Course Resources Archive

This module develops the ideas and concepts of networking, its implementation and protocols and how they are used to manage an organization’s networking infrastructure. With increasing demand for structured cabling solutions, network managers need to have an understanding of the standards for successful network design and installation. In addition, students will gain an understanding of some of the more advanced aspects of networking and the professional issues related to the industry. The module closely follows the Cisco Certified Network Associate syllabus, parts 3 and 4.

Network protocols (TCP/IP, ISDN, X.25, Frame Relay, ATM). Network routing protocols (interior, exterior, static, dynamic, link-state and distance protocols). Network scaling (NAT, DHCP). Network security (access control lists, firewalls). Network configuration (computers, switches, routers, trouble-shooting). Application protocols (FTP, HTTP). Distributed computing architectures (client-server, peer-to-peer). Standard Protocols (FTP, HTTP, SMTP, tunneling); Operating Systems Support (caches, proxies, firewalls, virtual machines); Distributed Computing Fundamentals (client-server, peer-to-peer). Cryptography (the Data Encryption Standard, public key systems); Performance (scalability, reliability); Security (attacks and defenses). Network Planning (designing a structured wired or wireless network systems). Network Technologies (UTP, STP, and coaxial, non-paired cable, Fiber optic cable, wireless, infra-red and laser). Students will study and investigate networking scenarios for their practical’s and coursework throughout the module

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Design the structured wiring installation for a small business.
2. Understand the form of a wide-area network; 
3.   Investigate the operation of the protocols used to wrap and route messages in a wide-area network;
4. Outline the performance and security problems that arise in a wide-area network, and their solutions;  Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of network installation and be able to analyse the business needs of network installations.
5. Analyse the role of standards and compare alternative solutions/approaches
6. Explain the significance of issues such as security and resilience, appreciate the role of firewalls, virus protection, backup strategy etc.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.