Submission Format:
The submission is in the form of two tasks.
Task 1: The submission is in the form of an individual written report. The recommended word limit is 2,000–2,500 words, although you will not be penalised for exceeding the total word limit.
Task 2: The submission is in the form of an individual evidence portfolio, which will contain:
• A LAN design plan and blueprint and justification document based on the requirements of the brief and attached floor plan.
• A fully completed test plan including an evaluation of results and recommendations for improvements to the LAN.
• A proposed maintenance schedule with justification for each task.
• Evidence of an implemented network, completed in the workshop PT10.10. (Photographs, screenshots and video would be a suitable submission).
Please upload them to Turnitin by the deadline.
You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs, subsections and illustrations as appropriate, and all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system.
Unit Learning Outcomes:
LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols.
LO2 Explain networking devices and operations.
LO3 Design efficient networked systems.
LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems.
Assignment Brief and Guidance:
You are employed as a network engineer by IBM. You hear that your manager is working on a project for Virgin Mobile and you would like to get involved.
Your manager proposes that, if you can demonstrate sufficient knowledge of networking, you can manage the project.
Task 1:
You have been asked by your manager to investigate and explain networking principles, protocols and devices.
You will need to produce a report for your manager that includes the following:
1. An explanation of networking principles, protocols and devices, including benefits and constraints of networked solutions, the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements, operating principles of networking devices and server types and networking software.
Task 2:
Your manager is happy with your report and offers you the Virgin Mobile project. You will need to analyse the specification from Virgin Mobile below for completion of this project within a given timeframe:
People: 150 call centre staff, 15 Virgin Mobile technicians, 12 marketing and administration staff, 5 higher managers including the head of Consumer & Mobile, 3 computer network administrators.
Resources: 50 call centre computers, 35 staff computers, 3 printers
Building: All computers and printers are on one floor (see attached floor plan).
Part 1 Design efficient networked systems:
1. Prepare a written step-by-step plan of how you are going to design a Local Area Network including a blueprint of your LAN.
2. Justify your choice of devices and server for your network design.
3. Produce a test plan to evaluate this design and consider how user feedback could influence performance improvements.
4. Justify the security requirements and quality of services needed for selection of accessories.
5. Suggest a maintenance schedule to support the networked system.
Part 2 Implement test and diagnose networked systems:
1. Implement a networked system based on your prepared design.
2. Conduct verification with a variety of tools and protocols.
3. Record the test results and analyse these against your test plan.
4. Investigate what functionalities would allow the system to support device growth and the addition of communication devices.
5. Discuss the significance of upgrades and security requirements in your recommendations.
