1. Assess critically the mechanisms and architectural principles of network communications systems and be able to apply these to several business contexts.
2. Demonstrate critical understanding of the main functions of the OSI data-link layer: switching and redundant paths. In addition, understand the function of the network layer: IGP & EGP routing protocols, load balancing, redundant architecture, and scalable address schemes.
3. Demonstrate systematic understanding and an ability to critically assess different LAN technologies, including ethernet with support for voice traffic and secure traffic.
4. Evaluate critically the requirements for the physical core of a computer network and the deployment of switches, routers, gateways and VLANs.

CLASS-TEST: A practically based class-test where students will undertake activities in relation to given scenarios. Part of the assessment will involve showing critical rationale as to why solutions were chosen from a selection provided (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4).

PRACTICAL: The practical assessment will provide the student a case study for which they are to find solutions related to layers, architecture, and network-based technologies (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3).

WRITTEN: A written report to document aspects of the above practical assessment, providing clear reflection of ideas, approaches, and considerations taken in arriving at the end practical solution (Learning Outcome 3).

This module addresses the following topics:

Theory & Knowledge Exchange
Routing aspects – scalable, secure, and reliable transfer of layer 3 information
Protocols and design techniques
Commercial networks
Interior Protocols used within a company and the Exterior protocols used to communicate between autonomous systems
Network technology adoption

Technology & Resources
Design of networks through hierarchical considerations and redundancy to ensure the continued operation in the event of a technical failure.

Practical Content
Benefits associated to individual protocols and design techniques
Switching technology which is layer 3 aware

Routing and switching are considered as part of the core of networking. Once the network is designed well for these technologies other features such as security can then be built upon this. This course will look in detail at the choices within routing and switching to see why design decisions are made and for the student to understand these choices. The switching will look at layer 3 switching which is now increasingly being used inside of networks due to the throughput and additional features which can be offered over the traditional layer 2 technology. The emphasis of this course will be from the viewpoint of a medium to large scale organisation. This course will introduce aspects of Cisco CCNP SWITCH and CCNP ROUTE academy certifications for those wishing to pursue these further.

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 in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

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.

Core Text/Resource:
Berg, C. (2021), Cisco CCNA Command Guide for Beginners and Intermediates: A Practical Step by Step Guide to Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching Command Line for Beginners and Intermediates, Independently published, ASIN: B08T7DYPCZ
Odom, W. (2019), CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1, Cisco Press; 1st edition, ISBN-10:0135792738
Gaber, H. (2020), Understanding Computer Networks 2020, Independently published, ISBN-13:979-8638571801
Laurence, N. (2020), Computer Networking First-Step: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Computer Architecture and Mastering Communications System Including Cisco, CCNA, CCENT, and the OSI Model, Freedom 2020 LTD, ISBN-13978-1914203053

Optional Text/Resource:
Wendell and Odom, (2014), CCNP Routing and Switching ROUTE 300-101 Official Cert Guide, Cisco Press, ISBN 1587205599
Hucanby, (2015) CCNP Routing and Switching SWITCH 300-115 Official Cert Guide, ISBN 1587205602
Zhang and Bartell, (2016), BGP Design and Implementation, Cisco Press, ISBN 1587144700

Specialist networking labs with Cisco equipment.

This module is suited to students who have previously studied the HND in Computing (Networking). Other students may take this module, but they must discuss their enrolment on it with the Course Leader firstly to determine its suitability.