Network Architecture and Design

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2027/20
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: Network Architecture and Design
Unit ID: ITECH2301
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): (ITECH1102)
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
ASCED: 020113
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 skills necessary for computer network design. The unit covers computer networking and its security encompassing Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) 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:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Other outcomes:
O1.

Analyse and explain the network architecture and its security features for open systems interconnection, TCP/IP.

O2.

Examine the technologies and protocols of network and transport layers including security protocols

O3.

Examine the technologies, architecture and security issues of LANs, Wireless LANs and WANs

O4.

Determine the principles of LAN design and software defined WAN; and security in network design

O5.

Analyse and design secure LAN architecture and software defined WAN for organisational requirements.

O6.

Apply the knowledge acquired in this unit to improve networking performance, of quality of service of an organisation.

Unit Content:
  1. Introduction to the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model and TCP/IP protocol architecture and network security architecture;
  2. Local Area, Backbone and Wide Area Network - topologies, components, architecture and security;
  3. Wireless LAN operation, 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 technology, and security;
  8. Software Defined Network (SDN) architecture - netorking planes, SDN environments and ecosystems, security and OpenFlow.
  9. Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) - Architecture, solutions, SD-WAN cloud and AI-driven SD-WAN.
  10. The Internet architecture, access technologies and security
Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. 2, 3, 4, 5

Engage with tutorial and laboratory exercises to scaffold assignment work.

Demonstration of completion

0 - 10%

2. 1, 3, 5, 6

Conduct analysis and propose solutions to business problems using networking technologies. Design Local Area Networks (LAN)/Software Defined WAN architectures..

Assignments

50 - 70%

3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment tasks will test students' understanding and knowledge of the fundamental of networking, industry standards and best practice.

Examination / Tests

20 - 40%

Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency