module specification

CT6052 - Wireless Networks (Cisco) (2017/18)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2017/18
Module title Wireless Networks (Cisco)
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
105 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
In-Course Test 10%   Progress Test (1 Hour)
Coursework 40%   Case Study (2000 words)
Unseen Examination 50%   2-Hours Unseen Examination
Running in 2017/18

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Friday Afternoon

Module summary

This module focuses on the design, planning, implementation, operation and troubleshooting of Wireless LANs. It covers fundamentals of WLAN technologies, security, and best practices

Module aims

1. To introduce Wireless LAN set-up & troubleshooting, 802.11 (a, b, and g) technologies, products & solutions.
2. To describe WLAN applications and site surveys;
3. To discuss resilient WLAN products, design, installation, configuration and troubleshooting;
4. To investigate WLAN security issues and emerging wireless technologies;
5. To develop team work and presentation skills in the context of the module curricula;
 

Syllabus

Introduction to Wireless LAN standards, (802.11 (a,b,g and n) ) the operation of the Network Interface Cards, Wireless Radio Technology, Wireless Topologies, Access Points, Bridges, Antennas, Security, Concept of Network Traffic / Queing theory, Application, Design and Site Survey Preparation, Site Survey, Troubleshooting Management and Diagnostics.

Learning and teaching

The modules has two basic assessment items; a major case study design to assess the learning outcome 1 to 5.  The case study is due in week 12 of the semester (50%).   Final assessment item is a 2-hours unseen examination paper due in week 14/15 of the semester.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:
LO1. Describe wireless radio technologies, topologies and IEEE 802.11 wireless standards.
LO2. Configure and install wireless access points, bridges, adapters, and antennae.
LO3. Select appropriate design, installation, configuration and monitoring WLAN;
LO4. Identify wireless security threats and vulnerabilities;
LO5. Evaluate emerging wireless technologies;

Assessment strategy

Progress test week 7 and a major case study week 12
The module is organized as one hour lecture and 2-hours of practical workshop.  The workshops consist of a number of graded exercises followed by a major case study.  Students take a test in week 7 to check their understanding of the module.  Students receive immediate feedback on their performance and guidelines on how to improve.  The case study provides an opportunity for students to apply their experience in the workshops and lecture/seminar classes to a major task which they need to design, implement, test and write a formal report to be submitted in week 12.
2-Hours Unseen Examination (50%): Covering LO1, 4 and 5
Progress Test (1-Hour) (10%): Covering LO1
Case Study (2000 words)(40%): Covering LO2 and 3.
 

Bibliography

All course material is available on-line
Supplementary Printed Material:
1. Cisco Systems Inc., (2003), “Cisco Networking Academy Program Fundamentals of Wireless LANs Engineering Journal and Workbook”, Cisco Press, ISBN 158713120X
2. Cisco Systems Inc., (2003), “802.11 Wireless LAN Fundamentals”, Cisco Press, ISBN 1587050773