Course Title: Determine best-fit topology for a local network
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2019
Course Code: COSC7360C
Course Title: Determine best-fit topology for a local network
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
Course Leader: Michael Edwards
9925 1615
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
None
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine the most appropriate way of networking computers to meet user needs and business requirements.
It applies to individuals in senior networking roles who are required to plan the most appropriate topology for a proposed network.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
ICTNWK516 Determine best-fit topology for a local network |
Element: |
1. Determine user needs |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify the different segments of the proposed network based on business requirements 1.2 Determine segment needs, using network functional analysis 1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes based on business requirements 1.4 Develop a prioritised organisational network functional matrix |
Element: |
2. Develop local area network specification |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Determine the resource requirements for each network segment on the basis of functional analysis 2.2 Analyse features of the physical environment for the effect on network design 2.3 Conduct a costing process for possible topology options 2.4 Consider topology options with reference to available resources and network functional matrix 2.5 Select and document appropriate network topology based on business requirements and functional analysis
|
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course on a variety of topics as shown in the teaching schedule.
This may include self-paced and collaborative classroom activities such as:
- Class exercises
- Challenges
- Problem solving
- Project work
- Quizzes
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities as each week builds on the next.
Teaching Schedule
Course Delivery:
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 |
Topic |
Learning Materials and Activities |
Assessment Remarks |
1 |
8 July |
Introduction to the Course including: Overview of Project |
Intro to Packet tracer activity 1 Packet tracer activity 2 Weekly Handout with task details |
|
2 |
15 July |
IP addressing of networks, cabling, troubleshooting techniques (ipconfig, ping etc.), Costing exercise, Creating a basic Local Area Network. |
Addressing Packet tracer activity 1 LAN Packet tracer activity 2 LAN Packet tracer activity 3 Troubleshooting Packet tracer activity 4 Weekly Handout with task details |
Assessment 2 Project Client document issued Class task 1 issued- Create a LAN |
3 |
22 July |
More on IP addressing, Creating a basic Wireless Local Area Network, Switch configuration, TCP/IP, OSI, troubleshooting techniques (ipconfig, ping etc.) |
WLAN Packet tracer activity 1 WLAN Packet tracer activity 2 Virtual Machine configuration Weekly Handout with task details |
Class task 1- submission to Canvas |
4 |
29 July |
Creating a basic Wireless Local Area Network, Switch configuration, TCP/IP, OSI |
Weekly Handout with task details |
Class task 2 issued- Create a LAN and troubleshoot
|
5 |
5 Aug |
Virtual Machines, installing operating systems, configuring a LAN / WLAN and troubleshoot |
Virtual Machine configuration Weekly Handout with task details |
Class task 2- submission to Canvas |
6 |
12 Aug |
Assessment 2.1- Configure and troubleshoot a LAN |
Assessment 2.1 In-class |
|
7 |
19 Aug |
Introduction to WAN, routers, CLI and troubleshooting |
Class task 3 issued- Create a WAN |
|
8 |
26 Aug |
Router operations using CLI and protocol configuration- RIP |
WAN Packet tracer activity 1 WAN Packet tracer activity 2 WAN Packet tracer activity 3 Weekly Handout with task details |
Class task 3- submission to Canvas |
Semester Break: 2 September – 6 September | ||||
9 |
9 Sept |
In-class exercise Router configuration using devices in class |
WAN Packet tracer activity 1 Weekly Handout with task details |
Class task 4 issued- Create a WAN and troubleshoot |
10 |
16 Sept |
Assessment 2.2 – Configure a WAN and troubleshoot |
Weekly Handout with task details |
Assessment task 2.2 In-class Class task 4- submission to Canvas |
11 |
23 Sept |
WAN activities VLAN’s, routing protocols- (EIGRP, OSPF), NAT |
In class WAN and LAN, router and switch activities |
|
12 |
30 Sept |
WAN activities VoIP, ACL’s, VPN’s |
Assessment 2 in class |
|
13 |
7 Oct |
In-class Assessment - Quiz Business considerations - growth projections, capacity planning, High and low speed links, redundancy paths. |
ACL Packet tracer activity 1 ACL Packet tracer activity 2 NAT Packet tracer activity 3 Router Packet tracer activity 4 Weekly Handout with task details |
In-class assessment 1.2- Quiz
Activity to prepare for Assessment 2.3 submission
|
14 |
14 Oct |
Assessment 2.3 - Project due Response time and reliability requirements, Scope of operations, traffic flow patterns, traffic load and working on projects. |
WAN Packet tracer activity 1 WAN Packet tracer activity 2 Packet tracer activity 2 Weekly Handout with task details |
Activity to prepare for Assessment 2.3 submission Assessment 2.3 due |
15 |
21 Oct |
Presentations in class |
Complete assessment task 3 and class Presentations |
Assessment 2.3 due |
16 |
28 Oct |
Feedback, re-sits and review |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You will need laptop with charger for each class 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:
- analyse business or organisational needs
- identify the most appropriate local area network (LAN), virtual private network (VPN) or wireless local area network (WLAN) topology
- document recommendations.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:
- summarise the typical network topologies for the following:
- large and small LANs
- wide area networks (WANs)
- VPNs
- virtual local area networks (VLANs)
- WLANs
- identify and describe the typical components of a local network, including:
- adaptor cards
- bridges
- Ethernet hardware
- gateways
- hubs
- routers
- describe the software and programming requirements of a local network, including:
- security protocols
- transmission control protocol or internet protocol (TCP/IP)
- describe the business consideration for establishing a local network including:
- growth projections and capacity planning
- costs and queuing constraints
- high and low speed links
- redundancy paths
- response time and reliability requirements
- scope of operation
- traffic flow patterns
- traffic load
- application requirements of users
- outline of installation requirements for local area networks:
- cabling, particularly unshielded twisted pair (UTP), shielded twisted pair (STP) or optic fibre
- characteristics and relative strengths and weaknesses of LAN network topologies
- features and capabilities of current industry accepted hardware and software products
- features of line sharing protocols.
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:
- business requirements
- equipment specifications
- organisational and industry costing.
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 the following two units:
COSC 7360C (ICTNWK516) - Determine best-fit topology for a local network
and
COSC 7361C (ICTNWK517) - Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network
are clustered and therefore co-delivered and co-assessed holistically.
Assessment Tasks
You are required to complete 2 Assessment tasks. You must successfully complete all assessments to be deemed competent in this unit.
Assessment 1: (Weekly tasks and Week 13)
Assessment 1 is in-class tasks where you will complete weekly exercises and upload to Canvas as well as complete a Multiple-choice quiz
The tasks that need to be done are made up of 2 parts as follows:
- Part 1.1: (Weeks 2, 4, 7, 9) Complete a packet tracer challenge activity that will help develop the skills to configure and troubleshoot a LAN / WAN network
- Part 1.2: (Week 13) An online multiple answer quiz to test the underlying principles and knowledge learnt so far in Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks.
Assessment 2 Project: (Week 6, 10 and 14)
Assessment 2 is an in-class task where you will identify LAN / WAN needs and create a LAN / WAN to specifications.
The tasks that need to be completed are made up of 3 parts that will build the complete Final Project:
- Part 2.1: (Week 6) This is a packet tracer activity. You will be asked to configure a LAN that will include a wireless router, switches as well as end devices. The network will also include ip addresses, security, passwords and connections to the router and switches. You will need to be able to troubleshoot issues that arise.
- Part 2.2: (Week 10) This is a packet tracer activity. You will need to configure a Wide Area Network to specification using a combination of network devices like routers, routing protocols, switches and PC’s. You will need to be able to troubleshoot issues that arise.
- Part 2.3: (Week 14) You will submit a project that will be a tender document; this will be based on client /construction specifications given to you in class in Week 2 and be worked on through the semester. This will be an individual project and you can collaborate with your classmates to complete it. There will also be questions from the client that need to be answered in your documentation. You will also present your project in class during week 15. The project will include the skills and knowledge gained through the weekly classes and will include tender documentation and final network design configured in Packet tracer.
Assessment Matrix
Elements/Performance Criteria |
Assessment Details |
|
1. Determine user needs 1.1 Identify the different segments of the proposed network based on business requirements 1.2 Determine segment needs, using network functional analysis 1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes based on business requirements 1.4 Develop a prioritised organisational network functional matrix |
Assessment 2.1 LAN Assessment 2.2 WAN Assessment 2.3 Project |
|
2. Develop local area network specification 2.1 Determine the resource requirements for each network segment on the basis of functional analysis 2.2 Analyse features of the physical environment for the effect on network design 2.3 Conduct a costing process for possible topology options 2.4 Consider topology options with reference to available resources and network functional matrix 2.5 Select and document appropriate network topology based on business requirements and functional analysis |
Assessment 2.1 LAN Assessment 2.2 WAN Assessment 2.3 Project |
|
Performance Evidence Evidence of the ability to: analyse business or organisational needs identify the most appropriate local area network (LAN), virtual private network (VPN) or wireless local area network (WLAN) topology document recommendations. |
Assessment 2.1 LAN Assessment 2.2 WAN Assessment 2.3 Project |
|
Knowledge Evidence To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must: summarise the typical network topologies for the following:
identify and describe the typical components of a local network, including:
describe the software and programming requirements of a local network, including:
describe the business consideration for establishing a local network including:
outline of installation requirements for local area networks:
features of line sharing protocols. |
Assessment 1.2 Quiz Assessment 2.1 LAN Assessment 2.2 WAN Assessment 2.3 Project |
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/
Resubmissions
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: 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
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