You will need access to these resources:

The VLE
An ICT Workplace environment. A Work-Based Learning Agreement will be completed for this module to ensure that the student will have access to the required resources in the workplace.

The Internet and office software
Staffordshire University has subscriptions to electronic book services such as Safari Tech Books, Ebrary and Netlibrary. There are titles in each of the collections that will support students studying this module.

Specialist networking equipment in labs or at work

This module introduces concepts around LAN switched networks and campus architectures including VLANs, Network Security, Wide Area Networks, Network Management and Access Control Lists. This module (if using the CISCO software) provides preparation for the CCNA 3 and 4 examinations.

Module Launch (15 hours)
There will be a module launch during which 15 hours of face to face contact will be devoted to undertaking tasks which are designed to provide useful insights into the module content and purpose.

Guided Learning (11 hours)
A module tutor who is part of the teaching team of the module will be allocated to you and you will meet them during the launch. Following the launch, there will be some materials on the VLE which are designed to guide your learning. Additionally, there will be at least one hour per week of contact time for the eleven weeks following the launch. This will be used for learning guided led by your module tutor. It will be a face to face presentation if you are on day release. For online learners it will be flipped classroom approach with group (up to 20) seminars.

Reviews:
• Tutorial reviews for online learners (0.5 hour per student)
Online learners will have 2 tutorial sessions with their module tutor during the course of the module. These will be individual or small group sessions during which your module tutor will be able to answer any queries that you have regarding module work. The review weeks are listed in the module handbook and mentors will be invited to join the call and provide feedback.

• Tutorial sessions for day release learners (at least 0.5 hours per student)
There will scheduled tutorial sessions (up to 20 students) during the 11 weeks following the launch which will take the place of the tutorial reviews for day release students

Independent learning (123.5 hours)
The module leader will provide resources through the virtual learning environment which will include videos and presentations as well as links to useful websites. Other academic learning will be achieved through reading around the subject area. Module tutors will suggest useful texts, though many others will be suitable and can be found in our e-library. If you require help understanding any of the concepts, you may contact your module tutor for assistance.

Part of your independent learning will take place in your workplace under the guidance of your mentor. You will complete a work-based learning agreement to ensure that arrangements are in place at your workplace to facilitate this work-based learning. You are encouraged to endeavour to apply your growing academic knowledge to improve your work practice and to reflect on your work-based experiences to improve your learning.

You will be required to complete assignment work during independent learning time. Assignment work for a 15 credit module at level 5 should take around 60 hours to complete

Additional help with learning
You will have access to the departmental librarian. As a student, you are more than welcome to visit the university at any time and to use the resources. During time at the university, you may arrange to meet your module tutor or academic coach for additional help.

• Network redundancy
• Link aggregation
• Wireless Networks
• Wire Area Networks (PPP with CHAP and PAP, WAN technologies & types)
• VPN technologies
• Advanced Routing technologies
• Troubleshooting

Case study weighted at 50% (Learning outcomes 1, 4)
Online Examination weighted at 50% (Learning Outcomes 2, 3)

The assessment will be designed to meet the learning outcomes of the module in the context of the student's employment. The precise details will be drawn up on a learning contract. The contract will detail the precise form of the assessment and the assessment criteria to be used for marking.
To note: A standard case study is available if it is not possible to utilise a workplace setting.

Note: The following are not required Texts but will provide useful background reading

Routing and Switching Essentials Companion Guide
by Cisco Networking Academy (Author)
ISBN-10: 1587133180; ISBN-13: 978-1587133183

Scaling Networks Companion Guide (Cisco Networking Academy) by Cisco Networking Academy (Author)
ISBN-10: 1587133288 ; ISBN-13: 978-1587133282

Connecting Networks Companion Guide Paperback – 2014
by Cisco Press (Author)
ISBN-10: 9332539189
ISBN-13: 978-9332539181

To have studied Network Fundamentals or similar

1. INSTALL, CONFIGURE, TEST AND TROUBLESHOOT ROUTER, WAN, SWITCH AND VLAN, INCLUDING ACCESS LISTS IN EXTENSIVE ROUTER BASED INTERNETWORKS.
Analysis
Application
Communication
Problem Solving

2. DEMONSTRATE CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF VLANS, THE SPANNING-TREE PROTOCOL, NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES AND ASSOCIATED TOOLS.
Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning

3. INSTALL, CONFIGURE, TEST AND TROUBLESHOOT ROUTER WAN CONNECTION IN A ROUTER BASED INTERNETWORK ACCORDING TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS.
Analysis
Application
Communication
Problem Solving

4. DEMONSTRATE CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF VPN.
Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning

In studying this module, you will learn about various networking concepts e.g. network redundancy, link aggregation, wireless network, wide area networks (WAN) technologies and types, Virtual Private Network (VPN), switching, routing etc. Upon successful completion of the module, you should have become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.