Introductory description

The advent of computer networks has revolutionised industries across all sectors. Computer networking allows businesses to grow by providing cost-effective resource sharing, improving storage efficiency, access and flexibility in securing valuable information. Skills acquired in this module will enable students to identify, plan, build and maintain networked PC systems, as well as troubleshoot common hardware and software problems in an industrial environment. Moreover, apprentices will be involved in group tasks that enabled them to demonstrate British and core society values.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Technical topics:

Basics of internetworking.

• Background of data communication (wired, wireless).
• Network topologies (Star, Mesh, Hybrid).
• Cabling technology, Troubleshoot interface and cable issues.
• NIC: Network Interface Card
  The OSI Reference Model, TCP/IP reference model.
• Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport and Application layers.
• Error-detection and correction techniques.
• Principles of Reliable Data Transfer.
  Network Devices
• NIC, Hub, Switch, Router, Firewalls, Access points, Wireless controllers.
  Ethernet technology.
• Multiple Access Links and Protocols (static and dynamic channel allocation).
• MAC addressing.
• Frame format Broadcast & collusion domain.
• Switching concepts (MAC learning, Frame switching, fame flooding, MAC address table).
  IP addressing and routing
• Network Protocols, IPv4 address types (Unicast, Multicast, and Broadcast).
• Private and Public networks. intro to routing protocols such as RIP, OSPF and EIGRP
• Troubleshoot IPv4 addressing and sub-netting.

Non-technical topics:
Apprentices will engage in individual seminars and group Labs. This enables the apprentice to exhibit strong work ethics and commitment in order to meet the standards required. The apprentices will also engage in a coursework that involve a group work which enables apprentices to demonstrate behavioural aspects such as being reliable, objective and capable of both independent and team working.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Recognise the role and function of various computer networking components. [BCS:CITP -2.1.1]
• Explain the Open System Interconnection (OSI) and TCP/IP modeles and their addressing schemes. [BCS:CITP -2.1.2]
• Describe the main network protocols, their purpose, features and relationship to each other. [BCS:CITP -2.1.1]
• Work in a group to design simple computer networks and implement appropriate addressing schemes. [AHEP:4 -C8, C16, C17]], [BCS:CITP -2.1.13, 2.1.6, 2.1.10,2.1.11]]
• Work in group to configure and troubleshoot network connectivity. [BCS:CITP -2.1.13]

Indicative reading list

A.S. Tanenbaum, D.J. Wetherall, “Computer Networks”, 5/E, Pearson, ISBN: 9781292024226, (2013).

W. Stallings, “Computer Organization and Architecture”, 10/E, Pearson, ISBN: 9781292096858, (2016).

S. Tanenbaum, T. Austin, “Structured Computer Organization”, 6/E, Pearson, ISBN: 9780273769248, (2013).

J. Kurose, K. Ross, “Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach”, 7/E, Pearson, ISBN: 9781292153599, (2017).

W. Odom, “CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-105 Official Cert Guide, Academic Edition”, Cisco Press, ISBN: 978-1-58720-597-2 (2016)

W. Odom, “CCNA Routing and Switching ICND2 200-105 Official Cert Guide, Academic Edition”, Cisco Press, ISBN: 978-1-58720-579-8 (2016)

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

The module aims to cover the following subject-specific skills. Some skills will be enhanced further in the following years based on the chosen stream.

How teams work effectively to produce digital and technology solutions.
Fundamental computer networking concepts in relation to digital and technology solutions. For example, structure, cloud architecture, components, quality of service.
The role and function of virtual or physical network components and functions and typical topologies and service architectures.
The main network protocols in use, their purpose, features and relationship to each other. For example, Ethernet, IP (Internet Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First).
Plan, design and manage simple computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context.
Monitor performance and ensure networks are configured correctly and perform as expected by designers or architects. Undertake capacity management and audit of IP addressing and hosted devices.
Implement computer networks from a design including testing and validation. This includes populating variables in configurations, for example, IP addresses and subsequent application of configuration to equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls.

Apprentices will also exhibit
a strong work ethic and commitment in order to meet the standards required.
Reliable, objective and capable of both independent and team working.

Transferable skills

Students should be able to demonstrate:

• How teams work effectively to produce technology solutions.
• Applies analytical and critical thinking skills to systematically develop, analyse and apply structured problem solving techniques to complex systems and situations.