Communication architecture and network protocol layering.
Network hardware - local area networks and wide area networks with consideration of alternative methods and newer communication technologies such as ISDN, ATM, wireless and cellular networking technology, and satellite networks.
LAN Topologies (e.g. bus, ring, star), LAN standards (e.g. IEEE802.x series).
Network Protocols - hierarchical protocol layer models. The ISO OSI model (layers 1-7). General concepts of routing, flow control, redundancy, multi-honing and error recovery.
WAN technologies and services (e.g. leased lines, ISDN, Frame Relay)
Types of threat, securing access to devices, AAA, implementing firewall and intrusion protection technologies, layer 2 security features, cryptographic systems, VPNs and how to manage a secure network.

Must be enrolled on BSc (Hons) Intelligence and Security (Top-up)

Directed reading and research with practical exercises that will be based on simulations using a suitable application such as OPNET (free version available to distance learning students). The exercises that will help students to understand and give practical application to the lecture material.

Students will have participated in an award induction workshop where they will learn how to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the study of this module. Subsequently students will work through the module material provided on the VLE at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module. The material will include activities and review questions that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module. Students will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects within discussion forums that are part of the VLE. The forums will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor.

- Internet
- Library
- Windows workstations

Communications and Networking: An Introduction, John Cowley, 2007, Springer, ISBN: 1-84628-488-0
Computer Networks and Internets with Internet Applications, Douglas E Comer and Ralph E Droms, 2004, 4th Ed, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 013123627
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Computer Networks, 4th Edition (International Edition), Andrew Tanenbaum, Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR, 2003, ISBN: 0-13-038488-7
CCNA Security Offical Exam Certification Guide (Exam 640-553), Watkisn and Wallace, Cisco Press, Illustrated edition (3 July 2008), ISBN-13: 978-1587202209
CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide (640-802), Todd Lammle, John Wiley & Sons; 7th edition (2011), ISBN-13: 978-0470901076

Written Test 2 hours (100%) covering all learning outcomes (1, 2, 3, 4). Test can be taken online through VLE for remote learners using Blackboard Collaborate.