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

OSI reference model, TCP/IP suite 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 Networks (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

The module will also address cloud networking through:

General networking and fundamentals
Security and issues that can occur when designing and implementing new networks
Databases and connectivity
Loosely Coupled and Stateless systems
Security of data and systems
Elastic Computing principles
Storage options and their evaluation
Monitoring Techniques of different technologies and their context of usage
Automation techniques for infrastructure
Accessibility and inclusion criteria address in design and implementation
Associated sustainability and cost related design issues

BCS / TechSkills / Employability elements:

The module examines both commercial and business issues related to network design
Part of the module looks at evaluation of networking aspects
Problem solving is extensively applied through exploration of scenarios
Sustainability in relation to the networking domain is explored in detail

TEST - Class Written Test

The test will use two approaches in order to assess student knowledge. The first will be to provide network-based scenarios where students will select from a set of provided answers the best design solution and write a brief text-based justification to support this. The second approach will ask students questions where they must directly formulate answers to show their knowledge related to the question.

PRACTICAL - Class Practical Test

Students will be expected to implement and demonstrate a fundamental understanding of networking concepts and be able to deploy these to a network that they design and implement for a given scenario.

All teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning. Students will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples within the same sessions. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers, and industry stories. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental networking concepts and be able to describe their roles in network communications.

Knowledge & Understanding
Critical Reasoning
Collaboration

2. Design and implement small scale networks utilising switches, routers and wireless technologies.

Application & Problem-Solving
Digital Literacy

3. Evaluate issues which affect cloud adoption within an organisation.

Research Skills
Reflection

4. Evaluate a cloud-based infrastructure for a given scenario which will aid an SME to improve its business performance.

Application & Problem-Solving
Reflection

Cisco Packet Tracer (PT) simulation software
Cisco network devices e.g. switches, routers, access points etc. available in Cisco labs
Blackboard Environment
AWS learning environment

Moreno, J. and Stuart, A. (2025), Azure Networking: Understand key concepts and design secure Cloud networking architectures (English Edition), BPB Publications

Wilkins, A. (2021), AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, Pearson

Mastrapasqua, G. (2025), AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam Guide: Mastering AWS identity, compute, storage, networking, and database fundamentals for cloud practitioner success (English Edition), BPB Publications

Bagha, M. (2021), Cloud Computing Solutions Architect: A Hands-On Approach

Kairo, Z. (2025), Computer Networking Mastery: The Complete Networking Playbook: 2025 Professional Guide to TCP/IP, Cloud Infrastructure (AWS & Azure), Security & Troubleshooting with Real World Case Studies, Independently Published

This module is intended to equip you with not only the knowledge but also the practical skills to be able to create and understand an enterprise grade network. The Syllabus incorporates the content of the Cisco CCNA qualification (Network fundamentals and routing/switching fundamentals). You will look at the transition which is taking place of moving corporate data and infrastructure to a Cloud based environment and ensuring that this meets the requirements of local legalization and locally defined security requirements. This module will make use of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academic Learning Environment to allow students to build confidence in Cloud computing.