Unit Outline
XPD113
Data Networks and Security
IPC Semester 3, 2024
Miles Sun
DVC - Education
Academic Division (Division)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Miles Sun
Email: miles.sun@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
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.
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)
KIT111
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
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 or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, 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 Demonstrations
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 5:
Practical test
Exam Period
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
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 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
 
Assessment Task 5: 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:
Exam Period
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Apply knowledge of core concepts of networking and security
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
 
 
 

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.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
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
N/A
 
Recommended reading materials
N/A
 
Other required resources
COMPUTING FACILITIES
The Discipline of ICT has PC labs, Mac labs, and special purpose Networking labs at the Newnham and Sandy Bay campuses. All students are provided with logins for Windows, Macintosh and Unix environments. If you have not used these facilities before please contact the ICT Help Desk. If you would like to access these facilities after hours please contact the ICT Help Desk.

USE OF FACILITIES
Use of computing facilities provided by the Discipline of ICT is subject to the Discipline's Ethics Guidelines, details of which are posted at http://www.utas.edu.au/technologyenvironmentsdesign/ict/currentstudentresources/ethicsguidelines.

Copies of the guidelines are also available in all ICT labs. The Discipline's facilities may only be used for study related purposes, and may not be used for personal gain. Antisocial behaviour in labs such as game playing, viewing pornography, loud discussion, audio without the use of headphones, etc is strictly prohibited in all labs at all times.

Eating, drinking, and smoking is not permitted in the labs. Before being granted access to the Discipline's facilities, you will be required to sign a declaration that you have read and understand these guidelines, and that you will abide by them. You will also be required to complete the relevant MyLO course to gain access. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who violate the guidelines. Details about gaining access to the labs can be found at ICT Reception.