Overview

Indicative content includes:

1 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 e.g. IPv4, IPv6, ports/sockets etc. g) Routing, switching and firewalls.

2 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.

3 a) How to implement servers to manage a small network e.g. 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.

4 a) Use devices to help end users gain maximum potential from the network. b) Integrate other technologies e.g. UPS, router VPNs etc. c) Look at WAN connections and the options available, e.g. ADSL, cable, fibre, mobile etc.

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 media tools.

Indicative content includes:

1 a) Network standards and definitions. b) The OSI model. c) The Internet, WANS and LANS. d) Bandwidth and contention. e) Network components and services. f) Communication protocols e.g. IPv4, IPv6, ports/sockets etc. g) Routing, switching and firewalls.

2 a) Network design. b) Cable management and routing. c) Cost/value/robustness analysis. d) Component prioritization for SME networks. e) Cabling tools and components, e.g. RJ45 cabling and patching.

3 a) How to implement servers to manage a small network e.g. 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.

4 a) Use devices to help end users gain maximum potential from the network. b) Integrate other technologies e.g. UPS, Router VPNs etc. c) Look at WAN connections and the options available, eg. ADSL, Cable, fibre, mobile etc.

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 media tools.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - Equivalent to 50%: Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

Good - Equivalent to the range 60%-69%: Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

Excellent - Equivalent to the range 70%: Assemble critically evaluated, relevent areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Administer and implement client/server systems for a network

• Demonstrate the ability to interpret SME needs though robust design and specification

• Describe the extent to which networks and the technologies play a role on society

• Implement and specify real network solutions for SMEs and be able to diagnose network faults

• Understand the main types of network and the terminology used to describe it.