Overview
In this unit, you will explore how modern IP networks support secure and scalable communication for small to medium enterprises. You'll learn to build and manage network infrastructure using technologies such as VLANs, NAT, DHCP, and IP routing, and deploy Internet-based services including secure web servers, DNS, VPNs, and cloud-hosted applications. Through hands-on labs and projects, you'll use tools like GNS3, Git, and Ansible to automate network configuration and streamline operations. Working in teams, you'll troubleshoot network issues and develop collaborative solutions, preparing you for real-world roles in network administration and support.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: COIT20246 Cyber Security and Networking.
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 - 2026
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 Postgraduate 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 Students' feedback.
Previous actions have introduced more practical networking tasks. Continue strengthening the practical component by expanding the scope of lab-based exercises and integrating real-world networking scenarios to better balance theory and application.
The balance of practical learning should be enhanced by incorporating more hands-on networking tasks alongside the theoretical content.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator's reflection.
Balancing authentic skill assessment with academic integrity in online tests is increasingly complex in the context of generative AI.
Review the current in-class test structure and consider introducing a small practical project to better assess applied skills while maintaining assessment integrity.
- Design and configure IP networks for small to medium enterprises, e.g., using VLANs, NAT, DHCP and IP routing
- Deploy and manage Internet-based applications to support secure and scalable network operations, e.g., using HTTPS, DNS, VPNs, and cloud-hosted services
- Apply automation tools to streamline network configuration, deployment and maintenance
- Work effectively in teams to implement and troubleshoot network services and protocols.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS), the professional association for Australia's ICT sector, recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is adopted by organisations, governments, and individuals in many countries, providing 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 9 (the SFIA code is included):
- Network Design (NTDS)
- Network Support (NTAS)
- Infrastructure Operations (ITOP)
- Systems Integration and Build (SINT)
- Systems Design (DESN)
- Configuration Management (CFMG).
The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework defines knowledge, skills and tasks needed to perform various cyber security roles. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the NICE Framework is used by organisations to plan their workforce, including recruiting into cyber security positions.
This unit helps prepare you for roles such as Systems Security Analyst, Network Operations Specialist and Systems Administrator, contributing to the following knowledge and skills:
- K0001 Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies.
- K0010 Knowledge of communication methods, principles, and concepts that support the network infrastructure.
- K0011 Knowledge of capabilities and applications of network equipment, including routers, switches, bridges, servers, transmission media, and related hardware.
- K0029 Knowledge of the organisation's Local and Wide Area Network connections.
- K0061 Knowledge of how traffic flows across the network (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol [TCP] and Internet Protocol [IP], Open System Interconnection Model [OSI], Information Technology Infrastructure Library, current version [ITIL]).
- K0108 Knowledge of concepts, terminology, and operations of a wide range of communications media (computer and telephone networks, satellite, fibre, wireless).
- K0111 Knowledge of network tools (e.g., ping, traceroute, nslookup).
- K0113 Knowledge of different types of network communication (e.g., LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN, WWAN).
- K0136 Knowledge of the capabilities of different electronic communication systems and methods (e.g., e-mail, VOIP, IM, web forums, Direct Video Broadcasts).
- K0138 Knowledge of Wi-Fi.
- K0332 Knowledge of network protocols such as TCP/IP, Dynamic Host Configuration, Domain Name System (DNS), and directory services.
- S0033 Skill in diagnosing connectivity problems.
- S0035 Skill in establishing a routing schema.
- S0041 Skill in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting LAN and WAN components such as routers, hubs, and switches.
- S0162 Skill in applying various subnet techniques (e.g., CIDR).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 3 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Data Communications and Networking With Tcp/Ip Protocol Suite
- Edition: 6th (2021)
- Authors: Forouzan, B
- McGraw Hill
- New York New York , NY , USA
- ISBN: 9781260597820
None
Computer Networking: a Top Down Approach
- Edition: 8 (2021)
- Authors: J.F. Kurose, K.W. Ross
- Pearson
- New York New York , NY , USA
- ISBN: 978-1292405469
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- VirtualBox
- Wireshark - Network Protocol Analyser
- Github.com Account
- GNS3 - Network Software Emulator
- Tailscale Account
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
h.shen@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Internetworking
Chapter
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
GitHub repository settings for the portfolio task.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Trasport Layer & UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
Chapter
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
Chapter
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Classful & classless Addressing
Chapter
Chapter 19
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Routing
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Switching
Chapter
Chapter 16
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1: Portfolio tasks submission (20%)
Portfolio Due: Week 6 Friday (21 Aug 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Enjoy the break!
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Forwarding, Delivery and ARP
Chapter
Chapter 20, 22
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
DHCP & DNS
Chapter
Chapter 7, 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Web Service
Chapter
Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Secure Networking
Chapter
Chapter 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Network Automation
Chapter
Online Sources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Careers, Research & Networking
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2: In-class test (40%)
In-class Test Due: Week 12 Monday (5 Oct 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3: Final project report & presentation submission (40%)
Networking Project Due: Exam Week Friday (16 Oct 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Any inquiries should be addressed to unit coordinator:
Professor Hong Shen (h.shen@cqu.edu.au)
1 Written Assessment
Portfolio Maintenance
- Maintain a GitHub portfolio documenting your weekly tutorial activities in Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
- Assessment will consider the regularity of updates.
- Each entry should include: Screenshots, Testing results, Reflections, Notes on key concepts learned
GitHub Repository
- Create a private GitHub repository for this unit at the beginning of the term (Week 1).
- Upload and update your portfolio in this repository every required week.
Submission
- Submit the portfolio via Moodle in the specified submission week.
- Provide the link to your private GitHub repository as part of the submission.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI COLLABORATION
You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Week 6 Friday (21 Aug 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Your assignment must be submitted in Moodle in the format specified in the assignment. See Moodle unit website for details. Late submissions are subject to the university's late submission penalty policies.
Vacation Week Friday (28 Aug 2026)
We aim to return marks and feedback to you by this date.
Portfolio Assessment Criteria
Clarity - The extent to which your weekly contributions are clearly explained and easy to understand.
Relevance - How closely your entries address and relate to the weekly tutorial questions.
Quality - The overall standard of your portfolio content, including accuracy, depth of explanation, and presentation.
Regularity - How consistently and frequently you update your portfolio in the GitHub repository.
Each week will be worth 4%
- Design and configure IP networks for small to medium enterprises, e.g., using VLANs, NAT, DHCP and IP routing
- Deploy and manage Internet-based applications to support secure and scalable network operations, e.g., using HTTPS, DNS, VPNs, and cloud-hosted services
- Work effectively in teams to implement and troubleshoot network services and protocols.
2 In-class Test(s)
In-class Test
This assessment is a supervised in-class test that must be completed in class on campus - student attendance is
therefore required. The test consists of 20 questions including a mix of multiple-choice and short answer items drawn from the range of topics studied during the term. The test will reflect individual student's knowledge and digestion of lecture contents. The test is time-limited to 2 hours, will be open-book, and will be available during the final tutorial session of the term (Week 12).
The questions may include tests of terms and concepts learned during term, may ask you to solve practical problems
relating to routing and switching operations, or could require you to provide an explanation of protocols or functions or networking and routing concepts. The format includes multiple-choice style questions, plus questions requiring you to type in answers in your own words.
Further details will be released in second half of term
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE – NO AI
You must not use AI at any point during the in‑class test.
You must demonstrate your own knowledge and skills without assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This assessment is not subject to any grace period must be completed and submitted online during your lab session.
Week 12 Monday (5 Oct 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
In-class test submissions must be made via moodle in your lab session. Details of submission will announced in unit homepage. Late submissions are not allows.
Vacation/Exam Week Monday (19 Oct 2026)
Results of in-class tests will be published through Moodle in two weeks.
Grades will be given according to the marks shown on each question.
- Design and configure IP networks for small to medium enterprises, e.g., using VLANs, NAT, DHCP and IP routing
- Deploy and manage Internet-based applications to support secure and scalable network operations, e.g., using HTTPS, DNS, VPNs, and cloud-hosted services
- Apply automation tools to streamline network configuration, deployment and maintenance
3 Written Assessment
Task Description – Group Assignment Instructions
Group Formation
- Form a group of three students (the tutor may adjust group size depending on class numbers).
Task
- Using the internetwork developed in your lab exercises, either create a network service or apply appropriate security practices.
Report
Prepare a report describing the process of implementing the new network service, including:
- Step-by-step configuration
- Testing procedures and results
You may also include discussion on security measures, network performance maintenance, and monitoring techniques.
Presentation
At the end of the term, students must submit a recorded video demonstrating their internetworking implementation and practices. The video should include a full live demonstration (demo) of the working topology and a clear explanation of the configuration and functionality.
Each group member must individually present and speak in the submitted video.
The video must be uploaded to Moodle. No physical or live in-class presentation is required.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI COLLABORATION
You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated submission date/time.
Exam Week Friday (16 Oct 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Late submissions are subject to the university's late submission penalty policies.
Assessments will be returned on the Certification date (required for the unit without an exam).
Marking Criteria for network Practice
Introduction
Provide an overview of your internetworking practice and explain what makes it unique or innovative.
Environment Description
Clearly describe the internetworking setup, including topology, devices, and configuration context.
Service / Security / Performance
Explain the network service implemented, the security measures applied, or the performance monitoring and maintenance activities carried out.
Presentation Slides
Assess the quality, organisation, and clarity of your slides.
Presentation Delivery
Evaluate how effectively the group communicates and demonstrates the work.
Your group will be evaluated on teamwork, accuracy, clarity, and how well your work fits a chosen network practice.
For more details, check the unit website.
- Design and configure IP networks for small to medium enterprises, e.g., using VLANs, NAT, DHCP and IP routing
- Deploy and manage Internet-based applications to support secure and scalable network operations, e.g., using HTTPS, DNS, VPNs, and cloud-hosted services
- Apply automation tools to streamline network configuration, deployment and maintenance
- Work effectively in teams to implement and troubleshoot network services and protocols.
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?
