1.0  Introduction 

1.1 Aim 

To enable learners to understand computer networking concepts, how they work, how they operate and the protocols, standards and the models associated with networking technology. 

Unit abstract

Understanding of the underlying principles of networking is of vital importance to all IT professionals in an environment that is increasingly complex and under continuous development.

The aim of this unit is to provide a background to the basic components of networked systems from which all networking operations derive. It also includes the evaluation of networks and network applications.

Learners taking this unit will explore a range of hardware and technologies, culminating in the design and deployment of a networked system. Working with many technologies, this unit can be used for mobile systems, local area networks as well as larger scale wider area networked systems. Supporting a range of units in the Higher National suite this unit underpins the principles of networks for all and enables learners to work towards their studies in vendor units if applicable. 

1.2 Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 

LO1-Understand networking principles

LO2 -Understand networking components

LO3-Be able to design networked systems

LO4-Be able to implement and support networked systems.  

2.0  Unit Indicative content:  

1 Understand networking principles 

Role of networks: purpose, benefits, resource implications, communications, workingpractice, commercial opportunity, information sharing, collaboration

System: types, eg peer based, client-server, cloud, cluster, centralised, virtualised

Networking standards: conceptual models eg OSI model, TCP/IP model; standards: eg IEEE 802.x

Topology: logical eg Ethernet, Token Ring; physical eg star, ring, bus, mesh, tree, ring

Communication: bandwidth, throughput

Protocols: relationship to networking standards; purpose of protocols; routed protocols eg IPv4, IPv6,  FTP, HTTP, SMTP, POP3, SSL; management of protocols for addressing; routing protocols eg RIP, RIPv2, OSPF, OSPFv3, BGP 

2 Understand networking components

Hardware components: workstation eg mobile, fixed, handheld, console; servers; switches; routers; cabling; hubs; repeaters; bridges; wireless devices; mobile eg 3G, 4G, GPRS

Software components: software eg client software, server software, client operating system, server operating system

Server: type eg firewall, email, web, file, database, combination, virtualisation, terminalservices server

Server selection: cost, purpose, operating system requirement

Workstation: hardware eg network card, cabling; permissions; system bus; local-systemarchitecture eg memory, processor, I/O devices 

3 Be able to design networked systems

Bandwidth: expected average load; anticipated peak load; local internet availability; costConstraints

Users: quality expectations, concept of system growth

Applications: security requirements, quality of service needs

Communications: suited to devices, suited to users, supportive of lifestyle desires, supportive of commercial requirements

Scalable: able to support device growth, able to support addition of communication devices, able to cope with bandwidth use and trend changes, protocol utilisation, addressing

Selection of components: supporting infrastructure needs; supporting connectivity requirements 

4 Be able to implement and support networked systems

Devices: installation of communication devices, allocation of addresses, local client configuration, server configuration, server installation

Connectivity: installation of internet work communication medium

Testing: communication; bandwidth

User access: bandwidth, applications, devices

Policy review: bandwidth, resource availability

System monitoring: utilisation, bandwidth needs, monitoring user productivity

Maintenance schedule: backups, upgrades, security, auditing