CQUniversity Unit Profile
COIT20264 Network Design
Network Design
All details in this unit profile for COIT20264 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit provides you with the skills and knowledge required to design wired and wireless networks using the Top-Down Network Design methodology. The unit equips you with the approaches used to gather business and technical requirements, and analyse them together with the security policies of the organisation. The unit includes campus, branch, WAN, wireless and Internet edge designs as well as testing and documentation.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisite: COIT20261 Network Routing and Switching Co-requisite: COIT20262 Advanced Network Security

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 1 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 60%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 Self-reflection.

Feedback

Contributions to weekly group discussions remain low over the years.

Recommendation

Change the approach used in group discussions from problem-based learning to solution-based learning.

Feedback from Head of Course (Postgraduate ICT Courses)

Feedback

Large contribution of group work may make it difficult to identify individual student contributions

Recommendation

Include an individually assessed component in Assessment Item 2.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Prepare the business and technical requirements of the organisation in relation to network design
  2. Analyse the business and technical requirements
  3. Compare and contrast the possible alternative logical and physical network designs
  4. Design a network by applying the top-down network design methodology
  5. Justify that the designed network satisfies the requirements.

Australian Computer Society (ACS) recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is in use in over 100 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 at https://www.acs.org.au/professionalrecognition/mysfia-b2c.html

This unit contributes to the following workplace skills as defined by SFIA. The SFIA code is included:

  • Network Planning (NTPL)
  • Project management (PRMG)
  • Network Design (NTDS)
  • Availability Management (AVMT)
  • Capacity Management (CPMG)

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Written Assessment - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - 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
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Written Assessment - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Top-Down Network Design

Edition: 3rd (2011)
Authors: Priscilla Oppenheimer
Cisco Press
Indianapolis Indianapolis , IN , USA
ISBN: 978-1-58720-283-4
Binding: Hardcover

Additional Textbook Information

If you prefer to study with a paper copy, they are available to purchase at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Microsoft Visio
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Yufeng Lin Unit Coordinator
y.lin@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Unit Introduction; Analysing Business Goals and Constraints

Chapter

1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Start of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Analysing Technical Goals and Tradeoffs

Chapter

2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Characterising the Existing Network; Characterising Network Traffic

Chapter

3 & 4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Designing a Network Topology

Chapter

5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Designing Models for Addressing and Numbering; Designing Switching and Routing Protocols; Designing Security Strategies; Designing Network Management Strategies

Chapter

6, 7, 8, & 9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

MID-TERM BREAK Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Selecting Technologies and Devices for Campus Networks

Chapter

10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Selecting Technologies and Devices for Enterprise Networks

Chapter

11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

Wireless Network Design – Part I

Chapter

Online materials

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 9 Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Wireless Network Design – Part II

Chapter

Online materials

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions


Assessment Item 1 Due: Week 9 Monday (10 May 2021) 8:00 am AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Testing Your Network Design

Chapter

12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

Optimising Your Network Design; Documenting Your Network Design

Chapter

13 & 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continuation of Weekly Group Discussions

Week 12 Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

Reflection

Chapter

1 - 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

End of Weekly Group Discussions

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Item 2 Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (7 June 2021) 8:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Term Specific Information

For any queries, please contact the unit coordinator: Dr Yufeng Lin (Email: y.lin@cqu.edu.au).

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment Item 1

Task Description

This assessment task relates to Unit Learning Outcomes 1 to 5. In this assessment task, you will analyse the given scenario in the assessment item and design a logical network using top-down network design methodology through discussions, brainstorming, and contributing to Weekly Group Discussion Questions via your Group Discussion Forum.
This assessment task has two parts; a presentation (Part A) and a written report (Part B) and should be undertaken in a group of 3 or 4 students.
In Part A of the assessment task, you will prepare the presentation slides and a video presentation on your logical network design.
In Part B of the assessment task, you will produce a written report of your logical network design.
Distance students are also encouraged to form groups of 3 or 4 students and engage in discussion via the Group Discussion Forum in Moodle.
Further details of this assessment task will be provided in the Assessment Item 1 document on the Moodle unit website.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (10 May 2021) 8:00 am AEST

Each one of you must upload the video presentation to YouTube and your presentation slides to Moodle by the above due date. The link to your video should be provided in the presentation slides. Each one of you in the group should also upload the same written report (Part B) to Moodle by the above due date.


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (24 May 2021)

Two weeks after the due date or two weeks after submission, whichever is later.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The two parts of this assessment task carry the following weightings:

Presentation (Part A) – 12%

Written Report (Part B) – 28%

In this assessment task, you are assessed mainly on your ability to analyse the given scenario and, using the top-down network design methodology, design & document your logical network. You are also assessed on your ability to present your logical network design. Further details of the assessment criteria will be available in the Assessment Item 1 document on the Moodle unit website.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Each one of you must upload your video presentation to YouTube and your presentation slides to Moodle by the above due date. The link to your video should be provided in the presentation slides. Each one of you in the group should also upload the same written report (Part B) to Moodle by the above due date.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Prepare the business and technical requirements of the organisation in relation to network design
  • Analyse the business and technical requirements
  • Compare and contrast the possible alternative logical and physical network designs
  • Design a network by applying the top-down network design methodology
  • Justify that the designed network satisfies the requirements.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment Item 2

Task Description

This assessment task relates to Unit Learning Outcomes 3 to 5. In this assessment task, starting from your logical network design that you completed in Assessment Item 1, you will undertake the physical network design using the top-down network design methodology, and prepare a complete report containing the logical and physical designs of the network.

This assessment task has two parts, Part A and Part B. Part A should be undertaken in a group of 3 or 4 students and Part B should be undertaken individually.

Further details of this assessment task will be provided in the Assessment Item 2 document on the Moodle unit website.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (7 June 2021) 8:00 am AEST

Each one of you must upload your written report to Moodle by the above due date.


Return Date to Students

On Certification Day


Weighting
60%

Assessment Criteria

You are assessed on your ability to undertake the design of a network containing logical and physical network designs for the given scenario using the top-down network design methodology and prepare a complete report of your design.
Further details of the assessment criteria will be available in the Assessment Item 2 document on the Moodle unit website.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Each one of you must upload your written report to Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Compare and contrast the possible alternative logical and physical network designs
  • Design a network by applying the top-down network design methodology
  • Justify that the designed network satisfies the requirements.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Academic Integrity Statement

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?