Online resources will be used to provide foundational networking knowledge and practical experience. Online weekly easy-to-follow practical tasks will give students the opportunities to develop practical skills and help students learn the general theory needed to build networks. Continuous assessment will emphasise the need to evaluate systems in the context of a "real-life" scenario.
The module can be optionally supplemented with CCNA online material and practical work as part of the progression toward being prepared for the first and second quarter of the Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam (CCNA).
The 3 hours contact time will typically include provision of on-line, telephone and email support as necessary.

Business Data Communications, 7ed, William Stallings and Thomas Case, 2012, Pearson, ISBN-10: 0273769162.
Network Fundamentals: CCNA Exploration Companion Guide, Mark A. Dye, Rick McDonald, Antoon W. Rufi, 2012, Cisco Press, ISBN:1587133482

The module introduces student to LANs and WANs based on switching and routing techniques. Upon completion of this course, students will be to:
- Understand how communication occurs between hosts
- Plan a basic wired/wireless infrastructure
- Install, configure, and troubleshoot network devices
- Share resources such as files and printers among multiple computers
- Configure a server to share resources and provide common Web services
- Implement basic WAN connectivity
- Troubleshoot network and Internet connectivity
- Recognize and mitigate security threats to a network

None

Suitable communication equipment such as Cisco equipment
Packet Tracer
Wireshark
Cisco online learning material
Appropriate server platform

100% portfolio assessing learning outcomes 1-4.
The portfolio (a phased series of tasks) will comprise a series of practical exercises. (3000 words max.)