Module catalogue: CT5005

CT5005 - Network Engineering (2024/25)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2024/25

Module title

Network Engineering

Module level

Intermediate (05)

Credit rating for module

School

School of Computing and Digital Media

Total study hours

300

90 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities
30 hours	Assessment Preparation / Delivery
180 hours	Guided independent study

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Description
Unseen Examination	40%	Unseen exam (1.5 hours)
Practical Assessment	40%	Practical exam (2 hours)
In-Course Test	20%	Progress tests (30 minutes)

Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Year	North	Monday	Morning

Module summary

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

Prior learning requirements

CT4005 completed

Syllabus

Theory: LO1, LO3-7

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

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

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.

Learning outcomes

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;

Bibliography

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: