1. Critically assess the mechanisms and architectural principles of network communications systems to select and justify secure solutions

Problem Solving

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main functions of the OSI data-link and network layers

Knowledge & Understanding

3. Demonstrate critical understanding and an ability to critically assess different LAN (local area network) technologies, including ethernet with support for voice traffic and secure traffic.

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Problem Solving

4. Critically evaluate the requirements for the physical core of a computer network and the deployment of switches, routers, gateways and VLANS (virtual local area network).

Problem Solving

Learning

Practical Assessment 50%

This will be a practical based skills test, that tests your application of technical skills within a simulated environment, completed during the university examination period. During this practical based skills test students are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner according to CISCO Academy and local lab regulations (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3).

Online Class test 50%

Completion of a written exam of 1 hour duration under controlled conditions online, this exam will be in the format of a multiple-choice section and a short answer section covering advanced routing and switching architectures (Learning Outcomes 1 and 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

K12: Threats, vulnerabilities, impacts and mitigations in ICT systems and the enterprise environment

S12: Discover, identify and analyse threats, attack techniques, vulnerabilities and mitigations

K18: Security components: how they are used for security / business benefit. Crypto & key management

S18: Configure and use security technology components and key management

K19: How to compose a justified security case

S19: Design & evaluate a system to a security case

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

B12: Able to demonstrate a ‘security mind-set’ (how to break as well as make)

B15: A thorough approach to work in the cyber security role

Addressing Schemes

Route-optimisation

Internal Routing Protocols – EIGRP, OSPF, Static routes

Border Gateway Protocol

VLANS

Virtual Hardware

Voice Systems

Port-Channels

First-hop redundancy Protocols

Spanning-tree

Multiple Layer switching

Cisco Switches, Routers and VOIP phones

Monitoring Software

Network design and documentation
Failure mode sin protocols, Network Management and Troubleshooting

Advanced Network Segmentation and Perimeter Defence

Secure Communication and Endpoint Integration

Hardening Network Devices and Protocols

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

K12: Threats, vulnerabilities, impacts and mitigations in ICT systems and the enterprise environment

S12: Discover, identify and analyse threats, attack techniques, vulnerabilities and mitigations

K18: Security components: how they are used for security / business benefit. Crypto & key management.

S18: Configure and use security technology components and key management

K19: How to compose a justified security case

S19: Design & evaluate a system to a security case

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

B12: Able to demonstrate a ‘security mind-set’ (how to break as well as make)

B15: A thorough approach to work in the cyber security role



Learning within this module maps to the following Fundamental British Values:¿¿

Democracy

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Safeguarding & Prevent:¿

Protecting from harm

Promoting safe environments



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

Bias prevention in security

This module focuses on advanced network infrastructure and its role in ensuring secure and efficient communication within and across networks. You will explore addressing schemes and route optimisation techniques to improve network performance and resilience. Key routing protocols such as EIGRP, OSPF, static routing, and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) are examined in depth, alongside implementation of VLANs and multi-layer switching for segmenting and securing network traffic. The module also covers first-hop redundancy protocols and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to ensure high availability and prevent network loops. Emphasis is placed on securing these technologies and using monitoring software to detect, analyse, and respond to network threats. By the end of the module, you'll be able to design and maintain a robust, secure, and high-performance network infrastructure suitable for modern enterprise environments.

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, you 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) TCP/IP Protocol Suite. 6th edn. New York: McGraw Hill.

Stallings, W. (2024) Routing and Switching with TCP/IP. 2nd edn. Boston: Pearson.

CISCO. (2023) CCNP Enterprise: Core Networking (ENCOR) v1.1 Exam Prep Guide. Cisco Press.

CISCO. (2023) CCNP Enterprise: Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI) v1.1 Exam Prep Guide. Cisco Press.

Hsu, C. (2023) AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty (ANS-C01) Exam Guide. Apress.

Cisco Networking Academy, 2020, Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials Companion Guide, Cisco Press

Piper, 2020, CCNP Enterprise Certification Study Guide: Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies, Sybex

Aweya, 2021, IP Routing Protocols: Two-Volume Set, CRC Press

Valadas, 2021, OSPF and IS-IS: From Link State Routing Principles to Technologies, CRC Press

Parkhurst, Cisco Multicast Routing And Switching, McGraw-Hill Osborne Media

Sluga, (2019), AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty Exam Guide: Build your knowledge and technical expertise as an AWS-certified networking specialist, Packt Publishing

Agahian, (2022), AWS Advanced Networking Exam Guide: ANS-C01, Independently published

Dachache, (2021), AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C00) - Complete Preparation: Get Certified with our AWS Certified Advanced Networking (ANS-C00) Practice Tests. Pass the exam with confidence, Independently published

Cisco Netacad Environment