CIRENCESTER COLLEGE
BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IT PRACTITIONERS (General)
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
The New Technology Interview
UNIT 5/ Communications Technology:
DATE OUT W/C: 6th November 2006
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER:CT1/06
DATE IN W/E: 27TH November 2006
DATE HANDED IN:
STUDENT:
TUTOR:
ACHIEVED (YES/NO)
CRITERIA
(ASSESSOR)
(MODERATOR)
David McCormick
ACHIEVED (YES/NO)
CRITERIA
P1
M1
P2
M2
P3
M3
P4
D1
P5
D3
P6
D4
P7
D5
Assessor
Date
(ASSESSOR)
(MODERATOR)
Signature
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Assignment number:
Unit:
Assignment handed in to:
Date:
Signature:
STUDENT TO TEAR OFF AND RETAIN THIS SECTION AS EVIDENCE FOR HAND IN
CIRENCESTER COLLEGE
ASSESSOR COMMENTS
SIGNED:
DATE:
MODERATOR COMMENTS
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
SIGNED:
DATE:
Key Skill
Level
C3.2
Element(s)
Read and synthesise information from two
extended documents about a complex
subject.
One of these documents should include at
least one image.
Achieved?
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ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
Scenario
New Technology are a network service provide. Who implement and control a number of
Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks. You have been short listed for the job of
Trainee Network Support Technician with them. In order for them to better evaluate you
they wish you to provide some written answers to a number of questions that will
explore your knowledge of LAN’s and WAN’s
The Questions
Analogue and Digital signals are used to transmit data on both Local Area Networks and
Wider Area networks. Describe both signalling methods and distinguish between the two.
(P1)
Describe the role of a modem in computer communications. (P1)
Various protocols are used in data communications Describe the main functions of a
communications protocol. (P2)
Identify the alternative forms of communication media and provide examples of their use
in different forms of network. (P3) Please note that extra credit will be given if the
answer includes reference to how understand basic signal theory can affect the choice of
transmission methods and media. (M1)
Describe and illustrate the role of the various components which make up a LAN (P4)
Draw the main LAN topologies and explain the difference between them in the ways that
data flows around a network. (P5) and explain the explain the functioning of the main
LAN access control methods. (D4)
Identify and describe the basic roles of a range of interconnection devices. (P6).
Please note that extra credit can be obtain if you can show an understand of the
selection criteria for these devices usage within a LAN. (M3)
Further Credit will be given if you can further explain the OSI seven layer model in
relation to these interconnection devices. (D3)
Outline the differences between the various communication channels available such as
Duplex and Half Duplex (M2). Extra credit will be given if you can provide a short
evaluation of how various communication channels relate too the different wireline
media available. (D1)
Outline the difference between the internet and the worldwide web describe a range of
services they provide. (P7)
Identify and describe the functions of the main hardware and software elements which
make up the internet and worldwide web. (D5)
PLEASE NOTE THAT WORK WILL NOT BE MARKED AFTER THE FINAL
DEADLINE FOR THE UNIT
CIRENCESTER COLLEGE
Grading Criteria
To achieve a pass grade the
evidence must show that the
learner is able to:
P1- distinguish between
analogue and digital
signalling and describe the role
of a modem in computer
communications
Evidence To achieve a merit grade the
evidence must show that the
learner is able to:
M1- understand basic signal
theory and how it affects the
choice of transmission methods
and media
P2- describe the main functions
of a communications protocol
M2 understand the differences
between the various
communication channels
available
P3- identify the alternative
forms of communication
media and provide examples of
their use in different forms of
network
M3 understand the selection
criteria for LAN interconnection
devices.
P4- describe and illustrate the
role of the various components
which make up a LAN
P5- draw the main LAN
topologies and explain the
difference between them in the
ways that data flows around a
network
P6- identify and describe the
basic roles of a range of
interconnection devices
Evidence
To achieve a distinction grade
the evidence must show that
the learner is able to:
D1 evaluate current
transmission methods and
media and assess suitability of
each for a particular
communications channel
D3 explain the OSI seven layer
model in relation to
interconnection devices
D4 explain the functioning of
the main LAN access control
methods
D5 identify and describe the
functions of the main hardware
and software elements which
make up the internet and
worldwide web.
Evidence
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P7- distinguish between the
internet and the worldwide web
and describe a range of services
they provide.
Guidelines.
Pass:
To achieve a pass learners will demonstrate knowledge of the terminology and be able to
explain at a basic level the meaning of various terms and acronyms. Stating the basic concepts
may be via written evidence or by oral questioning reported and signed by the tutor. It is
important that learners have a grasp of the basic electrical characteristics of a communication
system.
Merit:
To achieve a merit learners must understand how a complex communication system is built up,
and can relate the layers of the OSI model to physical hardware and software protocols.
Distinction: To achieve a distinction learners will have studied in depth various types of communication
technology and will be able to produce a comparative analysis in written form with appropriate
and clearly argued conclusions.