module specification

This module is based on Networking Essentials (Cisco). It teaches networking based on application, covering networking concepts within the context of network environments students may encounter in their daily lives – from small office and home office (SOHO) networking. Students who complete this course are prepared to begin the CCNA Routing & Switching and IoT curricula.
Students will recognize the significant impact of networking in the world and learn skills needed for entry-level home and small business network installation positions.
The module covers the necessary background through formal lectures/seminars followed by comprehensive hands-on practical workshops.

The module aims:
• To explain the operation of Local Area Network (LAN), and the internet
• To enable students to perform subnetting of IP addresses as well as scaling IP addresses
• To gain an understanding of static and dynamic routing protocols
• To understand Network documentation, security and troubleshooting
• To understand WLANs, and how to configure residential wireless routers in a SOHO environment

CT4005 completed

Theory: LO1, 3-7
Concept of network communication; roles of devices in a network; basics of network connectivity; communication protocols and operation of routers and switches in small networks or LANs; IP addressing and IPv4 addresses; DHCP Server; public and private addressing and IPv6; TCP/IP protocol; function of common Internet client/server application; Wi-Fi functionality and wireless LAN devices; wireless PC clients to a wireless router; connecting to the ISP; basic network security; network security threat and use of software tools such as firewall; small network with Cisco devices -  LAN switches, small business router, IOS; common commands for device status; Troubleshooting of common network problems

Practical: LO1-2
Build a functioning network; Build a small network using an integrated network router; Configure devices on a LAN; Configure a DHCP serve; Configure an integrated wireless router and wireless clients to connect securely to the Internet; Configure a wireless LAN device to protect data and the network; Configure basic network security; Configure a firewall to control network traffic; Build a switch and router network; Troubleshoot common network issues found in home and small business networks; Troubleshoot network problems with common network utilities; Troubleshoot a network connectivity problem

Students will develop understanding and practical skills based on weekly lectures, tutorials and supervised workshops. 

Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE, simulation tools and laboratory equipment will be used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular, to:
• deliver content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments and prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning experience.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
LO1. Understand and observe the flow of traffic on a LAN using the Ethernet/802.3 standards;
LO2. Work effectively to troubleshoot LANs and WLANs;
LO3. Understand and use the OSI and TCP/IP network models;
LO4. Understand and appreciate the importance of standards and protocols in network communications including demonstration of analytical and practical knowledge and skills for configuration of TCP/IP suite of protocols, configuration of IP addresses and management of internetworking devices in LANs;
LO5. Understand, analyse and configure computer networks using subnetting and build a basic switched network;
LO6. Understand, analyse and configure computer networks using WiFi and build a WLAN network;
LO7. Explain how software tools can mitigate network security threats and how to configure a firewall to control network traffic;

Module is assessed using three assessment instruments:
1) Students’ continuous learning is assessed through regular chapter tests throughout the year (LO1, LO3 to LO7). The first test is conducted by week 4 as a formative diagnostic test to maximise students’ engagement with the module and for early feedback,
2) Final unseen theory examination aims to assess students’ depth and breadth of theoretical fundaments of basic networking (LO1 and LO3 to LO7),
3) Final unseen practical examination is designed to assess students’ practical skills of building and configuring a small home / office network. Students are permitted to keep their logbooks during practical examinations (LO2, LO4 to LO6).

Core Text:
Networking Essentials teaching material from www.netacad.com to the registered students using individual user id and password
• Third part tutorial information http://study-ccna.com/
• CCNA 1 and 2 official teaching material from www.netacad.com
• Cisco Systems Inc., “Routing & Switching Essentials Course Booklet”
• Troy McMillan, Cisco Networking Essentials
• Doug Lowe, Networking All-In-One for Dummies
• Adam Vardy, Cisco CCNA Networking For Beginners: The Ultimate Beginners Crash Course To Learn Cisco Quickly And Easily

Other Texts:
• CCNA 1 and 2 official teaching material from www.netacad.com
• Cisco Systems Inc., “Routing & Switching Essentials Course Booklet”
• Troy McMillan, Cisco Networking Essentials
• Doug Lowe, Networking All-In-One for Dummies
• Adam Vardy, Cisco CCNA Networking For Beginners: The Ultimate Beginners Crash Course To Learn Cisco Quickly And Easily

Websites:
• Third part tutorial information http://study-ccna.com/
• University Library website- https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/library/