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 to be able to design and configure small-scaled networks given some typical (customers) requirements.
The module aims to:
• Provide a firm understanding of networking terminology, models and mathematics
• Discover the types of media used to carry data across the network
• Introduce the concepts of Ethernet switching
• Enable students to perform subnetting of IP addresses
• Configure and verify static and dynamic routing protocols
• Gain experience in building a network and configuring devices for a given specification
• Describe and configure enhanced switching technologies such as VLANs, VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP),Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), Per VLAN Spanning Tree Protocol (PVSTP), and 802.1q
• Configure and troubleshoot basic operations of routers in a small routed network
• Configure and troubleshoot VLANs and inter-VLAN routing
• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot ACLs for IPv4 and IPv6

Networking Fundamentals, Networking Media , Cable Testing, 
Design of LANs and WANs LO1,LO2,LO3
The OSI model and data encapsulation  LO3,LO4,LO5,LO6,LO7
Ethernet Technologies, Ethernet Switching,   LO3,LO5
TCP/IP Protocol Suite and IP Addressing,  Subneting,  LO4,LO5,LO6,LO7
LAN devices and technologies,  LO4,LO5,LO6,LO7
Routing Fundamentals and Router components, LO1,LO2,LO4
Routing protocols and router configuration LO4,LO5,LO6,LO7
CDP and basic Networking testing, troubleshooting LO1,LO2,LO3,LO7

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 and interactive multimedia activities are also available to encourage deep thinking and self-development of students. Web support is available to students through the weblearn. Students complete a series of weekly workshop.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
LO1. Describe and classify computer networks and appreciate networking protocols
LO2. To be able to connect various network devices and build a simple LAN and configure IP addressing scheme either individually or team effort and troubleshoot.
LO3. To be able to examine the OSI and TCP/IP layers in detail to understand their functions and services within a network.
LO4. To be able to configure and troubleshoot basic operations of routers in a small routed network.
LO5. To be able to configure and troubleshoot basic operations of switches in a small switched network.
LO6. To be able to configure, monitor and troubleshoot basic security in a small network.
LO7. To be able to troubleshoot common issues with various routed and routing protocols in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

The module is assessed by a number of formative and summative assessments as detailed below:
Formative assessment 1: Pretest Exam, (LO1)
This exam will be given at week 2 and need to be submitted at week 4. The exam test student understanding of very basic networking concepts and to provide an early feedback mechanism for maximising student’s engagement within the module.
Formative assessment 2: End of chapter tests, (LO2 to LO6)
At the end each chapters there is a chapter test which examine the student knowledge for that specific subject.
Formative assessment 3: Final Theory Exam 1(LO1 to LO4)
This exam is to assess the theory aspect of the subjects that students learnt during the autumn semester.
Formative assessment 4: Final Theory Exam 2 (LO5 to LO7)
This exam is to assess the theory aspect of the subjects that students learnt during the spring semester.
Summative Assessment Component 001: CCNA 1 (50%), (LO1 to LO4)
The purpose of this practical exam to assess students on the basic networking concepts and predominantly to provide an early feedback mechanism for maximising student’s engagement with the module. Students are expected to configure basic networking commands, IPv4 addressing, testing connectivity and basic troubleshooting. The mark with detailed feedback will be returned to all students upon completion of the exam.
Summative Assessment Component 002: CCNA 2 (50%), (LO5 to LO7)
The purpose of this exam is to assess students on various routing and switching protocols and their concepts.

As explained in assessment strategy there are 4 formative assessments and 2 summative assessments. The formative assessments are multiple choice and single or multiple answers but summative assessment are practical exams. All assessments are specially designed to provide an opportunity to monitor student’s progress in the modules as well as providing comprehensive feedback at the end of each test.
Comprehensive feedback is also given to every student after every formative assessments by the instructors.

Core Text:
The following course material are available on-line for registered students:
1. Cisco Systems Inc., “Cisco Networking Academy Program CCNA 1 and 2 Companion Guide”, (3rd Ed.)
2. Cisco Systems Inc., “Cisco Networking Academy Program CCNA 1 and 2 Lab Companion”, (3rd Ed.)
Other Texts:
1. Cisco Systems Inc., “Cisco Networking Academy Program CCNA 3 and 4 Companion Guide”, (3rd Ed.)
2. Cisco Systems Inc., “Cisco Networking Academy Program CCNA 3 and 4 Lab Companion”, (3rd Ed.)
Journals:
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Electronic Databases:
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