Course Title: Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: COSC6077C

Course Title: Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5194 - Diploma of Information Technology (General)

Course Contact : Radhu Punchanathan

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99251409

Course Contact Email:radhu@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 20

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

This course is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with: COSC 6076C – Install and Configure Router [ICAI5176C]

Course Description

This course defines the competency required to identify the best way computers and local area networks (LANs) can be connected to make a wide area network (WAN).

If you are undertaking this course in Melbourne from semester 2, 2012 onwards your teacher will advise you if you require access to a computer for the course. It is recommended that you have access to a mobile computing device to allow greater flexibility in terms of where you can work on campus outside class times.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAA5145B Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network

Element:

1. Identify WAN needs

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Identify the different local area network (LAN)/wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed wide area network (WAN)
1.2. Determine segment needs using functional analysis
1.3. Estimate traffic content and volumes according to expected organisational usage, by examining telecommunications infrastructure
1.4. Develop an organisational WAN functional matrix

Element:

2. Create WAN specification

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Determine resource requirements for each LAN/WLAN or VPN segment on the basis of functional analysis
2.2. Consider and report how features of the physical environment affect WAN design
2.3. Choose a WAN service appropriate to the amount and type of traffic expected to access the WAN
2.4. Include redundant links in the proposed WAN connectivity for link back-up purposes, in case the main link is disrupted


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.


We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Week Week Commencing Topics Assessment

Competencies Delivered

1 6th Feb 2012

Pre-training review:
• RPL
• LLN

Familiarisation with:
• Program
• Services/facilities
• Other students
• Teacher(s)
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Pre-reading
• Blackboard

Overview of assessment requirements:

• Grading
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy

Packet Tracer download / Review

  ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
2 13th Feb 2012 • Internet and its uses
• Introduction IP addressing structure
 Task 1: Module test 1 ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
3 20th Feb 2012 • Help desk
• IP addressing structure
Task 1: Module test 2 ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
4 27th Feb 2012 • Planning a Network upgrade
• IP addressing structure
Task 1: Module test 3 ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
5 5th Mar 2012 • Planning the Addressing structure
• Labs
Task 1: Module test 4 ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
6
12th Mar 2012
(Monday, Labour Day)
• Configuring networking devices
• Labs
Task 1: Module test 5 ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
7 19th Mar 2012 • Routing
• Labs
Task 1: Module test 6 ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
8 26th Mar 2012 • Configuring routers – Practicals
• Revision - Practical Assessment 1
  ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
9 2nd Apr 2012 • ISP Services
• Configuring routers – Practical Test

Task 1: Module test 7
Task 2: Practical Test 1

(Split Group)

ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
 Mid semester break (5 April to 11 April)
9 9th Apr 2012 • ISP Services
• Configuring routers – Practical Test
Task 1: Module test 7
Task 2: Practical Test 1
ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
10 16th Apr 2012 • ISP Services
• Configuring routers – Practical Test

 Task 1: Module test 7
Task 2: Practical Test 1

(Split Group)

ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
11 23rd Apr 2012 • ISP Responsibilities
• Labs
Task 1: Module test 8 ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
12 30th Apr 2012 • Troubleshooting
• Labs
Task 1: Module test 9 ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
13 7th May 2012 • Configuring routers – Practicals
• Revision - Practical Assessment 2
ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
14 14th May 2012 • Configuring a WAN Task 2: Practical Test 2 (Split Group)
ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
15 21st May 2012 • Configuring a WAN Task 2: Practical Test  2 (Split Group) ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
16 28th May 2012 • Evaluation and feedback Task 3: Final Exam ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B
17 4th Jun 2012 • Re-submissions if required   ICAI5176C
ICAA5145B


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Cisco Networking Academy Program Working at a Small-to-Medium Business or ISP, CCNA Discovery Learning Guide by Allan Reid & Jim Lorenz Publisher: Cisco Press ISBN-10: 1587132109 ISBN-13: 9781587132100


Other Resources

Online:
You will be given online access to materials.


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.

A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques


Assessment Tasks

1. Task 1: Module Tests 1-9

These are in-class module tests held during the course. They will be on-line multiple choice questions tests.

2. Task 2: Practical Test 1 & 2

Practical test would be done in 2 parts:

Practical Test 1: hands-on demonstration of practical skills in designing a network and confuguring routers

Practical Test 2: configuration of networking devices, testing and troubleshooting the network (WAN).

 3. Task 3: Final Exam
The final exam will be a supervised closed book exam consisting of online multiple-choice questions.


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Submission Requirements:

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard.

You should:
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.


Marking Guide (Competency):

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT).

So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.

You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.

Please refer to the Final Grades table below.



Marking Guide (Grading):

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.

The grading is according to the following criteria:

1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK 

We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to install and configure a router to a basic level.

2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING 

We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required to install and configure a router to a basic level. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable approach to install and configure a router in all the assessment tasks.

3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING 

We are looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended audience. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in managing to install router and how these might be addressed.

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT 

We expect to see ongoing uploading of information into Blackboard as per course requirements and timely submission of all required assessment tasks.

5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK 

We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions and scheduled Collaborate sessions. In addition your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of installing routers.


Final Grades Table:

CHD   Competent with High Distinction
CDI     Competent with Distinction
CC      Competent with Credit
CAG    Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC    Not Yet Competent
DNS    Did Not Submit for assessment

Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview