Unit rationale, description and aim
Almost all computing devices from super computers to personal computers and even to mobile devices are connected using computer networks. The rapid advancement of communication technologies and the long-established use of local area networks have made the study of computer networks as important as the more traditional foundations of information technology such as computer architecture and programming. There is a need of professionals who exercise knowledge and leadership in the area of computer networks and its applications. This unit covers the fundamental topics of computer networks and data communication. The unit demonstrates the basic networking concepts, OSI and TCP/IP networking model, functionalities and characteristics of different layers, network devices, and protocols. Students will learn how these devices and protocols are used in computer networks and application programs. The practical works will help students to learn how to design, configure, build and test a small-scale peer-to-peer network for an organisation. In addition, the unit focuses on designing a network solution that utilises optimal resources and thus, aims to minimise negative impacts on the environment.
In a nutshell, the unit aims to equip students with background knowledge in computer networking, which scaffolds an advanced unit in emerging technologies of blockchain and IoT. It will produce graduates with i) a wide range of professional knowledge and skills relevant to networking and communication technologies, ii) adaptability to changing technology and society, iii) capability to design network solutions utilising minimal computing resources, and iv) prepare them for CCNA1 certification exam.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Identify basic components of networking devices su...
Learning Outcome 01
Design and implement a hierarchical IPv4 and IPv6 ...
Learning Outcome 02
Describe the characteristics and functionalities o...
Learning Outcome 03
Plan, build, and test a small network using packet...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Basic switch and end device configuration
- Protocols and models
- Physical layer
- Data link layer
- Network layer
- IP addressing
- Subnetting
- Transport layer
- Application layer
- Build a small network
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The first assessment provides students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and gain practical skills. The second assessment task will help to gain practical knowledge on subnetting which ensure optimal uses of network resources. The final assessment item includes a case scenario where students need to apply their knowledge and skills to find configuration errors, apply patches to make the network operational.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate competence in all learning outcomes and achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%. Marking will be in accordance with a rubric specifically developed to measure students’ level of achievement of the learning outcomes for each item of assessment. Students will be awarded a final grade which signifies their overall achievement in the unit.
Overview of assessments
Multimode
Assessment Task 1: Lab AssessmentsThis assessment...
Assessment Task 1: Lab Assessments
This assessment consists of a series of weekly lab exercises where students are required to use packet tracer to configure, build and troubleshoot network systems. The feedback from this assessment will help students to understand critical concepts of network security and their applications.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Lab Practical task
Artefact: PT file/Lab report
20%
Assessment Task 2: Practical task - Subnetting IP...
Assessment Task 2: Practical task - Subnetting IP networks
This is a skill-based assessment where students will be given a network scenario and a set of requirements. Students will be asked to divide the networks in sub-networks to create an optimal network design plan.
The purpose of this assessment is to assess students’ critical and analytical ability to solve practical problems.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical/Laboratory
Artefact: Answer Script
30%
Assessment Task 3: Practical Task - Configure, Bu...
Assessment Task 3: Practical Task - Configure, Build and Troubleshoot a network
This assessment task will test the students’ grasp of both theoretical and practical aspects of the unit. In the first part of the task, students will be provided a network scenario and need to configure the devices to make the network operational. They will also be given a misconfiguration scenario to troubleshoot network devices and fix the errors.
In the second part, students will be given a topology to plan, design and build a small network for an organisation. They need to consider various aspects of computer networking to design an optimal and effective solution. Students will also need to answer a number of questions related to their design and implementation process.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical/Laboratory
Artefact: PT file & Answer script
50%
Online
Task 1: Practical ExercisesThis assessment consis...
Task 1: Practical Exercises
This assessment consists of a series of practical exercises where students are required to use packet tracer to configure, build and troubleshoot network systems. The exercises will be collated by students and submitted as a single file.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical task
Artefact: PT file/Report
20%
Assessment Task 2: Practical task - Subnetting IP...
Assessment Task 2: Practical task - Subnetting IP networks
This is a skill-based assessment where students will be given a network scenario and a set of requirements. Students will be asked to divide the networks in sub-networks to create an optimal network design plan.
The purpose of this assessment is to assess students’ critical and analytical ability to solve practical problems.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical/Laboratory
Artefact: Answer Script
30%
Assessment Task 3: Practical Task - Configure, Bu...
Assessment Task 3: Practical Task - Configure, Build and Troubleshoot a network
This assessment task will test the students’ grasp of both theoretical and practical aspects of the unit. In the first part of the task, students will be provided a network scenario and need to configure the devices to make the network operational. They will also be given a misconfiguration scenario to troubleshoot network devices and fix the errors.
In the second part, students will be given a topology to plan, design and build a small network for an organisation. They need to consider various aspects of computer networking to design an optimal and effective solution. Students will also need to answer a number of questions related to their design and implementation process.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical/Laboratory
Artefact: PT file & Answer script
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Multimode - This unit will be delivered in multimode over a twelve-week semester or equivalent study period. Students will have access to all primary learning materials online through Canvas, along with formative and summative assessments, all of which will be available online, to provide a learning experience beyond the classroom. While there are no formal classroom lectures for this unit, students will be required to attend weekly workshops and labs, which will include a seminar and specific tasks related to achievement of the unit learning outcomes. Workshops and labs facilitate learning by doing, which is particularly effective for information technology units as technical skills can be better learned through hands on practices.
ACU Online - This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.