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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: COSC7361C

Course Title: Determine best-fit topology for a wide area 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

michael.edwards@rmit.edu.au

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

It applies to individuals with excellent planning and information and communications technology (ICT) skills in networking areas who are required to research and recommend the most appropriate topology for a WAN.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICTNWK517 Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network

Element:

1. Identify WAN needs

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify the different LAN, wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed 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 backup purposes, in case the main link is disrupted

2.5 Document appropriate WAN service 

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.
  

Semester 1 2020

Week

Week Commencing

Topic

Learning Materials and Activities

Assessment Remarks

1

10 Feb 

Introduction to the Course including:
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Course access with Canvas
• Accuracy of enrolment
• Assessment requirements/Cover Sheets
• Reminder re Plagiarism
• Reminder re Appeals
• Extensions/Resubmissions
• Feedback in this course
• Reminder re submission requirements
• Getting help
Introduction to LAN – Typical components used, Introduction to Packet Tracer

PPT Chapter 1

PPT Chapter 2

 

Activity 1:

Intro to Packet tracer

Activity 2:

Create a Home network

 

 

2

17 Feb

Network protocols

 Troubleshooting techniques

Ethernet networks

IP Addressing

Network design and topologies

PPT Chapter 3

PPT Chapter 4

 

Activity 1:

Create a SOHO network

  

3

24 Feb

tcp/ip

Client/Server networks

Network design and topologies

Wireless Networks

NAT

PPT Chapter 5

PPT Chapter 6

 

Activity 1:

Create a LAN/WLAN network

Assessment 4 specifications given out  

4

2 Mar

Virtual Machines

Installing operating systems Configuring a LAN

Troubleshooting

Virtual Machine configuration

 

Activity 1:

Lab network configuration

 

5

9 Mar

(Monday Labour Day Public Holiday)

Revision of previous weeks tasks for Assessment 1

Revision of previous weeks work LAN and Wireless activities

Revision for Assessment 1 next week 

6

 16 Mar

Assessment 1 – Configuring a LAN and a Wireless LAN as per business needs.

Assessment 1 in class

Assessment 1 in class

7

23 Mar 

Introduction to WAN’s and routers

PPT Chapter 7

PPT Chapter 8

 

Activity 1:

Create a WAN

 

 

8

30 Mar 

Routing protocols IP, IPX, AppleTalk.

Router operations

double data rate (DDR)

 RIP, EIGRP, OSPF

Activity 1:

Configure a router with RIP

  

9

6 Apr

Configuring a WAN

Troubleshoot

Configuring router as DHCP.

Activity 1:

Configure a router with DHCP

  

Break (Thursday 9th April to Wednesday 15th April – inclusive)

10

 20 Apr

Netflow

Response time and reliability requirements, Scope of operations, traffic flow patterns, traffic load.

Activity 1:

Configure a router and switch

Activity 2:

Configure Netflow

 

 

11

27 Apr

Revision of previous weeks tasks for Assessment 2

 

In class WAN and LAN, router and switch activities

Revision for Assessment 2 next week

12

 4 May

Assessment 2 – Configuring a WAN as per business needs and constraints.

Assessment 2 in class

Assessment 2 in class

13

11 May

ACL’s and NAT

 

 Business considerations - growth projections, capacity planning, High and low speed links, redundancy paths.

Activity 1:

Configure an ACL

Activity 2:

Configure NAT

 

Assessment 3 Quiz in class 

14

18 May

VOIP, VLAN and VPN

Activity 1:

Configure VoIP

Activity 2:

Configure a VLAN

 

Working on Project AT4 

15

25 May

Assessment 4 - Project due

Complete assessment task 4 and class Presentations

Assessment 4 due

16

1 Jun

Feedback resits 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:

  • consider budget constraints and business needs
  • identify the configuration for connecting a local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) into a wide area network (WAN)
  • document the configuration. 

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:

summarise the typical network topologies for the following networks:

  • large and small LANs
  • WANs
  • VPNs
  • virtual local area networks (VLANs)
  • WLANs

identify and describe the typical components and technologies required for a WAN, including:

  • concepts and types of modems
  • internet protocol (IP) addressing
  • packet switching
  • routed or routable protocols, including IP, IPX and AppleTalk
  • router operations, including double data rate (DDR)
  • routing protocols, including routing information protocol (RIP), enhanced interior gateway routing protocol (EIGRP) and open shortest path first (OSPF)
  • transmission control protocols or internet protocols (TCPs/IPs)
  • relationship of asynchronous and synchronous communication
  • use of microwave and satellite communication in networking

describe the business consideration for establishing a WAN, including:

  • constraints and costs
  • features of telecommunications infrastructure, including the difference between digital and analogue networks
  • growth projections and capacity planning
  • high or low speed links
  • protocols
  • redundancy paths
  • response time and reliability requirements
  • scope of operation
  • security
  • traffic flow patterns
  • traffic load
  • users and the applications expected.

 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:

  • design documents relating to LANs to be incorporated into the WAN
  • equipment specifications
  • vendor product catalogues and costs.

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 4 Assessment tasks. You must successfully complete all assessments to be deemed competent in this unit.

Assessment Tasks: (Week 6, 10, 13 and 14)

Assessment 1 is an in-class practical task where you will identify LAN / WLAN (Local Area Network and Wireless Local Area Network) needs and create a LAN / WLAN to specifications.

  • Task: (Week 6) -This is a packet tracer activity. You will be asked to configure a LAN that will include a wireless router (WLAN), switches as well as end devices. The network will also include ip addressing, security, passwords and connections to the router and switches. You will also need to be able to troubleshoot issues that arise.

 

Assessment 2 is an in-class practical task where you will identify WAN (Wide Area Network) needs and create a WAN to specifications.

  • Task: (Week 12) -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 also need to be able to troubleshoot issues that arise.

 

Assessment 3 -The online quiz is a multiple choice questions relating to the topics that apply to the network operations and will be conducted through Canvas. The topics will be discussed in class prior to taking the quiz.

  • Task: (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. With the quiz being online your attendance in class will be required.

 

Assessment 4 is an in-class project where you will identify client needs and create a WAN to the client specifications. You will also need to document the process and network requirements.

  • Task: (Week 15) -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 3 and be worked on through the semester. This will be an individual project and you can collaborate with your classmates to exchange ideas and expand your knowledge in creating networks. 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 to the teacher. The project will include the skills and knowledge gained through the weekly classes and will include a tender document, associated topology diagrams and final network design configured and tested in Packet tracer.


Assessment Matrix

Elements/Performance Criteria

Assessment Details

1. Identify WAN needs

1.1 Identify the different LAN, wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed 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

Assessment 1 LAN

Assessment 2 WAN

Assessment 4 Project

2. Create WAN specification

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 backup purposes, in case the main link is disrupted

2.5 Document appropriate WAN service

Assessment 1 LAN

Assessment 2 WAN

Assessment 4 Project

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

consider budget constraints and business needs

identify the configuration for connecting a local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) into a wide area network (WAN)

document the configuration.

 

Assessment 1 LAN

Assessment 2 WAN

Assessment 4 Project

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

summarise the typical network topologies for the following networks:

  • large and small LANs
  • WANs
  • VPNs
  • virtual local area networks (VLANs)
  • WLANs

identify and describe the typical components and technologies required for a WAN, including:

  • concepts and types of modems
  • internet protocol (IP) addressing
  • packet switching
  • routed or routable protocols, including IP, IPX and AppleTalk
  • router operations, including double data rate (DDR)
  • routing protocols, including routing information protocol (RIP), enhanced interior gateway routing protocol (EIGRP) and open shortest path first (OSPF)
  • transmission control protocols or internet protocols (TCPs/IPs)
  • relationship of asynchronous and synchronous communication
  • use of microwave and satellite communication in networking

describe the business consideration for establishing a WAN, including:

  • constraints and costs
  • features of telecommunications infrastructure, including the difference between digital and analogue networks
  • growth projections and capacity planning
  • high or low speed links
  • protocols
  • redundancy paths
  • response time and reliability requirements
  • scope of operation
  • security
  • traffic flow patterns
  • traffic load
  • users and the applications expected.

 

Assessment 1 LAN

Assessment 2 WAN

Assessment 3 Quiz

Assessment 4 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.

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