Unit-2 Networking BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing Assignment

Assignment Submission Guidelines

1. Report Format
   The submission should be in the form of an individual written report. This should be written in a concise, formal business style using single spacing and font size 12.
2. Headings, Paragraphs, and Referencing
   You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs, and subsections as appropriate, and all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard Referencing system.
3. Word Limit
   The recommended word limit is 2000-2500 words, although you will not be penalized for exceeding the total word limit.
4. Figures, Graphs, and Tables
   All figures, graphs, and tables must be numbered.
5. Test Plan
   The report should include a fully completed test plan, including an evaluation of the results and recommendations for improvement to LAN.
6. System Functionality Investigation
   Investigate what functionalities would allow the system to support device growth and the addition of communication devices.

Unit Learning Outcomes

• L01 – Examine Networking principles and their protocols.
• L02 – Explain networking devices and operations.
• L03 – Design efficient networked systems.
• L04 – Implement and diagnose networked systems.

Transferable Skills and Competencies Developed

Computing-related Cognitive Skills:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to Networking.
• Explore a range of hardware, with related software, and configure and install these to gain knowledge of Networking systems.
• Recognize and analyze criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their solutions.
• Critical Evaluation and Testing: Analyze the extent to which a network-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.
• Methods and Tools: Deploy appropriate theory, practices, and tools for the design, implementation, and evaluation of Networking components.

Computing-related Practical Skills:

• The ability to specify, design, and construct reliable, secure, and usable Networking systems.
• The ability to evaluate systems in terms of quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within the given problem.
• The ability to deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of networking, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved in the effective deployment of network devices to solve practical problems.
• The ability to critically evaluate and analyze complex problems, including those with incomplete information, and devise appropriate solutions within the constraints of a budget.

Generic Skills for Employability:

• On successful completion of this unit, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to successfully install, operate, and troubleshoot a small network and the operation of IP data networks, router, switching technologies, IP routing technologies, IP services, and basic troubleshooting.
• Students will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment.

Vocational Scenario

Computer networks are essential to the evolution of computer systems, enabling users to access data, devices, and services from anywhere. Networks have become a complex and ever-evolving environment. By connecting small networks over the Internet, complex computer networks facilitate global communication.

This unit aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of computer networking, including the operation, protocols, standards, security considerations, and prototypes associated with different networking technologies. To enhance learning, a scenario will be created to illustrate key networking principles.

Vodafone Qatar is expanding by establishing a new customer service and support centre in Lusail City, Doha, in response to increased demand for assistance. The centre will boast modern facilities for customer inquiries, network troubleshooting, and technical support for mobile and internet services. It will accommodate various operational units:

• Customer support with 20 computers
• Technical support with 15 computers
• Network monitoring with 10 computers
• A server room containing 5 servers
• 4 printers and wireless access points for staff mobility

The centre will be housed in a two-story building, with the server room and network monitoring on the ground floor, and customer and technical support on the first floor.

As a newly hired Network Engineer at Vodafone Qatar, you are tasked by the project manager to plan and design the network infrastructure for this centre using Cisco Packet Tracer or other suitable software. The design must ensure reliable connectivity, secure data access, and efficient processing of customer requests and network issues, incorporating switches, routers, servers, wireless routers, cables, printers, and other essential network devices.

Assignment Activity and Guidance

Activity 1:

Prepare a report for the CEO and Senior Network Administrator of Vodafone Qatar outlining networking principles and recommending an appropriate topology for the centre. The report should cover:

• Benefits and constraints of various network types and standards.
• Impact of network topology on communication and bandwidth requirements, highlighting advantages and disadvantages for network design.
• Overview of common networking principles and protocols for effective network systems.
• Evaluation of the selected topology and protocol for Vodafone Qatar’s new centre, demonstrating efficient network utilization.

Activity 2:

Discuss the networking devices and their functions within Vodafone Qatar’s network, covering the following aspects in your report:

• Operating principles of networking devices and types of servers.
• Network design, including hardware, software, network addresses, and devices.
• Interdependence of workstation hardware and associated networking software.
• Exploration of server types with justification for selecting a cost-effective and performance-optimized server for Vodafone Qatar.

Activity 3:

Design an active network system for Vodafone Qatar’s new customer service centre and produce your evidence in an implementation plan, including:

• Network system design to meet given specifications.
• Device configurations and security considerations.
• A maintenance schedule to support the network system.
• Analysis of user feedback to optimise the design and improve its efficiency.
• Critical reflection on the implemented network, including design and decision-making enhancements.

Activity 4:

Implement and diagnose a networked system using Cisco Packet Tracer for Vodafone Qatar’s centre, ensuring the network meets performance standards. The evaluation report should include:

• A test plan implementation.
• Implementation of the network system based on the prepared design.
• Documentation and analysis of test results against expected outcomes.
• Recommendations for potential enhancements to the network system.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

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