Secure Network Architecture and Design

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2027/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Secure Network Architecture and Design

Unit ID:

ITECH2505

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

(ITECH1504)

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

020103

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit will provide students with an understanding of the network technologies, protocols, and security considerations for distributed computing environments and equip them with the skills necessary for computer network design. The unit covers computer network security and networking, encompassing Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Mobile Networks together with the underlying network protocols that form the backbone of today's Internet. It also covers the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of different types of applications and how network protocols handle QoS issues.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

Skills:

Application of knowledge and skills:

Other outcomes:

O1.	Analyse and explain the architecture, protocols, and security features of modern computer networks, including LANs, WANs, wireless, software-defined networks, and the Internet

O2.	Apply knowledge of network and transport layer technologies to evaluate and address security challenges in distributed computing environments

O3.	Design and implement secure network solutions, including LAN, WAN, and software-defined WAN architectures, to meet organisational requirements

O4.	Critically review and improve network performance and security by integrating current industry standards, compliance requirements, and best practices

O5.	Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in this unit to analyse, design, and implement strategies that improve the networking performance of an organisation

Unit Content:

Topics may include:

1. Introduction to the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model, TCP/IP protocol architecture and network security architecture;

2. Local Area, Backbone, and Wide Area Networks - topologies, components, architecture and security;

3. Wireless LAN operations, standards and security;

4. LAN design issues and practical considerations;

5. Network layer protocols and security - IP operation, internetworking and IP Security;

6. Transport layer protocols – TCP and UDP operation, QoS requirements and security protocols;

7. Mobile networks - architecture, access technologies and security;

8. Software Defined Network (SDN) architecture - networking planes, SDN environments, ecosystems and security, and OpenFlow;

9. Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) - architecture, solutions, SD-WAN cloud, AI-driven SD-WAN and SD-Access;

10. The Internet - architecture, access technologies and security.

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting	Professional Standards
1.	1, 2, 4	The multiple-choice test reinforces key concepts and helps prepare students for the final in-person or online test/exam.	Quiz	5 - 10%	1.1.4, 1.2.3, 1.6.1, 1.6.2
2.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	The assessments develop skills in cryptography, network security, and network design, including the application of asymmetric encryption, security analysis, and logical and physical network design. Cisco Packet Tracer simulation supports practical evaluation of network operation, security, and performance, while the presentation strengthens communication skills and the professional use of GenAI to investigate network security topics.	Assignments and presentation	50 - 70%	1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.2.3, 1.5.2, 1.6.1., 1.6.2
3.	1, 2, 4, 5	The in-person or invigilated online examination assesses all unit learning outcomes through the application of concepts and skills covered across weeks, including content from study materials, tutorials, and assessment activities.	In-person or invigilated online examination	10 - 30%	1.1.4, 1.2.3, 1.5.2, 1.6.1., 1.6.2

Adopted Reference Style:

APA ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency