This module will look at topics of:

Current and near future developments of Cloud Development
Operation at a practical level
Changes occurring in the cloud field
New technology released regularly
Evaluation of emerging technology
Network and use context
Commercial and economic environments
Industry job roles and team positions
Infrastructure and the impact of changes

The module will involve lectures and practical elements which will be carried out in the networking labs to allow the students to use the technology. It is expected though that you will also make the best use of the independent study time to research in a lot more detail about the technologies and where they are useful.

BCS / TechSkills / Employability elements:

Commercial and business issues in relation to network planning
Economic development issues in relation to the planning and design of a network
Evaluation of cloud based solutions
Problem solving in the finding of solutions to practically set case studies and scenarios

TEST - Written Class Test covering theory and practical application of topics demonstrated within the module around cloud, virtualisation and communication technologies. Specifically, you will be given example scenarios with set answers to choose from, as well as questions where you will need to devise your own written answer. For the scenarios you will have the target of choosing or defining the best efficient solution to a set problem.

PRESENTATION - Recorded Individual Presentation - You will record a 15-minute presentation on a provided cloud-based topic relating to a covered element within the module to a given scenario. This typically will involve a given case study scenario where you need to identify the key network design elements, and map these to your own proposed cloud networking solution, producing an entrepreneurial solution proposal.

In this module we will use a seminar style type teaching method as the main driver for learning. For lectures and practicals, we will have a session divided up into a specific lecture part and practical element. This gives you the chance during the session to listen to discussions and then to try this technology out, and to then contribute to the rest of the session with observations from doing so. Throughout the module there will be formative opportunities provided to aid with assessment development and progress.

1. Justify the need for cloud and virtualisation technologies in comparison to other network technologies.

Knowledge and Understanding
Communication

2. Critically appraise communication technologies and their specific scenarios of use to a technical or non-technical audience identifying entrepreneurial considerations.

Personal Development and Entrepreneurship
Reflection

3. Demonstrate the operation of cloud technologies through investigation and usage within the context of already operating technologies.

Application and Problem Solving
Research Skills

Access to a networking lab

Access to the Department of Computing's Grid room

Access to the networking rack room

Kairo, Z. (2025), Computer Networking Mastery: The Complete Networking Playbook: 2025 Professional Guide to TCP/IP, Cloud Infrastructure (AWS & Azure), Security & Troubleshooting with Real World Case Studies, Independently Published.

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

Amos, R. (2025), CISCO CCNA 200-301 STUDY GUIDE: A Complete Exam Prep with 300+ Practice Questions, Detailed Answers, and In-Depth Explanations to Pass on Your First Try, Independently Published.

Lewis, J. (2025), Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK v5) Study Guide 2025-2026: Your All-in-One Prep to Success with Practice Questions, Detailed Explanations, and Expert Strategies, Independently Published.

On this module you will look at the world of Cloud Development and operations which is an ever-evolving field with new technology being developed and rapidly introduced into corporations. The use of technologies is adapting as new models of usage change. As a graduate you will need to be able to evaluate current and near future technology in context of the requirements of the industry they are working within. You will look at current and near future technologies so that you can further develop lifelong learning skills being able to evaluate new technology and its usage.