IDCS -Elective Unit - DEE005 - Networking

 Introduction

Networks, whilst once only widespread across large organisations, are now a core aspect of every area of computing. The widescale acceptance of the Internet means that the smallest business or personal user of a computer has a requirement to connect one computer to another.  

Whilst the introduction of “network friendly operating systems” has removed much of the technical skills requirement for basic network operation, there is a need for anyone planning a career in IT to have a good understanding of how networks operate. This module is designed to fulfil that need and cover all of the common aspects of networking.

This elective will prepare any candidates who wish to sit the Microsoft Networking Essentials Examination (#70-58). The elective also covers a large section of the CompTIA Network+ exam.

General Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module candidates will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory performance in the following topic areas:

A. Understand the basic concepts and technologies of transmission and communication.

B. Describe the methods in which computers communicate with other computers, and be able to identify and describe the most common features found in networking hardware.

C. Discuss the recognised international standards used within the network environment.

D. Understand and describe the physical design of 5 major networking topologies.

E. Understand, and be able to compare local and metropolitan area networks.

F. Compare common network protocols and commonly used networking hardware.

G. Discuss in detail the various layers of the OSI reference model.

H. Identify the Various Stages and Tools Used in the Network Design Process.

Specific Objectives 

Objective A: Understand the Basic Concepts and Technologies of Transmission and Communication  

A1. Describe the main methods of telecommunications switching.

A2.Explain the basic concepts of data transmission, giving the advantages and disadvantages of using different techniques.

A3.Explain the differences between the main transmission technologies and their applications.

A4.Explain the importance of international transmission standards, in particular the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model.

Objective B: Describe the Methods in which Computers Communicate with Other Computers and be able to Identify and Describe the Most Common Features Found in Networking Hardware

B1.Explain the different types of computer communication.

B2.Describe computer-networking media.

B3.Explain the basic levels of communication protocol.

B4.Provide operating system network support and troubleshoot hardware network problems.

B5.Identify the main hardware used in Networking.

B6.Identify the use of the most common cables and connectors used in Networking.

B7.Install and configure common Network Hardware and drivers onto a PC.

B8.Describe the function and implementation of different hardware devices.

Objective C: Be able to Discuss the Various Recognised Standards Used within the Network Environment

C1.Discuss the importance of International Standards and recommendations.

C2.List the major communication standards organisations.

C3.List the major series of ITU-T standards and identify key standards within them.

C4.Explain the role of the Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model (OSI).

C5.List the Seven Layers of the OSI Reference Model.

Objective D: Understand and Describe the Physical Design of 5 Major Networking Topologies

D1.Describe with the aid of diagrams the 5 major topologies associated with networks, namely: Star, Bus, Ring, Tree and Mesh.

D2.Identify the most appropriate topology for a given network application, stating the reasons why.

D3.Explain the difference between point-to-point and multipoint configurations, giving an example of when each one may be used.

D4.Explain the need for the control of a network, giving an example of how it may be provided.

D5.Define the term "Network Management", and use an example to show the major benefits it can provide.

Objective E: Describe how a Network can Expand Beyond Local Physical Boundaries  

E1. Compare and contrast with the aid of diagrams Star, Bus and Ring topologies.

E2.Explain the function or role of the minimum components required to create a basic LAN using each of the topologies.

E3.Explain the terms Extended LAN and Virtual LAN, pointing out the additional equipment required.

E4.Describe and compare the features of the principle access methods for LAN's, namely token ring and CSMA/CD.

E5.Identify the general applications for a LAN and explain the reasons why they were particularly suited.

E6.Define the term Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).

E7.Explain the major differences between the types of MAN Architecture.

Objective F: Be able to Compare Common Network Protocols and Commonly Used Networking Hardware

F1.Compare and contrast popular transport protocols, Namely NetBEUI, IPX, IBM SNA, TCP/IP, DLC & Appletalk.

F2.Describe the use of commonly used Network Devices namely: Repeater, Concentrator, Bridge, Router, Brouter, Gateway, Hub and Switch.

F3. Install and configure a network Interface Card to a PC.

F4.Explain the various types of Dial-up Networking used within a PC environment.

F5.Describe the various types and use of Modems.

F6. List the steps in troubleshooting network protocol configuration problems. 

Objective G: Be able to Discuss in Detail, the Various Layers of the OSI Reference Model 

G1.Discuss in detail each of the Layers on the OSI Reference Model.

G2.Compare, and contrast how different protocols map against the OSI reference model, Namely: NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, and TCP/IP.

Objective H: Understand the Various Stages and Tools Used in the Network Design Process 

H1.Describe, with the aid of a diagram, a systematic approach to aid in the design of a communications network.

H2.Explain the process involved for each step and identify the outputs produced.

H3.Define the primary purpose of a communications system.

H4.Identify the major categories of information that should be gathered and analysed to form the requirements and specifications of a system.

H5.Describe a general process to follow in order to obtain and analyse this information accurately.

H6. Explain the importance and role of evaluation criteria.

H7.Define and document the specific requirements for a given system.