Networks 

Unit Reference Number

Unit Title

Networks

Unit Level

Number of Credits

Total Qualification Time (TQT)

Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

Mandatory / Optional

Mandatory

Sector Subject Area (SSA)

14.1 Foundations for learning and life

Unit Grading Structure

Pass / Fail

Learning Outcomes – The learner will:

Assessment Criteria – The learner can:

Indicative contents

1. Understand networking principles.

1.1 Explain a computer network.

1.2 Differentiate between ‘client computers’ and ‘peer computers’ from network services perspective.

1.3 Describe local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).

1.4 Describe the benefits and constraints of different network topologies.

• Computer Network:

• • sharing hardware resources
  • sharing software resources
  • sharing common data
  • potential intranet provision
  • e-mail communication between users
  • centralised management services
  • ‘Client computers’ and ‘Peer computers’
  • LAN and WAN including VLAN, WLAN and VPN

• Topology:

• • Linear Bus Topology
  • Ring Topology
  • Star Topology
  • Mesh Topology
  • Tree Topology
  • Hybrid Topology

2.1 Explain how hardware, software and addressing combine to support network communications.

2.2 Describe potential issues with computer networks.

2.3 Explain the steps required to set up and test a simple local area network.

• Hardware: network cards eg ethernet, wireless; workstations; servers eg file, printer, web; routers; switches; wireless devices
• Communication: network cabling eg fibre optics, UTP, STP, coaxial; connectors; addressing; WAN connectivity eg ADSL, ISDN, broadband
• Software: application-based eg internet browsers, firewalls, email; operating system; utility

• Issues: speed eg bandwidth, contention; costs; staff skills; down time; security issues eg unauthorised access, loss of data, malware, virus protection; backup eg recovery; hacking; firewalls

• Setup:
• Preparation: components eg cabling, devices, network interface cards, software
• Set up: hardware; software; security; health and safety awareness
• Simple LAN: eg peer to peer, client-server
• Faults: commonly occurring eg address conflict, network card failure, faulty cable; loss of service eg print, file, email
• Testing: functionality; connectivity; addressing
• Security: eg firewall configuration, file and folder permissions, access control, user rights
• Use: communication; transfer files; others eg allocate user rights, allocate file space
• Troubleshoot: problem solving eg connectivity, IP addresses

3. Understand the usage and security concerns related to networking.

3.1 Evaluate the features and services provided by a local and a wide area network.

3.2 Identify security issues related to networking and how those security issues can be minimised.

3.3 Explain steps to configure security on a local area network.

• Features: topologies eg star, bus, circle; types eg peer-to-peer, client server; data rates; addressing eg IP, MAC Services: communication eg email, conferencing; file transfer; login; security; software deployment

• Security: eg firewall configuration, file and folder permissions, access control, user rights

• Wireless encryption methods: WPA, WPA2, WEP, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Remote Access

Learning Outcomes to be met

Assessment criteria to be covered

Type of assessment

Word count (approx. length)

All 1 to 3

All AC under LO 1 to 3

Coursework

3000 words