Networking topics - The module will look at fundamental aspects of networking technology which underlies an enterprise grade network with the following concepts introduced:

OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection), TCP/IP, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes (NAT/PAT, Static and DHCP).

Ethernet switching and routing including related protocols for example STP, static routing, dynamic routing (OSPF/EIGRP).

Network documentation, network management, basic security e.g. Access Control Lists, and firewalls

Wireless based networking (802.11)

The maintenance and operation of a network

Routing expansion to work globally across the WAN

These topics will be contextualised into the theme of global communications and sharing of resources to provide a business, educational or domestic solution.

Computer hardware - Topics will cover typical devices used in a commercial environment including:

Compute’ devices and different operating systems
Storage solutions
Print solutions
Public/Private and Hybrid cloud solutions

WRITTEN: An individual assessment where students will produce a technical report outlining the design of a computer system for an SME on a single site, identifying the required ‘compute’, storage, print devices, and network appliances required within a complete end design (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3).

PRESENTATION: An individual presentation of a network design using live equipment or an appropriate simulator (Learning Outcome 1).

This course has 65 hours taught contact time which is divided into formal lectures and practical sessions. The lectures will look at the academic aspects of networking and cyber security within commercial organisations. The underlying theory will be given in these sessions and reinforced through the use of the practical laboratory sessions. The intention of this course is to give the student the skills needed to work on commercial grade network appliances (e.g. Cisco or Juniper) or relevant cyber security-based live equipment in a simulated commercial setting. This enables you to have the chance to work on appropriate equipment and reinforce through experimentation what has been covered in the lectures. The student will also be given optional access to Cisco Academy learning material (or other vendor) if they wish to carry out extra study.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of protocol models (OSI, and TCP/IP) and network design principles.

2. Explain and use appropriate layer 2 and 3 technologies, for example STP, IP addressing, routing protocols and the associated hardware in a managed, safe, and responsible manner.

3. Develop a detailed knowledge of computer hardware used in a commercial environment.

Specialist networking laboratories with appropriate commercial grade equipment (Cisco, and Juniper etc.) or appropriate network simulator.

Suitable enhanced teaching room with access to computing hardware resources.

For those students who wish to, access to vendor certifications for example via Cisco Netacad, the Cisco Academy portal where further material and learning resources are available.

Wendell, O. (2019), CCNA Official Cert Guide 200-301 Volume 1, Cisco Press, ISBN-10: 0135792738, ISBN-13: 978-0135792735

Wendell, O. (2019), CCNA Official Cert Guide 200-301 Volume 2, Cisco Press, ISBN-10: 1587147130, ISBN-13: 978-1587147135

Empson, S. (2019), CCNA 200-301 Portable Command Guide, Cisco Press, 5th Edition. ISBN-10: 0135937825, ISBN-13: 978-0135937822

Stroud, K. A. & Stroud, D. J (2018 Edition/Reprint), Foundation Mathematics, Palgrave Macmillan,
ISBN: 978-0230579071

Croft, A. & Davidson, R. (2018 Edition/Reprint), Foundation Maths, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0131979213
Truss, J. (2018 Edition/Reprint), Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists, Addison-Wesley,
ISBN: 0201360616

Clements, A. (2018 Edition/Reprint), The Principles of Computer Hardware, Oxford University Press,
ISBN 978-0199273133

This module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to design a small-scale network that is expandable to an enterprise level, through learning the key constructs of the discipline around protocol models. The first part of the module will teach students content that could lead to a vendor qualification, for example Cisco CCNA or Juniper JNCIA-Junos. The module also looks at typical computing hardware used in the commercial sector, enabling knowledge to be built to specify a solution to a given business scenario that integrates networks and hardware effectively.