making in complex and unpredictable
solutions
communicate information, ideas, arguments, problems and their solution in both written and
oral form to specialist and non-specialist audiences
demonstrate initiative, personal responsibility, personal enterprise, self reliance and self
direction, acting autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level
manage their time and resources efficiently
Assessment:
Students will be continuously assessed through their practical work on the course (50%) and by an
online multiple choice test (50%).
Assessment
Type of assessment
Weighting
Duration
(if exam)
1
Learning
Outcomes to be
met
1,4,6
MCQ
50%
1.5hrs
2
1,- 8
Practical Work
50%
2 hrs
Word count or
equivalent if
appropriate
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
The module is taught using a structured programme of online learning, mini-seminars, tutorials,
practical exercises and student-centred learning specifically:
Self-directed learning using on-line material and lectures to supplement on-line material
On-line multiple choice tests to give formative feedback
Lab sessions to gain practical networking experience and re-enforce theory
Individual assignment work as part lab work and skills test
Web based research
Syllabus outline:
1. Introduction to Routing and Packet Forwarding
Inside the router
CLI configuration and addressing review
Introducing the routing table
Path determination and switching functions
2. Static Routes
Routers in networks
Directly connected networks
Static routes with "next hop" addresses
Static routes with exit interfaces
Summary and default static routes
Topology review
Managing and troubleshooting static routes
3. Introduction to Dynamic Routing
Advantages
Classifying dynamic routing protocols
Routing domains, process IDs, and autonomous systems
Metrics
Administrative distances
4. Distance Vector Routing Protocol
Overview of distance vector routing protocols
Network discovery
Routing table maintenance
Routing loops
Distance vector routing protocols today
5. RIPv1
RIPv1: a distance vector, classful routing protocol
Basic RIPv1 configuration
Verification and troubleshooting
Automatic summarization
Default route and RIPv1
Troubleshooting
6. Classless Routing Protocols, VLSM and CIDR
IP addressing
Overview of IPv4 enhancements
Variable-length subnet masking (VLSM)
Classless interdomain routing (CIDR)
VLSM and classless routing labs
7. RIPv2
RIPv1 configuration and limitations
Configuring RIPv2
VLSM and CIDR with RIPv2
Verifying and troubleshooting RIPv2
8. Routing Tables
Routing table structure
Routing table lookup process
Classful routing behavior
Classless routing behaviour
Equal cost load balancing
Routing table lab
9. EIGRP
Basic EIGRP configuration
EIGRP metric calculation
Features of EIGRP
Establishing adjacencies
Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL)
More EIGRP configurations
Verifying and troubleshooting EIGRP
10. Link-State Routing Protocols
Concept of link-state routing protocols
Link-state process
11. OSPF
Basic OSPF configuration
OSPF router ID
OSPF metric calculation
Establishing adjacencies
OSPF and multi-access networks
More OSPF configuration
Verifying and troubleshooting OSPF
OSPF lab configuration
Bibliography
Essential reading:
Johnson A., (2007), Routing Protocols and Concepts: CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide , Cisco
Press
Other indicative reading:
Dye M. ,McDonald R., Rufi A., (2007), Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide,
Cisco Press
Irving P., (2007), Computer Networks, Lexden Publishing
Odom W, (2007) Computer Networks first-step, Cisco Press
Lewis W., (2007) , LAN Switching and Wireless, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide, Cisco Press
Vachon B., Graziani R., (2007) Accessing the WAN, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide, Cisco
Press.