Course Title: Design, build and test a network server

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: COSC6124C

Course Title: Design, build and test a network server

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5300 - Diploma of Information Technology

Course Contact : Paul Lewis

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1615

Course Contact Email:paul.lewis@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff


 Michael Edwards                           michael.edwards@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

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

None

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design, install and test a server in a complex network environment. Students will work in teams to plan, install, configure and troubleshoot a small Windows network according to organisational requirements.

This unit is delivered using a blend of classroom based and self-paced learning activities.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICANWK505A Design, build and test a network server

Element:

1. Plan and design network servers to meet business requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Consult with client and key stakeholders to identify requirements
1.2 Assess business problems, opportunities, scope, objectives and budget, confirming details with appropriate person
1.3 Analyse and document data migration requirements
1.4 Review requirements to identify network server specifications
1.5 Produce detailed documentation for the design and configuration of the network services, server applications, security and redundancy
1.6 Prototype design and update documentation as necessary
1.7 Produce installation checklists as part of the quality assurance process
1.8 Develop the test plan to ensure that the system meets client requirements, performance standards and quality expectations
1.9 Obtain client sign-off for the design report

Element:

2. Prepare for network server installation

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Prepare for work, according to site-specific safety requirements and enterprise OHS processes and procedures
2.2 Identify safety hazards and implement risk control measures in consultation with appropriate personnel
2.3 Consult appropriate personnel to ensure the task is coordinated effectively with others involved at the worksite
2.4 Back up local data in preparation for installation

Element:

3. Build and configure the servers according to design

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Install network operating system to design specifications using installation checklists
3.2 Install additional tools or third-party software applications as required by the design
3.3 Patch the operating system and applications to ensure maximum security and reliability
3.4 Configure network services and applications
3.5 Implement security design to prevent unauthorised access to system
3.6 Reconnect and reconfigure connectivity devices
3.7 Configure update services to provide automatic updates for operating system and applications
3.8 Restore local data to new server
3.9 Implement backup and recovery methods to enable restoration capability in the event of a disaster

Element:

4. Test and reconfigure network servers

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Test server for benchmarking against client specification and requirements according to test plan, and record outcomes
4.2 Analyse the error report and make changes as required
4.3 Use troubleshooting tools and techniques to diagnose and correct server problems
4.4 Test required changes or additions
4.5 Validate changes or additions against specifications

Element:

5. Complete and document network design and installation

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Make and document server configuration and operational changes
5.2 Complete client report and notify of server status
5.3 Clean up and restore worksite to client’s satisfaction
5.4 Secure sign-off from appropriate person


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

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

Learning activities will include laboratory-based sessions on a variety of topics as shown in the weekly breakdown.  Learning activities will generally consist of practical computer exercises based on teacher handouts.  Students should attend all sessions.

Students will also be expected to undertake work on a small database project and other activities for homework.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

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

 


Teaching Schedule

The Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows:

Please note that this course, ICANWK505A - Design, build and test a network server, is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with ICASAS518A - Install and upgrade operating systems

Induction Session

Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:

  • Program overview and requirements
  • MyRMIT/Blackboard
  • Overview of assessment requirements
  • Pre-Training Review including:
    • Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
    • Assessment of current skills and knowledge
  • Competency/Grading Criteria
  • Plagiarism
  • Appeals
  • Extensions
  • Feedback
  • Privacy
  • Submission requirements
  • Resubmission policy
  • Where to get support
  • Student responsibilities

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 Jul 2015

Introduction to the course including:
•  Course requirements
•  Course support documents
•  Course Blackboard access
•  Accuracy of enrolment
•  Assessment requirements/Cover Sheets
•  Reminder re Plagiarism
•  Reminder re Appeals
•  Extensions/Resubmissions
•  Feedback in this courser
•  Reminder re submission requirements
•  Getting help

Introduction to Windows Server & VMware
•  Course introduction & overview. OH&S & safety issues
•  Windows Server 2012 versions & features
•  Installing Windows Server & Windows 8

 

ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
 
2 13th Jul 2015 Windows settings & firewalls. System driver files
Server Roles. Active Directory, domain users & groups
   
3 20th Jul 2015 Managing partitions & file services
Sharing & permissions. NTFS file & folder security
ASSESSMENT 1 - System Requirements issued ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
4 27th Jul 2015

Configuring network services (DNS, DHCP & IIS). Testing a Web server & a DHCP client. Proxy servers. FTP servers. Email servers

  ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
5 3rd Aug 2015

OUs and GPO’s. gpupdate & rsop
Deploying wallpaper. More on group policies

  ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
6 10th Aug 2015

Windows Performance Monitor & Event Log
Configuring & deploying printers & drivers

  ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
7 17th Aug 2015

Backups & restores. User profiles. Roaming profiles
Creating home folders for domain users.

ASSESSMENT 1 - System Planning - Documentation Draft due ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
8 24th Aug 2015

Home folders & folder redirection.
Deploying shortcuts & software via a GPO

 

ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
MID-SEMESTER BREAK (Mon 31st Aug to Fri 4th Sep 2015 inclusive)  
9 7th Sep 2015

Mapping network drives via Group Policy
Review of Windows Server skills & concepts

  ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
10 14th Sep 2015

Skills assessment conducted (half class)
Microsoft Azure. Catch up activities

ASSESSMENT 2 (Part A) - Skills Assessment conducted ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
11 21st Sep 2015

Auditing logins & folder access via a GPO
Installing & configuring Server Essentials

  ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
12 28th Sep 2015

Upgrading Windows Server. Migrating files
Review of Windows Server skills & concepts

  ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
13 5th Oct 2015 Skills assessment conducted (half class)
Automated installation methods & deployments
ASSESSMENT 2 (Part B) - Skills Assessment conducted ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
14 12th Oct 2015

Help desk procedures. Technical support
Final class work on system setup & testing
Feedback on system documentation

ASSESSMENT 1 - System Configuration & Testing completed ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
15 19th Oct 2015

Client signoff on requirements, changes & report.
Final class work on system documentation

ASSESSMENT 1 - Final System Documentation due ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A
 16 26th Oct 2015

Course & assessment feedback
Re-submission of work if required

  ICASAS518A
ICANWK505A

You will receive feedback two weeks from the due date of each task.  If required, resubmissions are due by the end of the following week.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There is no prescribed textbook for this course.


References

However the following textbook is recommended:

Hester, M. & Henley, C (2013), Windows Server 2012 Administration: INSTANT REFERENCE, Sybex, ISBN 978-1-118-56188-1

This textbook is available free of charge as an e-book via the RMIT Library Website.
 


Other Resources

Students will be directed to a variety of excellent online resources including library e-books, tutorial Websites and online videos. These resources will guide students in performing tasks with Windows Server 2012 in particular.


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

Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.


Assessment Tasks

Please note that this course, ICANWK505A - Design, build and test a network server, is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with ICASAS518A - Install and upgrade operating systems

Critical aspects of assessment

Evidence of the ability to:

•  install, upgrade and customise an operating system to user requirements.
•  produce design report for a server (or servers) with complex user and network service requirements
•  install and configure the server according to the produced design
•  monitor and test the server
•  troubleshoot server and network failures
•  configure a wide range of server network and security services, including DNS, DHCP, web and proxy, mail, FTP and firewall.
 

You are required to complete 2 assessments.  You must successfully complete all sections of each assessment task to be deemed competent in this unit.

NOTE: Details about specific tasks and assessment criteria will be included in the Cover Sheet(s) for each task.


ASSESSMENT 1 - System Configuration Task

For this assessment task you will be asked to design, build and test a small Windows Server network.  Each week you will be given broad specifications of the requirements for various components of the network.  However you will need to experiment with the exact setup and troubleshoot any problems which occur.

You will receive feedback in relation to the client’s requirements at each stage.  Therefore you will need to consult with your client, in this case the teacher, on a regular basis in the laboratory.  Ultimately each aspect of your setup will need to be tested, and possibly re-configured, before being demonstrated to your teacher each week.

Your system design will also need to be fully documented with diagrams and screenshots included.  After final testing and re-configuration of the network, your network design and test procedures will need to be submitted as part of the final documentation.  Detailed guidelines will be provided in Week 3.

For the most part you will work individually on this task.  Some aspects such as system testing and documentation may require that you work in pairs or a small team.

In order to be deemed competent in this task you will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in all elements of both competencies in this course.  Therefore you will need to:

•  Clarify organisational procedures & client requirements
•  Install or upgrade the server and client operating systems
•  Manage resource access eg. folder security etc
•  Configure network drivers & printers etc
•  Configure the Windows desktop & user profiles etc
•  Plan the network setup per the requirements
•  Prepare for the server installation
• Build and configure the servers eg. any required server roles & services
• Test and re-configure the servers if required
• Finalise and document the network design

The four main components of the project are:

•  System Planning  (Documentation Draft due Week 7)
•  System Configuration (Completed by Week 14)
•  System Testing  (Completed by Week 14)
•  System Documentation  (Due in Week 15)

Work for each aspect of the task should be submitted or demonstrated by the date specified on Teaching Schedule.  You will be expected to submit and retain soft copies of your team documentation. In some cases printouts may be required.

As your system will be built up gradually throughout the semester it is vital that demonstrations be completed in a timely manner and your design documentation be kept up to date.

Late submissions or demonstrations of work required for any stage of this project will be eligible for grading at CAG (Competency Achieved) level only.

General Points

•  Each document should include a header (eg with the name of the document and team members’ names) and a footer (eg with the date and page number).
•  All team members must sign the assessment cover sheet(s).
•  Soft copies are to be retained by all team members as backups.  Google Docs is preferred.
•  RMIT academic discipline procedures will apply in cases of plagiarism.  Students should use Turnitin to avoid plagiarism.

 
ASSESSMENT 2 - Skills Assessment (Conducted in Week 10 & Week 13)

This will consist of an in-class theory and practical assessment. The task will divided into two parts, Part A and Part B.  These will be conducted in Week 10 and Week 13 respectively.

Firstly you will be questioned on your understanding of key concepts associated with installing and configuring a Windows Server network.  You will also need a basic understanding of networking concepts in general and be able to research information if required.

You will also need to complete a range of practical tasks related to installing and configuring a Windows Server network.  You will need to use the systems you built up over the previous weeks, and use testing and troubleshooting techniques.

The majority of questions will be multiple-choice questions.  However, you may need to capture some screenshots, or answer questions relating to your understanding of screenshots.

Both parts of this assessment task will be open-book.  Resources such as Websites, handouts and textbooks may be used as required.

To be deemed competent in this task you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge of the skills and concepts covered in all sections of the course.
 


Assessment Matrix

The Assessment Matrix that maps all assessments to the critical aspects of evidence, skills, knowledge and elements is available from the teacher.

Other Information

Submission Requirements

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via the Learning Hub (Blackboard).

You should:

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
  • 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.


Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.

More information:  http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Form to use:  http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.  Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.

More Information:  http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w

Form to use:  http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf


Resubmissions (VET Programs)

If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.  The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is "CAG".

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course.  Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.


Adjustments to Assessment

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment.  For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following Website:

More Information:  http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31


Marking Guide (Competency)

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.


Marking Guide (Grading)

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:

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.
 

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