This module will be delivered using formal presentation and student centred approaches in interactive seminars. You will be directed to appropriate reading. Case studies will be used and presented by guest speakers when possible for support. The module will be supported by its own internet pages withlinks to appropriate reference sites. You will have developed your research skills further in the course of this module. Practical demonstrations or exercises will be used to supplement the lectures. The normal balance will be one-hour lecture and two hours tutorial per week.
The module can be optionally supplemented with CCNA online material and practical work as part of the progression toward being prepared for the third quarter of the Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam (CCNA).
Within this module you will be introduced to and/or be able to develop your:
Intellectual skills
Communication
Teamworking
Problem solving
Personal skills for lifelong learning
(1:n) (1:25)2

The module aims to:
To provide a broad understanding of the issues involved when making procurement decisions in the field of corporate networking.
To provide practical experience in designing and using various elements of a corporate network.
To provide an in-depth understanding of selected topics of current relevance to the subject area.

You will study the following topics:
Networking Fundamentals; Network Operating Systems;
Protocols/standards; Network Interconnection;
Network Management; Application Software;
Integration strategies.

Library resources
Module website via Blackboard VLE
Suitable Communications Equipment
Suitable programming language
CCNA version 3 equipment
Access to Internet
On-line learning material by CISCO Inc

A coursework weighted at 100%

Part A
Assignment weighted at 70%. (Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4). In course assessment, 3000 words written design proposals for corporate communication systems.

Part B
Class test length 1 hour weighted at 30%. (Learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4)

Computer Networks: Principles, Technologies and Protocols for Network Design, Natalia Olifer & Victor Olifer, Wiley, 2005, ISBN-10: 0470869828
Applied Data Communications - A Business-Oriented Approach. 4th Edition, Goldman and Rawles, Wiley, 2006, ISBN: 0-471-45177-0
Cisco Networking Academy Program CCNA 3 and 4 Companion Guide 3rd edition Ciscopress, 2003, ISBN: 0-471-346403

Fundamentals of Computer Networks (Level 1) or
Networked Computer Systems (Level 2) or
Equivalent Experience