This module explores the concepts on Local Area Networks (LAN) i.e., switched networks and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). It discusses campus architectures including VLANs, network security, network management, access control etc. It also provides preparation for the CCNA examinations. A tentative list of topics is given below.

Network switching concepts.

Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) and inter-VLAN routing

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).

Link aggregation e.g., EtherChannel

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

First Hop Redundancy Protocol e.g., HSRP

LAN and network switch security

Network redundancy

WLAN concepts and configurations

Troubleshooting



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

Knowledge

K3 Principles of estimating the risks and opportunities of digital and technology solutions.

K5 A range of digital technology solution development techniques and tools.

K11 The nature and scope of common vulnerabilities in digital and technology solutions. For example, the risks of unsecure coding and unprotected networks

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

K18 Techniques of robust research and evaluation for the justification of digital and technology solutions.

K19: Relevant legal, ethical, social and professional standards to a digital and technology solution. For example, Diversity, Accessibility, Intellectual Property, Data Protection Acts, Codes of Practice, Regulatory and Compliance frameworks.

Skills

S1 Analyse a business problem to identify the role of digital and technology solutions.

S2 Identify risks, determine mitigation strategies and opportunities for improvement in a digital and technology solutions project.

S3 Analyse a business problem 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

B1 Has a strong work ethic and commitment to meet the standards required.

B3 Acts with integrity with respect to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements ensuring the protection of personal data, safety and security.

B4 Commits to continuous professional development; maintaining their knowledge and skills in relation to developments in digital and technology solutions that influence their work.



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

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)

K64 The main factors that affect network performance, and how to mitigate these on network performance by implementing changes to QoS. For example, Traffic Shaping / Policing / Queuing), Topology (physical and logical), and Network Policy (Traffic Analysis, DPI (Deep Packet Inspection).

K65 Principles of failure modes in protocols. For example. why a protocol may ‘hang’ and the effect of data communication errors and approaches to addressing failures to optimise network performance.

K66 Key security concepts. For example, threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, detection and mitigation techniques, and security program elements such as user awareness, physical access control, multi-layer defence models.

Skills

S56 Identify and collate stakeholder needs in relation to computer network requirements, plans and designs.

S57 Plan, design, document, and develop the relevant elements of a computer network within an organisation or between organisations, considering customer requirements (performance, scale), constraints (budget, equipment availability), and define policies for their use.

S58 Monitor performance and ensure networks are configured correctly and perform as expected by designers or architects. Undertake capacity management and audit of IP addressing and hosted devices.

S59 Investigate, troubleshoot and resolve data network faults in local and wide area environments using information from multiple sources physically or remotely by console connection. Recommend and implement short term fixes to restore service and, or quality of experience and recommend longer term changes to prevent recurrence or reduce impact of future occurrences.

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.

S62 Research and evaluate emerging network technologies and assess relevance to current network requirements. Provide an objective opinion on how new features and technologies may be incorporated as required by the organisation.

S63 Investigate security concerns or attacks for example DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service), port scanning), assessing key metrics and indicators, evidencing the chosen steps to mitigate.

Assessment 1 - Case study – a written report to discuss and present solution of a given network scenario, Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3.

Assessing the following Network Engineer Route KSBs

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)

K64 The main factors that affect network performance, and how to mitigate these on network performance by implementing changes to QoS. For example, Traffic Shaping / Policing / Queuing), Topology (physical and logical), and Network Policy (Traffic Analysis, DPI (Deep Packet Inspection).

K65 Principles of failure modes in protocols. For example. why a protocol may ‘hang’ and the effect of data communication errors and approaches to addressing failures to optimise network performance.

K66 Key security concepts. For example, threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, detection and mitigation techniques, and security program elements such as user awareness, physical access control, multi-layer defence models.

Skills

S57 Plan, design, document, and develop the relevant elements of a computer network within an organisation or between organisations, considering customer requirements (performance, scale), constraints (budget, equipment availability), and define policies for their use.

S58 Monitor performance and ensure networks are configured correctly and perform as expected by designers or architects. Undertake capacity management and audit of IP addressing and hosted devices.

S59 Investigate, troubleshoot and resolve data network faults in local and wide area environments using information from multiple sources physically or remotely by console connection. Recommend and implement short term fixes to restore service and, or quality of experience and recommend longer term changes to prevent recurrence or reduce impact of future occurrences.

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.

S62 Research and evaluate emerging network technologies and assess relevance to current network requirements. Provide an objective opinion on how new features and technologies may be incorporated as required by the organisation.



Assessment 2 - Online exam, Learning outcomes 1-4



Assessing the following Network Engineer Route KSBs



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)

K64 The main factors that affect network performance, and how to mitigate these on network performance by implementing changes to QoS. For example, Traffic Shaping / Policing / Queuing), Topology (physical and logical), and Network Policy (Traffic Analysis, DPI (Deep Packet Inspection).

K65 Principles of failure modes in protocols. For example. why a protocol may ‘hang’ and the effect of data communication errors and approaches to addressing failures to optimise network performance.

K66 Key security concepts. For example, threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, detection and mitigation techniques, and security program elements such as user awareness, physical access control, multi-layer defence models.

The 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 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 solutions, 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 work place 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.

1. Install, configure, test and troubleshoot network switch, router including security, VLAN, access lists.

2. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of VLANs, the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), network management principles and associated tools.

3. Install, configure, test and troubleshoot wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) according to industry standards.

4. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).

Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials Labs and Study Guide (CCNAv7), Allan Johnson, Cisco Networking Academy, 2020, ISBN-10: 0-13-663438-9, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-663438-6.

CCT/CCNA routing and switching all-in-one exam guide (exams 100-490 and 200-301), Clarke, Glen E., Deal, Richard A., 2021, ISBN : 1-260-46978-6, ISBN : 1-260-46977-8.

Cisco Networks: Engineers' Handbook of Routing, Switching, and Security with IOS, NX-OS, and ASA, Carthern, Chris ; Wilson, William ; Rivera, Noel, 2021, ISBN: 1484266714, ISBN: 9781484266717

Routing and Switching Essentials v6 Companion Guide, Cisco Networking Academy, 2017, ISBN-10: 1587134284, ISBN-13:¿ 978-1587134289



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.

Blackboard to access the lecture slides, tutorials, assessments submission etc.

Specialist networking laboratories with Cisco equipment

PC with Linux or Windows Operating System (OS)

VMware Software

Packet Tracer (PT) simulation software

In studying this module, you will learn about various Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless LAN (WLAN) concepts including network switching, VLAN, STP, link aggregation, DHCP, security etc. Upon successful completion of the module, you should have become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g., switches, WLAN router etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.