ASSIGNMENT BRIEF SHEET
QUALIFICATION BTEC HN Diploma in Computing and system Development
UNIT Unit 43: Networking Infrastructure
UNIT CODE A/601/1964
QCF LEVEL 5 BTEC HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA
CREDIT VALUE 15
Assignment Issue Date: Assignment Due: Submitted:
Assessor Name :
Assignment Title: Networking Infrastructure
Aim of the assignment To enable learners to understand computer networking concepts, how they work,
how they operate and the protocols, standards and the models associated with
networking technology.
Unit Learning Outcomes LO1: Examine networking principles and their protocols.
LO 2: Explain networking devices and operations.
You are employed as a Network Engineer by an SME [insert here either a named
Assignment Brief & SME or enable students to choose an SME and use the following insertion ‘an SME
Guidance of your choice’. Students should be encouraged to use their own place of work, if
appropriate] and have been asked to investigate and explain networking principles,
(see Appendix for protocols and devices.
assessment criteria and
You will need to produce a report for the CEO that includes the following:
grade descriptors)
1. An introduction to provide an overview of your report.
2. An explanation of networking principles, protocols and devices, including
benefits and constraints of networked solutions, the impact of network
topology, communication and bandwidth requirements, effectiveness of
networking systems, operating principles of networking devices and server
types and networking software.
Unit Learning Outcomes LO3 Design efficient networked systems.
LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems.
Assignment Brief and You are employed as a network engineer by a high-tech networking solution
development organisation and are working on a project for a local educational
Guidance
institution. You will need to analyse the specification from the institution below for
completion of this project within a given timeframe:
People: 200 students, 15 teachers, 12 marketing and administration staff, 5 higher
managers including the head of academics and the programme manager, 3
computer network administrators
Resources: 50 student lab computers, 35 staff computers, 3 printers
Building: 3 floors, all computers and printers are on the ground floor apart from
the IT labs – one lab located on the first floor and another located on the second
floor.
Part 1 Design efficient networked systems
1. Prepare a written step-by-step plan of how you are going to design a
Local Area Network including a blueprint of your LAN.
2. Justify your choice of devices for your network design.
3. Produce a test plan to evaluate this design for the requirements of
bandwidth and cost constraints as per user specifications.
4. Justify the security requirements and quality of services needed for
selection of accessories.
5. Suggest a maintenance schedule to support the networked system.
Part 2 Implement test and diagnose networked systems
1. Implement a networked system based on your prepared design.
2. Conduct verification with e.g. Ping, extended ping, trace route, telnet,
SSH, etc.
3. Record the test results and analyse these against expected results.
4. Investigate what functionalities would allow the system to support
device growth and the addition of communication devices.
5. Discuss the significance of upgrades and security requirements in your
recommendations.
Student guidelines The objective for this task is to address and exhibit understand networking
principals.
You are required to carry out research by using supportive materials like books,
websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on all assessment criteria
1. The answers need to be reflected to the given case study.
Assignment Format Fonts
Use a clear, readable font such as Verdana, Calibri, Tahoma or Arial, and be
consistent and use the same font throughout
Use black text on a white background. Avoid coloured backgrounds or text
in a colour other than black unless you have special permission to use them
(for example, if you’re dyslexic)
Use 12 point for the body of your assignment
Spacing
Use 1.5 or double spacing and fairly wide margins:
Word Count
The (approx.) word limit for this assignment 4000 to 4500 words
Any specified word limit in the assignment brief is for guidance purpose only.
It is there to give an indication of the level of depth that may be needed to
provide sufficient evidence.
Reference List
You must ensure that all external sources used to provide evidence in your
work must be referenced accordingly to avoid plagiarism and collusion
You must use correct and consistent Harvard referencing style
A full reference list should be at the end of the assignment, and should start
on a new page labelled ‘References’ or ‘Reference List’
Submission Format The submission is in the form of an individual written report. This should be written
in a concise, formal business style using single spacing and font size 12. You are
required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate, and
all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard
referencing system. Please also provide a bibliography using the Harvard
referencing system. The recommended word limit is 2,000–2,500 words, although
you will not be penalised for exceeding the total word limit.
Learners declaration
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged.
Student signature: Date:
Criteria Reference
LO Learning Outcome (LO) AC In this assessment you will have the Task
opportunity to present evidence that shows you No.
are able to:
LO 1 Examine networking P1 Discuss the benefits and constraints of different
principles and their protocols network types and standards.
P2 Explain the impact of network topology, communication
and bandwidth requirements.
LO 2 Explain networking devices P3 Discuss the operating principles of networking devices
and operations and server types.
Implement a network design topology infrastructure
based on a prepared design and list the different type of
topologies.
P4 Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware
with relevant networking software.
LO3 Design efficient networked P5 Design a networked system to meet a given
systems specification.
P6 Test and evaluate the design to meet the requirements
and analyse user feedback.
LO4 Implement and diagnose P7 Implement a networked system based on a prepared
networked systems design.
P8 Document and analyse test results against expected
results.
Higher Grade Achievement (Where applicable)
Grade Descriptor Comment’s /tick Grade Descriptor Comment’s /tick
M1: Compare common D1: Considering a given
networking principles and scenario, identify the
how protocols enable the topology protocol selected
effectiveness of networked for the efficient utilisation
systems. of a networking system.
M2: Explore a range of D2: Design a maintenance
server types and justify the schedule to support the
selection of a server, networked system
considering a given scenario
regarding cost and
performance optimisation.
M3: Install and configure D3: Use critical reflection to
network services and evaluate own work and
applications on your choice justify valid conclusions
M4: Recommend potential
enhancements for the
networked systems.
Assignment Feedback
Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student
Action Plan
Summative feedback
Assessor Signature Date
Student Signature Date
