1. DESCRIBE THE OPERATION OF A LAN / TCP/IP AND UNDERSTAND BASIC NETWORK SECURITY AND IP ADDRESSING.
Learning
Analysis

2. CONFIGURE A SIMPLE LAN WITH WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY.
Problem solving
Application

3. UNDERSTAND AND USE STANDARD DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICAL, AND PROBABILITY TECHNIQUES. Knowledge and Understanding

4. COMMUNICATE AND EXPLAIN IN DETAIL COMPLEX STATISTICAL CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES TO OTHERS.
Application
Enquiry

The assessment will consist of two components.

A practical networks assignment assessing Learning Outcomes 1 and 2 which will consist of practical work and a small report to be submitted at the end of Semester One.

A class test will be used to test the maths components of the module taking place in a practical slot within Semester Two of the module.

Networking topics -
This module provides an introduction to networking and prepares the learner to begin study for the CISCO CCNA qualification or equivalent. The topics covered will be:

¿ End-user devices and local networks interacting with the global Internet.
¿ Requirements for network connectivity.
¿ Integrated network routers.
¿ Importance of IP addressing.
¿ Protocols of the TCP/IP suite.
¿ Integrated wireless routers and wireless clients.
¿ Simple computer networking using Cisco devices, applying appropriate security throughout the LAN.
¿ Troubleshooting common network issues.

Maths –
Frequency tables and polygons, bar and pie-charts, scatter diagrams, mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, histograms, skewness, cumulative frequency tables and graphs, boxplots and percentiles.

Fractional, decimal and percentage probability, relative frequency, Venn diagrams, sample space diagrams, addition and multiplication laws, independent events, conditional probability (Baye’s Theorem), probability trees, and standard probability notation.

Lines of regression, correlation coefficients, discrete random variables, probability distributions (normal, binomial and Poisson), central limit theorem, and hypothesis testing.

Proposition of a hypothesis, justification of a hypothesis, testing of a hypothesis, analysis of results, presentation of conclusions and critical evaluation of methods and reliability.

A number of formal lectures will deliver the underpinning knowledge. A number of practical tutorials will be used so that you can apply this knowledge to reinforce your learning.
For network classes a simulator and/or physical hardware will be used in the tutorials.
For the maths part concepts will be introduced in lectures with handouts to cover the indicative content, and practical sessions used to develop skills and experience.

Beasley, .S. & Nilkaew, P (2016), Networking Essentials: A CompTIA Network+ N10-006 Textbook 4th Edition, Pearson IT Certification, ISBN-10: 0789758199, ISBN-13: 978-0789758194

McMillan T, (2015), Cisco Networking Essentials, 2nd Edition, Sybex, ISBN-10: 1119092159, ISBN-13: 978-1119092155

Note for the maths component no specific books are recommended as the tutor will provide booklets and additional support for outside of class study.

Computers
Network simulator
Network hardware
Library
Online materials

None

This module introduces a variety of topics to build your skills and understanding of networking and maths. The course also introduces networking devices and the iOS operating system (other OS can be used). You will learn how networks are set up, how devices are configured, how communication takes place on a network, and the basics of implementing network security best practices. This will enhance your confidence in communicating your knowledge and with working with networking-related professions. This course includes activities that expand on the course material presented. The module also covers maths, statistics and probability in order to develop required skills for future degree study.