Course Title: Design, build and test a network server
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2020
Course Code: COSC7359C
Course Title: Design, build and test a network server
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5395 - Diploma of Information Technology
Course Contact: Val Christou
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5076
Course Contact Email: val.christou@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Radhu Punchanathan radhu.punchanathan@rmit.edu.au +61 3 9925 1409
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 skills and knowledge required to design, install and test a server in a complex network environment.
It applies to individuals who are employed in network or systems engineering roles, such as network engineers who are required to design and build network servers in a complex computing environment of medium-to-large organisations.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
ICTNWK505 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 workplace health and safety (WHS) 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/On-line 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(online). 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 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.
Semester 2 2020 | ||||
Week |
Week Beginning |
Topic |
Learning Materials and Activities |
Assessment Remarks |
1 |
July 6 |
Introduction to the Course including: Introduction to the course Introduction to Windows Server & VMware Course introduction & overview. OH&S issues Windows Server 2019 versions & features. |
1. Installing Windows Server 2. Installing Windows 10 |
|
2 |
July 13 |
Windows settings, updates & firewalls. System drivers. Server Roles. Active Directory, domain users & groups |
|
|
3 |
July 20 |
Managing partitions & file services. Sharing & permissions. NTFS file & folder security. Backups & restores. Local user profiles |
|
ASSESSMENT 1 - System Requirements issued |
4 |
July 27 |
Configuring network services (DNS, DHCP & IIS). Testing a Web server & a DHCP client. Setting up an FTP server. Proxy servers. Email servers |
|
|
5 |
Aug 3 |
OUs and GPO's. gpupdate & rsop. Deploying wallpaper. Exercises on various group policies |
|
|
6 |
Aug 10 |
Intro to ADAC. Windows Performance Monitor & Event Log. Configuring & deploying printers & drivers. |
|
|
7 |
Aug 17 |
Auditing logins & folder access via a GPO. Setting up roaming profiles. Class work on system documentation |
|
|
8 |
Aug 24 |
Using PowerShell to automate tasks. Creating home folders. Setting up folder redirection. Class work on system documentation |
|
Assessment 1 – Stage 1 System Planning - Documentation due (end of week) |
Mid-Semester break (29th August to 6th September) | ||||
9 |
Sept 7 |
Intro to Microsoft Azure. Deploying shortcuts & software via a GPO. Review of Windows Server skills & concepts (revision) |
|
|
10 |
Sept 14 |
Trial skills assessment conducted. Installing & configuring Windows Server Essentials. |
|
|
11 |
Sept 21 |
Upgrading Windows Server. Network & printer connection exercise with switches & cables. |
|
|
12 |
Sept 28 |
Migrating files & robocopy. Mapping network drives via Group Policy. Review of Windows Server skills & concepts (revision) |
|
|
13 |
Oct 5 |
Final skills assessment conducted (half class). Help desk procedures & technical support |
Final skills assessment |
ASSESSMENT 2 - Final Skills Assessment conducted |
14 |
Oct 12 |
Automated installation methods & deployments. Final class work on system configuration & testing. |
|
|
15 |
Oct 19 |
Client signoff on requirements, changes & report. Final class work on system documentation |
|
ASSESSMENT 1 – Stage 2 - Final System Documentation due (end of week) |
16 |
Oct 26 |
Course & assessment feedback Re-submission of work if required |
Assessment Feedback |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed textbook for this course. |
References
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 2016 in particular. |
|
However the following textbook, though advanced, is useful on some topics. It is available free of charge as an e-book via the RMIT Library Website. Krause, J (2016), Mastering Windows Server 2016, Packt Publishing, e-ISBN: 1-78488-145-0 |
1-78488-145-0 |
Other Resources
You will need laptop with charger for each class
- Windows laptops we do recommend an i5 or better machine with a minimum 4 GB of RAM.
- Macs you will need 8 GB of RAM to run a virtual machine
You may also refer to various media, websites, textbooks and e-books as indicated in Canvas
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
- produce a 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:
- domain name system (DNS)
- dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
- web and proxy mail
- file transfer protocol (FTP)
- firewall.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:
- describe the key features of current network operating systems (NOS)
- identify and describe current server applications compatibility issues and resolution procedures
- discuss network service configuration, including:
- domain name system (DNS)
- dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
- file transfer protocol (FTP)
- network time protocol (NTP)
- proxy
- server messages block (SMB)
- web
- describe common network service management, including:
- start
- stop
- restart
- start on boot
- identify and describe network service security features, including server firewall configuration
- identify and summarise troubleshooting tools and techniques, including network diagnostic utilities
- describe common operating system installation and operation issues, including:
- installation media:
- CD
- DVD
- universal serial bus (USB)
- boot disk
- network and script (automated install)
- deployment services
- boot process and diagnosing boot failures
- operating system rescue environment
- operating system help and support utilities
- performance monitoring tools and tuning options
- compatibility issues and resolution procedures
- high availability options for servers
- file and print management
- describe data security and storage measures required on a networked server, including:
- user authentication and directory services
- best practice procedures for implementing backup and recovery
- error and event logging and reporting
- storage options, including file systems and disk partitioning schemes
- describe the process of managing a project, including:
- documentation skills required for networks
- process or task management
- task scheduling utilities.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the network industry, and include access to:
- a site where server installation may be conducted
- relevant server specifications
- cabling
- networked (LAN) computers
- server diagnostic software
- switching equipment
- client requirements
- wide area network (WAN) service point of presence
- workstations
- relevant regulatory documentation that affects installation activities.
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Tasks
Please note that this course, ICTNWK505 (COSC 7359C) Design, build and test a network server, is co-delivered and co-assessed holistically along with ICTSAS518 (COSC 7364C) - Install and upgrade operating systems.
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
This assessment needs to be completed in 2 Stages. Stage 1 is due in week 8 and stage 2 is due in week 15. In 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
- Plan the network setup per the requirements
- Prepare for the server installation
- 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.
- 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 Documentation
- Stage 1 due week 8
- Stage 2 due end of 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.
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 Quiz (Conducted in Week 13)
This will consist of an in-class theory and practical skills assessment in the form of an online quiz. A trial assessment will be conducted in Week 10. The final assessment will be conducted in Week 13.
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 areas of the course.
Assessment Matrix
ELEMENT / PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
ASSESSMENTS DETAIL |
|
Elements describe the essential outcomes. Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
|
|
1. Plan and design network servers to meet business requirements 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 |
Assessment 1-System Configuration Tasks |
|
2. Prepare for network server installation 2.1 Prepare for work according to site specific safety requirements and enterprise workplace health and safety (WHS) 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 |
Assessment 1-System Configuration Tasks |
|
3. Build and configure the servers according to design 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 |
Assessment 1-System Configuration Tasks |
|
4. Test and reconfigure network servers 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
|
Assessment 1-System Configuration Tasks
|
|
5. Complete and document network design and installation 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 |
Assessment 1-System Configuration Tasks Assessment 2-Final Skills Test
|
|
Performance Evidence Evidence of the ability to:
|
Assessment 1-System Configuration Tasks Assessment 2-Final Skills Test
|
|
Knowledge Evidence To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
|
Assessment 1-System Configuration Tasks Assessment 2-Final Skills Test
|
Other Information
Submission Requirements
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date via CANVAS.
- 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.
- 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.
- Projects must be submitted via Canvas.
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: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
Special Consideration Procedures
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: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Online special consideration link: https://specon.rmit.edu.au/specon/
Re-submissions
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task, you will be allowed one re-submission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the re-submission.
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: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment
Marking Guide (Courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment):
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.
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Course Overview: Access Course Overview