Module ICP-1014:
Networking Theory and Practice

Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr David Edward Perkins

• Introduce the foundations of computer networking • Develop a clear understanding of network routing and switching • Give a both a theoretical and practical method of network implementation • Provide a robust guide to real business networks in SMEs • Introduce a range of tools for network implementation and diagnostics for cross-OS systems • Explain the concepts of a client/server system • Consider the social, cultural and business implication of networks and their security

LO1 a) Network Standards and Definitions. b) OSI Model. c) The Internet, WANS and LANS. d) Bandwidth and Contention. e) Network components and Services. f) Communication Protocols ie. IPv4, IPv6, Ports/Sockets etc. g) Routing, Switching and Firewalls. LO2 a) Network Design. b) Cable management and routing. c) Cost/Value/Robustness analysis. d) Component prioritization for SME networks. e) Cabling tools and components, eg RJ45 cabling and patching. LOC 3 a) How to implement servers to manage a small network i.e. DHCP, DNS etc. b) Be able to make effective use of wireless network technologies. c) To setup and administer other servers and configure security appliances to protect the network. LOC 4 a) Use devices to help end users gain maximum potential from the network. b) Integrate other technologies to improve “up-time” eg UPS, Router VPNs etc. c) Look at WAN connections and the options available, eg. ADSL, Cable, fibre etc. LOC 5 a) Look at VOIP implementations. b) Consider types of monitoring systems, e.g. SCADA. c) Explore the benefits of Ethernet use in control systems and business efficiency. d) Gain a brief insight to the mainstream social web tools.

	threshold 40%	good 60%	excellent 70%
Implement and specify real network solutions for SMEs and be able to diagnose network faults.	Be able to decide on which is the most appropriate component given multiple options. Be able to explain in business terms the best options for a situation.	Be able to design a basic network infrastructure that is suitable for a given situation. Be able to build said network using appropriate components.	Use quantative as well as qualitative analysis to establish a recommendation to a SME based on varying factors. Be able to implement flexible solutions by selecting appropriate components.
Administer and implement client/server systems for a network	Be able to connect an appliance to a simple existing network. Setup a simple wireless network. Make a protected service on a host available to the WAN	Be able to deploy new server to offer services using industry software. Explain commercial consideration of wireless security. Deploy a service and then grant access to the service.	Be able to configure networks services on existing hardware and infrastructure. Discuss the different type of wireless security. Use an appropriate appliance to setup access to a service.
Demonstrate the ability to interpret SME needs though robust design and specification	Produce a budget constrained network design and assess the advantages and disadvantages of the ‘restrCISed’ network.	Perform a simple analysis of a SME requirement and produce a design	Develop alternative approaches to the SME requirements using upto date ideas and systems.
Gain a full appreciation of the extent to which networks and the technologies play a role on society	Offer some detail on specific network devices and the bandwidth implications for their addition.	Be able to list various devices that use Ethernet and can add value to a system.	Critically evaluate the use of additional devices on a network infrastructure and give guidance as to when problems may arise.
Understand the main types of network and the terminology used to describe it.	Can describe key concepts of a network and explain in non technical terms how they operate	Provide detailed functional knowledge of each component and define precise services of a network. Be able to define networks in terms of protocols and Network standards	Able to give precise definitions of the network model and explain the main services in context of network operation

Type	Name	Description	Weight
CLASS TEST	In class test 1		20
COURSEWORK	Laboratory		40
COURSEWORK	Quotation Assignment		20
CLASS TEST	In class test 2		20

		Hours
Lecture	24 hours over 12 weeks	24
Laboratory	48 hours over 12 weeks	48
Private study		128

• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team

• Knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles & theories
• Use of such knowledge in modelling and design
• Analyse if/how a system meets current and future requirements
• Deploy theory in design, implementation and evaluation of systems
• Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic issues
• Knowledge of information security issues
• Deploy tools effectively
• Development of general transferable skills
• Deploy systems to meet business goals
• Specify, deploy, verify and maintain information systems
• Defining problems, managing design process and evaluating outcomes
• Specify, deploy, verify and maintain computer-based systems
• Principles of appropriate supporting engineering and scientific disciplines

Compulsory in courses:

• I110: BSc Computer Information Systems year 1 (BSC/CIS)
• I11B: BSc Computer Information Systems (4 year with Incorp Found) year 1 (BSC/CIS1)