Computer system structure and components including:

Number systems and logic in context of computer systems

Processors

Memory

Storage

Operating Systems



OSI reference model, TCP/IP suit and their relationships

TCP/UDP communications and relevant protocols

IP addressing and design.

IP addressing services e.g. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Local Area Network (LAN), switching technology and configuration.

Ethernet Technology

Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology i.e. IEEE 802.11 standards

Wide Area Network (WAN), routing technology and configuration

Routing protocols

Access Control Lists (ACL)

Network design and documentation

Network Management and Troubleshooting







This module will support the development and assessment of the following Core Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours from the DTSP Apprenticeship Standard:

Knowledge

K16 Fundamental computer networking concepts in relation to digital and technology solutions. For example, structure, cloud architecture, components, quality of service.

K20 Sustainable development approaches as applied to digital and technology solutions such as green computing.

Skills

S3 Analyse a business problem in order to specify an appropriate digital and technology solution.

S12 Plan, design and manage simple computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context.

Behaviours

B7 Maintains awareness of trends and innovations in the subject area, utilising a range of academic literature, online sources, community interaction, conference attendance and other methods which can deliver business value.



This module will support the development and assessment of the following Specialist Route Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours from the DTSP Apprenticeship Standard:



Network Engineer

Knowledge

K61 The role and function of virtual or physical network components and functions and typical topologies and service architectures.

K62 The main network protocols in use, their purpose, features and relationship to each other. For example, Ethernet, IP (Internet Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First).

Skills

S60 Implement computer networks from a design including testing and validation. This includes populating variables in configurations, for example, IP addresses and subsequent application of configuration to equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls.

Assessment 1.

A case study portfolio to examine network requirement and design of a solution.

Mapped to learning Outcomes 1,2 & 3





Assessing the following Core KSBs:

Knowledge

K16 Fundamental computer networking concepts in relation to digital and technology solutions. For example, structure, cloud architecture, components, quality of service.

Skills

S12 Plan, design and manage simple computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context.



Assessing the following Network Engineer Route KSBs

Skills

S60: Implement computer networks from a design including testing and validation. This includes populating variables in configurations, for example, IP addresses and subsequent application of configuration to equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls.



Assessment 2.

Practical Networking Skills Test - will assess the skills gained from the practical sessions of the module and application of the knowledge to design and troubleshoot a network.

Mapped to Learning Outcomes 3 & 4.



Assessing the following Core KSBs:



Knowledge

K16 Fundamental computer networking concepts in relation to digital and technology solutions. For example, structure, cloud architecture, components, quality of service.



Assessing the following Network Engineer Route KSBs



Skills

S60 Implement computer networks from a design including testing and validation. This includes populating variables in configurations for example IP addresses and subsequent application of configuration to equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls.

1. Understand the components of typical computing devices and how to select appropriate components to support application requirements

Knowledge & Understanding
Learning
Problem Solving

2. Understanding fundamental networking concepts and protocol suites - OSI reference model, TCP/IP, IP, and their roles in network communications.

Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

3. Select and configure industry standard network appliances e.g. switches, routers etc.in the design and implementation of a small-scale network

Application,
Learning,
Enquiry,

4. Identify problems and troubleshoot network errors.

Enquiry,
Analysis,
Problem Solving

The module will be delivered in a Blended Learning Mode consisting of face to face, online and guided learning sessions.



We will provide lecture material which will be available to you from the launch of the module. This material will be provided by Staffordshire University in addition to material which is provided by CISCO Academy.



We will also provide you with access to Packet Tracer where you can develop your skills and use the technology which we are discussing.



Teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning and most importantly where possible contextualised in your workplace as part of your apprenticeship. Learners will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers and industry case studies. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.



The delivery will be delivered as follows:



Module Launch week: 12 hours

There will be a module launch session consisting of up to 12 hours face to face contact time devoted to developing your understanding of the core purpose and assessment of the module. Learners will be presented with details of how the learning will be structure and how to access to the learning materials for the remainder of the module



Structured Learning Sessions: 15 hours

Following the module launch week you will have a further 15 hours of contact time as a class with the module team. This will typically be as 10 x 1.5 hour online classes which will be a combination of activities including lectures, demonstrations, discussions, tutorials and seminars. Some sessions are likely to be in flipped classroom style, where you will be expected to watch online recordings, read materials or respond to practical activities in preparation for active engagement with problem solving in the online session.



1:1 Progress Checks: 1 hour

As a Blended Learner understanding your progress can be a challenge so you are allocated an hour of 1:1 time with your tutor (typically 3 x 20 minute). Some of these may be in small groups if appropriate. These sessions may be used to discuss key topics, troubleshoot salutations, review working drafts etc



Guided Independent Learning: 178 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 and other resources. Additional 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. You should also draw on the expertise in your workplace via your workplace mentor and other colleagues. If you require help understanding any of the concepts, you should contact your module tutor for assistance.

As an apprentice you are constantly developing your Digital Skills as part of your substantial role, and this applies to the development of the knowledge for your modules too. In some cases, there will be a significant cross over between the module content and in others less so, depending on the nature of your workplace duties, this will have direct impact on to the number of Independent Learning required.



Within the Independent learning time you will be expected to complete your assignments, as a guide a typical module assignment should take around 60 hours to complete.

CISCO Academy materials

Packet Tracer

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.



Ahmadi, A. (2021), CCNP Data Center Application Centric Infrastructure 300-620 DCACI Official Cert Guide, Cisco Press; 1st edition

Raghunandan, K. (2022), Introduction to Wireless Communications and Networks: A Practical Perspective (Textbooks in Telecommunication Engineering), Springer; 1st ed. 2022 edition

Chabukswar, A. et. al (2022), Computer Networks: Fundamentals Based on TCP/IP Model, Kindle edition

McMillan, T, (2015), Cisco Networking Essentials, Sybex

Cisco Network Academy, CCNA: Introduction to Network, version 7

Cisco Network Academy, CCNA: Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials, version 7

Cisco Network Academy, CCNA Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation, version 7

Computer Networks are collections of linked computing devices, this module considers the technologies that join them together. Starting with considering the basic building blocks of computer technology you will learn about the technologies and protocols of the Internet including the OSI/TCP suite, TCP and UDP communications, IP addressing, Ethernet, wireless networks, switching, routing, network design, documentation, management, and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of the module, you should be a skilled user who is able to design a basic network efficiently, can begin to configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc.