This module covers comprehensive networking concepts and skills, from network applications to the protocols and services provided to those applications. You will progress from basic networking to more complex enterprise and theoretical networking models later in the curriculum. The module covers some of these key areas:

Devices in a LAN Network

Ethernet Switching

IPv4 addressing.

Implement a VLSM addressing scheme.

IPv6 Addressing

Router Configuration

Device Security

Routing Protocols (Static, RIPv2 and OSPF)

LAN Design and Scale to Larger Networks

Introduction to mobile networks and protocols





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 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)

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.¿

K68 Key elements of mobile networks. For example, RAN (Radio Access Network), EPC (Evolved Packet Core), IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) including some specific key functions such as S/P/U-Gateways and the concepts in communicating over free-space media such as interference, ground bounce, encryption and in mobile endpoint platforms such as tracking user location and roaming.



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.¿

Assignment 1: Time constrained written test two hours.

Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 4

Assessing the following Network Engineer 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)





Assignment 2: A practical assessment for design, implement and test a given network outcomes 3 and 4.

Assessing the following Network Engineer 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)

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.¿

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 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.

1. Implement a network design for a small network to include a router, a switch, and end devices.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of calculating an IPv4 subnetting scheme to efficiently segment a network (IPv4 and IPv6)

3. Configure¿IPv4 and IPv6 static routing on routers and dynamic routing in both point-to-point and multiaccess network

4. Configure and troubleshoot routers and switches for advanced functionality using security best practices and resolve common issues with protocols in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks

Introduction to Networks Companion Guide (CCNAv7). Publisher Cisco Networking Academy, Released October 2020, ISBN: 0136633668


Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials Companion Guide (CCNAv7). Publisher Cisco Networking Academy, Released November 2020, ISBN: 0136729355



CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2 by Wendell Odom. Publisher: Cisco Press, Release Date: December 2019. ISBN: 9780135262726

Lecture slide, recorded videos, lab documents and activities accessed through VLE.

Simulation tools for network logical design, configurations and testing

Other resources – Virtual Machines and Wireshark



Students studying this module will be able to access online materials including the Cisco Networking Academy online.

curriculum (http://www.netacad.com), and the VLE.

You will develop workforce readiness skills and build a foundation for success in networking-related careers and degree programs. You will learn, apply, and practice network knowledge and skills through a series of in-depth hands-on experiences and simulated activities that reinforce your learning.