This module will allow the student to build upon their current skill set in the important area of troubleshooting a commercial IP based network. The following topics will be looked at as part of the course:

Cisco technologies overview
Understanding the OSI model and how this relates to the analysis of faults
Diagnosing and correct campus TCP/IP
Diagnosing Layer 2 switching and trunking technology
Understand the design of a network which will minimise the impact of a number of faults within an infrastructure
Diagnosing and correction of IGP and EGP routing problems
Understand the applicability of the different protocols which are available within the network for fault diagnostics and to ensure the correct operation of the network
Understand the requirements of fault detection within an operational network from the technical and human perspective
Understand and be able to apply industry techniques for the use of faults and the recording

BCS / TechSkills / Employability elements:

Extensive modelling of networking artefact solutions
Commercial and business issues related to networking requirements and set ups
Management and planning of solution finding approach
Security considerations within design solutions proposed
Evaluation of systems at outset, and in finding end solution artefacts
The development of hands on problem solving skills

PRACTICAL - Practical Assessment – You will evaluate a provided converged IP based network and practically implement artefacts and complete other tasks in order to increase performance and improve security elements included. A part of this work will involve reflection on existing solutions in order to identify best future approaches that could be taken.

PRACTICAL - Practical Assessment – You will analyse and troubleshoot set scenarios in relation to the networking OSI model.

The module will be delivered using a combination of independent research, lectures and tutorials. The lectures are intended to provide the theory, and the tutorials are an opportunity to test out the theories. The lectures are based on the official Cisco material but have been adapted for your needs (should you so wish that in your own time you can take the related Cisco certification). You will also be provided with a lab manual which you can work through in the tutorial sessions, forming a formative approach toward the assessment.

1. Evaluate network security technologies based on given security policy and network requirements, according to industry standards.

Digital Literacy
Application and Problem Solving

2. Critically analyse and systematically troubleshoot problems within each of the layers of the OSI model with the applicable industry documentation techniques.

Application and Problem Solving
Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

3. Analyse existing converged IP based network designs.

Reflection

Specialist networking laboratory

Cisco grade equipment within the rack room

Quiunna, G. (2023), The Complete Computer Networking Guide for Beginners: Master the Art of Computer Networks: From Basic Concepts to Advanced Protocols, Independently Published.

Kimmel, N. (2024), The Computer Networking Bible for Beginners: Your All-in-One Guide to Network Systems, Wireless Technologies, and Cybersecurity – From Novice to Networking Expert in Less Than 7 Days, Independently Published.

CISCO, (2025), CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Glossary Booklet: 1st Edition - 2025, IPS Specialist Publishing.

Robertson, A. (2025), Multi-Cloud Mastery: Architecting Secure and Scalable Kubernetes Systems and Infrastructures, Independently Published.

This module will help you to appreciate that networks are becoming more complex with the number of components which make them up, and the potential for problems will increase. The majority of large and small commercial companies are now dependent upon the IT infrastructure that they use. This gives the problem that in the event of a disruption in service or even a reduced performance the problems need to be solved quickly. This module will look at problems within networks and their configuration to initially reduce the likelihood of these occurring with management monitoring. The module will look at industry systematic methods of fault finding and solving with applicable documentation as well as introducing more advanced network concepts.