module specification

This module focuses on fundamental network terminology and concepts, e.g. protocols, Open System Interconnection (OSI) and TCP/IP models, Ethernet, Internet Protocol (IP) addressing, routing protocols and network devices, such as routers and switches.  The module provides an opportunity for students to understand the interconnections of various networks and be able to design and configure small-scaled networks based on typical (customer’s) requirements.

The aims of the modules are as follows:
• To provide a firm understanding of networking terminology, models and mathematics
• To introduce students to copper, optical, and wireless networking
• To introduce the concepts of Ethernet switching, VLANs and inter-VLAN routing
• To enable students to perform subnetting of IP addresses
• To gain an in-depth understanding of static routing protocols and default routing
• To gain an in-depth understanding of end-to-end connectivity using routers
• To gain experience in designing router’s configuration for a given specification
• To gain understanding of redundancy in a switched network

Basic Network Connectivity and Communications (LO1-3),Ethernet Technologies and Ethernet Switching (LO2),Communicating Between Networks (LO3,LO5),IP Addressing and Subnetting(LO4-7),Network Application Communications (LO5-7),Building and securing a Small Network (LO1-4,LO6-7),Switching Concepts (LO8), VLANs and Inter-VLAN routing (LO8),Redundant Networks (LO9).

Students are provided with access to the on-line curriculum and encouraged to read the material prior to lecture sessions. On the completion of a lecture on specific chapter, students take a test for which they get an automated and/or in-person feedback. Lectures are supported by hands-on laboratory work and tutorial sessions. Electronic simulations, quizzes, syntax checker and interactive multimedia activities are also available to encourage deep thinking and self-development of students. Web support is available to students through web learn.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
LO1. Configure switches and end devices to provide access to local and remote network resources.
LO2. Explain how physical and data link layer protocols support the operation of Ethernet in a switched network
LO3. Configure routers to enable end to end connectivity between remote devices
LO4. Create IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes and verify network connectivity between devices. To be able to connect various network devices and build & configure a simple LAN involving troubleshoot of IP addressing scheme either individually or through team effort demonstrating adaptable planning & management of time, tasks, resources through effective communication and inter-personal skills
LO5. Explain how the upper layer of the OSI model support the network applications
LO6. To be able to configure, monitor and troubleshoot basic security in a small network giving due consideration to professional code of conduct, safe and ethical operation
LO7. To be able to troubleshoot common issues with various routed and routing protocols in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks and be able to present the outcomes to the tutor effectively in written and/or oral form
LO8.Configure and troubleshoot VLANs and Inter-VLAN routing applying security best practices
LO9.Configure and troubleshoot redundancy on switched network using STP and EtherChannel.

The module is assessed by formative and summative assessments as below:

Formative Assessments

Diagnostic Test (LO1)
This test should be taken by week 4. It tests students’ understanding of very basic networking concepts and to provide an early feedback mechanism for maximising students’ engagement within the module.

End of Chapter Tests (LO2 to LO9)
At the end each chapter there is a chapter test which examines students’ knowledge for that specific topic. Students are encouraged to take such self-paced tests regularly throughout the year.

Theory Exam 1 (LO1 to LO6)
This exam is to assess the theoretical aspects of the subjects that students learnt during autumn semester.

Theory Exam 2 (LO7 to LO9)
This exam is to assess the theoretical aspects of the subjects that students learnt during spring semester

Summative Assessments

Practical Exam_Part1 (LO1 to LO6)
The purpose of this practical exam to assess students on the basic networking concepts. Students are expected to configure basic networking commands, IP addressing, testing connectivity and basic troubleshooting.

Practical Exam_Part 2 (LO7 to LO9)
The purpose of this exam is to assess students on basic routing and switching protocols and their concepts.

Core Texts:
Module material is available online from www.netacad.com to the registered students on this module using individual user id and password.

• Cisco Systems Inc., “Introduction to Networks Companion Guide(CCNAv7)”
• Cisco Systems Inc., “Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials Companion Guide (CCNAv7)”
• Cisco Systems Inc., “Introduction to Networks Labs and Study Guide”
• Cisco Systems Inc., “Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials Lab and Study Guide”, (3rd Ed.)
• Todd Lammle (2019), Understanding Cisco Networking Technologies, Volume 1: Exam 200-301 (CCNA Certification), Sybex; 1st edition (24 Dec. 2019), ISBN-10 : 1119659027, ISBN-13 : 978-1119659020

Other Texts:
• Cisco Systems Inc., “CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1”- Book by Wendell Odom
• Cisco Systems Inc., “CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2”- Book by Wendell Odom
• Todd Lammle (2019), Understanding Cisco Networking Technologies, Volume 2: Exam 200-301 (CCNA Certification), Sybex; 1st edition (24 Dec. 2019), ISBN-10 : 1119677610, ISBN-13 : 978-1119677611
• James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ros (2013), Computer networking: a top-down approach (6 ed), ISBN: 9780273775638
http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1677132~S1

Journals:
• IET networks
http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1942231~S1
• IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking
http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1990581~S2
• ACM transactions on Internet technology http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1929933~S2

Websites:
• Cisco Networking Academy: https://www.netacad.com/
• University Library website: https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/library/
• Subject guides and research support: https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/library/subject

Electronic Databases:
• IEEE Xplore / IET Digital Library (IEL):
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp
• Wiley Online Library:
https://0-www-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.emu.londonmet.ac.uk/

Social Media Sources
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

LinkedIn Learning : https://www.linkedin.com/learning