module specification

This module tackles all issues important in the design, implementation, and configuration and troubleshooting of routing protocols in computer networks. Students learn basic concepts of routing algorithms and associated protocols. They then develop advanced skills in the deployment of individual protocols as well as advanced topics, such as route redistribution, route filtering, and migration to the latest Internet Protocol, IPv6. It includes aspects such as the Hierarchical Network Model, the SONA Framework, IP v4 and 6, Advanced routing protocols including Interior Gateway Protocols such as EIGRP capabilities and attributes and single and multi-area OSPF as well as the Exterior Gateway Protocol, BGP. It also introduces route filtering and path control to provide optimal and secure path selection in a complex computer network.  Upon successfully completion of this module student should be able to sit for CCNP Route industry certification subject to satisfying relevant pre-requisite (CCNA).

•  The OSI model and data encapsulation
•  Routing Fundamentals and Router components,
•  Routing protocols and router configuration
•  CDP and basic Networking testing, troubleshooting
• The Hierarchical Network Model, Intelligent Information Network (IIN) and the Service-Oriented Network Architecture (SONA).
• Routing fundamentals, Algorithms, Structure and Framework, static and dynamic routing protocols.
• Link-State Routing Protocols, SPF Algorithm, Dijkstra’s algorithm, OSPF Terminology, Metric    calculations,  Maintaining Link-State Sequence Numbers, Verifying Packet Flow, Tracking OSPF Adjacencies,  Authentication Methods and Troubleshooting.
•  EIGRP Algorithm, Capabilities and Attributes, DUAL Finite-State Machine
• IPv6 concepts, Architecture, addressing, routing, OSPFv3 and IPv4 to IPv6 translation.
• Route optimization, Route map, Policy Routing, Route Redistribution.
• BGP Concepts and Terminology, BGP attributes, Configuration and Verification.
• Multicast Routing protocols concept and terminology, IP Multicast Addresses, IGMP and layer 2 issues, Multicast Configuration and Verification.

A variety of approaches will be adopted. The recommended textbooks in bibliography, covers the detailed syllabus of this module. In addition to this, students also have access to course material on Weblearn which will enable them to further enhance their learning. Formal lecture classes will further emphasis the key features of each syllabus and provide opportunities for interactive discussion on some of the more important issues of routing protocols. Through series of in-depth lab activities students would gain adequate knowledge to design a basic network which meets a small business network requirement. Students are required to provide evidence (through logbooks) how they have completed each phase and demonstrate that their design and configuration meets the initial user's requirement.

The aim of extensive laboratory programs is to help students to gain knowledge and skill of designing and implementing routing protocols and enhances the understanding of the theoretical concepts in their practical context.

On successfully completing the work covered in this module, the student should be able

LO1. Evaluate and appraise the most common internetworking components, networking protocols, network addressing schemes and configuration (routers, IP addresses etc.) and conceptual models integral to network communication.

LO2.  Design and implement a complex and scalable routed network architecture using appropriate technologies, the Hierarchical Network Model and to understand the key characteristics of scalable internetworks, traffic patterns in a converged network, and critically assess the suitability and applicability of various routing protocols within a campus network and ISP.

LO3. Develop a thorough understanding of routing protocol algorithms, terminology and concepts, and synthesise design strategies for IP addressing, summarisation and route optimisation.

LO4. Identify, configure and verify various routing protocols and learn and develop a comprehensive knowledge of IPv6 Features, Addressing Architecture.

LO5.  Effectively plan, execute and report on individual plus peer-review in group programmes of work.

The assessment is designed to cover all the learning outcomes.

The module is assessed by a case study (2500 Words, formative and summative) on a complex network topology using basic and advanced routing protocols. Students will be working in small groups of 3 to 4 and are given a detailed brief and will be required to provide an efficient, scalable and innovative solution. A typical case study would comprise a large campus network comprising multiple cores, distribution and access layer devices using appropriate new technologies. Students would be required to develop an efficient, scalable and secure solution and deploy their solutions in the lab. Students are required to record any activities towards the completion of their case study in a separate logbook (not the laboratory logbook) on weekly basis.

The students are split into groups and meet weekly to discuss the work and agree the path the investigation takes. This process is observed by members of the supervisory team and meetings need to be signed off by both students and supervisor.

The final mark of the case study is based on the presence of the case study logbook and successfully completion and submission of the case study individual report. The final mark will take into consideration the marks achieved through several in class tests that cover the topics in their case study as well as participating in a peer assessment.

Final practical examination (summative, 2 hours) consists of configuring a topology of several routers by using Internet Operating System (IOS) command line. All assessments will take place in the laboratories.

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