Overview
This unit will provide you with the foundation knowledge of computer and network infrastructure that underpins Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in modern organisations. You will study the physical and logical components and concepts of ICT related to computer networking. Specifically, you will explore computer architecture components, operating systems, and network evolution, hardware, protocols and security. By the end of this unit, you will be able to install and configure basic networks. You will be able to troubleshoot basic network problems using network management software.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Anti-requisite: If students have undertaken COIT11233 Information and Communication Technology Foundations, then this unit should not be taken.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2022
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Online student feedback
Some students, especially online students, find the assessment timeframes challenging.
Review the assessment tasks in terms of their timeframes.
Feedback from DDLT, DL and the Heads of Course.
A section could be created to introduce the practical lab exercises on the Moodle website.
Create a new section in the unit Moodle website to provide clear instructions and information about the network lab-based practical exercises.
- Explain the role of hardware and software components in computer networks
- Recognise the importance of protocols, standards and layered architectures in building computer networks
- Explain the selection of network components, topologies and technologies to meet business requirements
- Describe challenges and solutions in securing computer networks and infrastructure
- Interpret the use of forwarding and encapsulation to deliver data in computer networks
- Discuss techniques for managing, documenting and troubleshooting computer networks.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is adopted by organisations, governments and individuals in many countries and provides a widely used and consistent definition of ICT skills. SFIA is increasingly being used when developing job descriptions and role profiles. ACS members can use the tool MySFIA to build a skills profile.
This unit contributes to the following workplace skills as defined by SFIA 7 (the SFIA code is included):
- Network Support (NTAS)
- IT Infrastructure (ITOP)
- Security Administration (SCAD)
- Systems Installation/Decommissioning (HSIN)
- Problem Management (PBMG)
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - Portfolio - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Portfolio - 40% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Guide to Networking Essentials 8th (2019)
Edition: 8th (2019)
Authors: Greg Tomsho
Cengage
Boston Boston , MA , USA
ISBN: 978-0-3571-1828-3
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
Both paper and eBook copies can now be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Cisco Packet Tracer
- Wireshark network protocol analyser
- draw.io
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
y.lin@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Network Infrastructure
Chapter
Chapter 1 & 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Fundamentals of Network Communication
Chapter
Chapter 1 & 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Network Hardware Essentials
Chapter
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Network Topologies and Technologies
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Network Media
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Portfolio: the first draft (10%) is due this Friday.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Network Protocols
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 1 (15%) is due this Monday
Module/Topic
IP Addressing
Chapter
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Network Hardware in Depth
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Introduction to Network Security
Chapter
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Portfolio: The second draft (10%) is due this Friday.
Module/Topic
Wide Area Networking and Cloud Computing
Chapter
Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 2 (15%) is due this Friday.
Module/Topic
Network Management and Troubleshooting
Chapter
Chapter 12 and 14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Internet of Things
Chapter
Chapter 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Portfolio: the final version (20%) is due this Friday.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Required Lab Equipment
In this unit, you will conduct lab exercises with real networking equipment.
On-campus students will use the provided equipment in the ICT computer lab. On-campus students do not need to prepare any special equipment.
Online students (i.e. studying in Distance mode) will need the following recommended equipment:
2 x PCs with Ethernet
1 x Wi-Fi device
1 x Wireless Router
2 x Ethernet cables
This equipment is defined in further detail below. If you do not have the recommended equipment, you are advised to purchase it. If purchasing the equipment is not possible, there are other options. For advice on whether your existing equipment is suitable, which equipment to purchase, or what other options are available, see the Moodle site or contact the Unit Coordinator.
PC with Ethernet: A desktop computer or laptop computer with a wired Ethernet port (also called LAN port or NIC). Alternatively, a low-cost computer such as a Raspberry Pi could be used if it has a wired Ethernet port. If your laptop computer does not have a wired Ethernet port, you can purchase a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
Wi-Fi device: a laptop or mobile phone (or any other computing device with Wi-Fi, such as a Raspberry Pi 3 or 4).
Ethernet cable: a LAN cable with RJ45 connectors on both ends.
Wireless Router: A network device that supports Wi-Fi, has an in-built Ethernet switch (e.g. 4 ports) and acts as a router. We highly recommend TP-Link wireless routers, with the suggested models given below. A modem router typically provided by your Internet Service Provider for NBN/DSL home Internet is not suitable. A standalone wireless router (that does not have an in-built NBN/DSL modem) is required to be able to complete all lab activities. You are suggested to purchase one of the following, depending on their availability and your budget:
- TP-Link Archer C24 (best; available in many online stores and some physical stores for $50 to $60)
- TP-Link Archer C20 (in-store option; available in some physical stores, e.g. OfficeWorks, Bunnings for $60 to $70; suitable if you cannot purchase online)
- TP-Link TL-WR841N (cheapest; available in some online stores for $40 to $50)
These wireless routers are suggested because they: have been tested to work with the lab activities; are cheap and are often in stock in Australian online or physical stores. Other, more expensive TP-Link wireless routers may also be suitable.
If you are unclear about the equipment requirements or want advice if another wireless router is suitable, see the Moodle site or contact the Unit Coordinator.
1 Portfolio
The Portfolio requires students to maintain a diary/journal for tutorial questions and/or lab exercises in a computer lab each week (e.g., screenshots, testing results, reflections, etc.), including some specific tutorial questions to be answered.
The Portfolio has two drafts as interim submissions, and the final submission for all tutorial/lab activities: the first draft (10%) due on Week 5 Friday, the second draft (10%) due on Week 9 Friday; the final submission (20%) is due on Friday of Review Week (Week 13).
The first draft due on Week 5 Friday; the second draft due on Week 9 Friday; and the final submission due on Friday of Review Week (13).
The first two drafts will be returned through Moodle in two weeks after its due date. And the final portfolio will be returned through Moodle on the Certification of Grades day.
The Portfolio will be assessed based on the clarity, relevance, and quality of the regular contributions recorded in a diary/journal for tutorial questions and/or lab exercises each week. Lab exercises recorded in Portfolio will be marked as part of this assessment, 20% in total (5% in the first draft, 5% in the second draft and 10% in the final submission). More details of the assessment criteria will be provided on the unit Moodle website.
- Explain the role of hardware and software components in computer networks
- Describe challenges and solutions in securing computer networks and infrastructure
- Interpret the use of forwarding and encapsulation to deliver data in computer networks
- Discuss techniques for managing, documenting and troubleshooting computer networks.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
2 Online Quiz(zes)
This assessment item includes two online quizzes: Quiz 1 and Quiz 2. The quizzes consist of a series of questions (e.g., multiple-choice, short answers). Questions will be drawn from topics in Weeks 1-5 (Quiz 1) and Weeks 6-9 (Quiz 2). Complete these Moodle online quizzes by the due date. The quizzes automatically close if you have not submitted your attempt at a quiz by the due date/time. The quizzes will be finalised (automatically submitted) at the due date/time. Before the due date, you need to submit each attempt on the quiz to check the result.
You are allowed to attempt the quizzes as many times as you want before the due date, however, your last submission for each quiz will be assessed as the final result.
Please ensure that you record details of your submission (e.g., the received result, as well as the date and time of your submission by taking a screenshot) in case there are some problems with your submission to the Moodle system.
Please note that the questions are selected randomly from a pool, so you are unlikely to be asked the same questions each time you attempt the quizzes. You will not be able to see your detailed feedback on the results until the quiz has closed. To attempt and submit the quiz your computer must be connected to the Internet, although it is possible to save and resume the quiz at a later point in time.
Extensions are not possible for quizzes because the answers will be released after the due date. If you miss attempting the quizzes, you cannot do it later.
2
Other
Quiz 1 (15%) due on Week 6 Friday; Quiz 2 (15%) due on Week 10 Friday. Warning: the quizzes close after the due dates, and no further attempts are allowed.
Immediately after the quizzes close.
The quizzes consist of a set of questions. These questions count towards 30% of the total grade in this unit: 15% for each of Quiz 1 and Quiz 2. Each submitted attempt will be marked.
The quizzes are automatically graded by the system based on the selection of correct or incorrect answers. Detailed results of your submission will be generated after the quiz closes.
Remember- you can attempt each quiz as many times as you want before the due date, however, your last successful submission for each quiz will be your final mark of that quiz.
- Explain the role of hardware and software components in computer networks
- Recognise the importance of protocols, standards and layered architectures in building computer networks
- Explain the selection of network components, topologies and technologies to meet business requirements
- Describe challenges and solutions in securing computer networks and infrastructure
- Interpret the use of forwarding and encapsulation to deliver data in computer networks
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
3 Written Assessment
The purpose of this assignment is to respond in your own words to a series of short-answer questions based on several case study scenarios relating to the topics covered in this unit.
Note that late penalties apply (5% of the total available marks per calendar day late or part thereof). Assignments received 14 days or more after the due date will not be marked and will receive zero.
You may apply for extensions but must provide documentary evidence to support your request. See the unit website for more details.
Week 12 Friday (7 Oct 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Your written assignment should be submitted in doc/docx format. See the unit website for more details.
Exam Week Friday (21 Oct 2022)
Assessments will be returned through Moodle. Late submissions with or without extension approvals may be returned after the above date.
A marking criterion will be provided as part of your submission template. Please ensure you read it before attempting the assignment. You will be assessed on your responses regarding technical details, accuracy, and clarity for the given contexts.
- Recognise the importance of protocols, standards and layered architectures in building computer networks
- Explain the selection of network components, topologies and technologies to meet business requirements
- Discuss techniques for managing, documenting and troubleshooting computer networks.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
