The module will focus on the following aspects which are fundamental / core concepts for an enterprise grade network:


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

In-class written test - The written test will assess a student's knowledge and learning focusing on the fundamental concepts of Network and Communications on the theoretical side of the concepts (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 4).

Practical class test - The practical Class Test will assess the skills gained from the practical sessions of the module and application of the knowledge to design and troubleshoot a network (Learning Outcomes 3 and 4).

1. DEVELOP A DEEPER KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ON FUNDAMENTAL NETWORKING CONCEPTS AND PROTOCOL SUITES I.E. OSI REFERENCE MODEL, TCP/IP, IP ADDRESSING ETC. AND THEIR ROLES IN NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS.

Knowledge and Understanding,
Learning

2. SELECT AND CONFIGURE INDUSTRY STANDARD NETWORK APPLIANCES E.G. SWITCHES, ROUTERS ETC.

Learning,
Enquiry,
Reflection

3. DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT SMALL SCALE NETWORKS UTILISING SWITCHES, ROUTERS AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES

Application,
Reflection

4. IDENTIFY PROBLEMS AND TROUBLESHOOT NETWORK ERRORS.

Enquiry,
Analysis,
Problem Solving

The lectures will deliver the theoretical concepts and the students will be able to apply the knowledge in the practical / tutorial sessions using a simulation software or real network devices in the lab. Furthermore, students will be provided with a range of resources e.g. online material, simulation software, case studies, academic papers etc. There will be formative exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

Cisco Packet Tracer (PT) simulation software

Cisco network devices e.g. switches, routers, access points etc. available in Cisco labs or equivalent

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

In studying this module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts e.g. OSI/TCP suit, 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 become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.