1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental networking concepts and protocol suites i.e. OSI reference model, TCP/IP, IP addressing etc. and their roles in network communications.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Select and configure network appliances (such as Switches, routers etc.) to meet infrastructure requirements

Learning

Problem Solving

3. Design and implement simple networks utilising switches, routers and wireless technologies

Application

Reflection

4. Apply structured approaches to identify problems and troubleshoot network errors.

Enquiry

Problem Solving

Case Study Portfolio Development 50%

A portfolio of documentation in response to a case study detailing the analysis, design and configurations for the solution to the case study network. (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)

Skills Test 50%

Practical Networking Skills Test – under control conditions you will consider the design, configuration and troubleshooting of a network. (Learning Outcomes 3 & 4)

Assessing aspects of the following KSBs from the CSTP Apprenticeship Standard:

K2: Network foundations, connections, internetworking, protocols, standards, performance, security and server virtualisation

S2: Design, build, configure, optimise, test and troubleshoot simple and complex networks

B8: Analytical and critical thinking skills for Technology Solutions development and can systematically analyse and apply structured problem-solving techniques to complex systems and situations.

B10: Can conduct effective research, using literature and other media.

B11: Logical thinking and creative approach to problem solving.

OSI reference model, TCP/IP suit and their relationships
TCP/UDP communications and relevant protocols

Failure modes in 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 KSBs from the CSTP Apprenticeship Standard:

K2: Network foundations, connections, internetworking, protocols, standards, performance, security and server virtualisation

S2: Design, build, configure, optimise, test and troubleshoot simple and complex networks

K20: Understand security assurance, how to achieve it and how to apply security principles

S20: Architect, analyse & justify a secure system

B8: Analytical and critical thinking skills for Technology Solutions development and can systematically analyse and apply structured problem-solving techniques to complex systems and situations.

B10: Can conduct effective research, using literature and other media.

B11: Logical thinking and creative approach to problem solving.

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:¿

Bias prevention in security

Computer Networks are collections of linked computing devices, this module considers the technologies that join them together, correct configuration of networked devices adds significantly to the security of IT systems. 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.

This module will be delivered in a blended learning mode consisting of face-to-face, online and guided learning sessions.

Teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning, and most importantly where possible will seek to be contextualised in your workplace as part of your apprenticeship. You 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 you 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 week with up to 12 hours of face-to-face contact time devoted to developing your understanding of the core purpose and assessment of the module. You will be presented with details of how the learning will be structured 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 attendance-based contact time as a class with the module team. This will typically be as 10 x 1.5-hour online classes. Classes which will be a combination of activities including lectures, demonstrations, discussions, tutorials and seminars. Some sessions maybe 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 meetings). Some of these may be in small groups if appropriate. These sessions may be used to discuss key topics, troubleshoot solutions, review working drafts etc.

Assignment Development: Time 30 hours

A typical assignment will take you a minimum 30 hours to complete.

This module includes 58 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours as standard, covering new learning funded by the apprenticeship levy. A total 200 nominal learning hours has been attributed to this module, incorporating OTJ training alongside broader academic development beyond levy-funded new learning.

Forouzan, B. A., DeAnza, F. & Chung, Y. (2025) Data Communications and Networking. 6th edn. New York: McGraw Hill.

Stallings, W. (2024) Data and Computer Communications. 11th edn. Boston: Pearson.

Tanenbaum, A. S. & Wetherall, D. J. (2024) Computer Networks. 6th edn. New York: Pearson.

Halsall, F. & Lingard, S. (2023) Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open Systems. 7th edn. Harlow: Pearson Education.

Pozar, D. M. (2023) Wireless Communications. 2nd edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

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

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

Cisco Packet Tracer (PT) simulation software
Cisco network devices e.g. switches, routers, access points etc. available in Cisco labs or equivalent