Unit Outline

This unit introduces students to fundamentals of distributed networked environments, primarily focusing on wired networks but students will examine some of the different approaches in wireless networks. It provides knowledge of internetworking standards and understanding of the networking architecture, technology and operation. This unit will provide students with an understanding of: OSI model framework; TCP/IP, common internet risks and requirements; operation of encryption techniques; digital signatures; public key infrastructure; authentication and non-repudiation. Additionally, students will be required to analyse and assess recent developments in ICT security technologies related to networking. Completing this unit will provide you with the background knowledge and practical experience to go on to obtain micro credentials in the Cisco CCNA 1 “Introduction to Networks” Course, which is the first of three modules in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) industry certification.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Explain network and security techniques, standards, and practices used to configure network infrastructure
2.	Apply industry standard techniques and skills to configure network infrastructure and protocols
3.	Formulate functional addressing schemes for networks subject to operational constraints, and methodically troubleshoot faults and configuration errors
4.	Analyse strengths and weaknesses of security protocols for contemporary technologies and systems

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	XPD113

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Nil.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Workshop	A structured real-time (i.e. synchronous) activity that involves a mix of presentation of new information/ideas/skills and guided activities related to that information/ideas/skills. All students are expected to attend.	1	Weekly
	Tutorial	A structured real-time (i.e. synchronous) activity in a small-group setting where the primary purpose is the clarification, exploration or reinforcement of subject content presented or accessed at another time or place (e.g. lecture, preparatory work). It is reliant on student-teacher and student-student interaction and dialogue for achievement of its learning outcomes. The students enrolled in the tutorial are expected to attend.	2	Weekly
	Independent Learning	Involving reading, listening to audio, watching video, and/or completing exercises and/or quizzes, self-study is individual work undertaken when the student chooses (i.e. asynchronous), most likely through engagement with MyLO. The content is examinable, and may need to be completed prior to attending classes and/or attempting assessment tasks.	3	Weekly

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Test 1	Week 7	20 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Network Assignment	Week 9	20 %	LO1, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Test 2	Week 13	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Practical Test	Week 15	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 5:	Practical Demonstrations	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Test 1

Task Description:

Students are required to sit a MyLO quiz that assesses the theoretical unit content of the first half of the unit. This includes multiple choice, short answer, and written response questions, as well as formulating subnet addresses and answering questions about basic network device configuration based on tutorial content.

Task Length:

60 minutes

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Formulate functional addressing schemes for networks subject to given constraints	LO3
2	Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts of networking	LO2
3	Demonstrate an ability to detect faults and configuration errors in network infrastructure	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Network Assignment

Task Description:

A written assignment about a current networking/network security topic. This is a research assignment, which has expectations the student will read a range and diversity of content on a specified topic, and based on the reading, thoughts, and understanding in the area, condense/summarise the topic in the essay.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the security related topic using tables and figures using industry standard presentation	LO1
2	Analyse strengths and weaknesses of security protocols related to the given security topic acknowledging sources using references and citations	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Test 2

Task Description:

Students are required to sit a MyLO quiz that assesses the theoretical unit content of the second half of the unit. This includes multiple choice, short answer, and written response questions, as well as answering questions about network device configuration, including routing and device security, based on tutorial content.

Task Length:

60 minutes

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate an understanding of advanced network infrastructure configuration	LO2, LO4
2	Formulate functional addressing schemes for networks subject to operational constraints of advanced network devices	LO3
3	Demonstrate an ability to detect faults and configuration errors in network infrastructure	LO3
4	Demonstrate an understanding of advanced networking concepts including routing and security	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment Task 4: Practical Test

Task Description:

Students are required to configure network devices, and in particular routers, with routing protocols and using security features where required, based on tutorial content.

Task Length:

45 minutes

Due Date:

Week 15

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply core concepts to configure network infrastructure for basic operation	LO2
2	Apply advanced concepts to configure network infrastructure for routing and security requirements	LO1, LO2
3	Troubleshoot faults and configuration errors in network infrastructure	LO3

Assessment Task 5: Practical Demonstrations

Task Description:

Practical Demonstrations - This is continuous assessment that demonstrates completion and understanding of the weekly networking tutorial tasks and the weekly MyLO module content. Students must correctly configure networking infrastructure, using secure protocols where required, that is designated as a checkpoint in tutorial material, and complete a designated quiz question that assesses understanding of the online network content.

Task Length:

2 hours (weekly)

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Configure network infrastructure and protocols to a given specification	LO2, LO4
2	Calculate and troubleshoot addressing schemes for networks	LO3
3	Correctly respond to questions about network and security techniques, standards, and practices.	LO1

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

Required and recommended readings will be provided on the unit's MyLO site, in line with weekly module content.