Assignment Brief
QUALIFICATION UNIT NUMBER AND TITLE
PEARSON BTEC HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN COMPUTING (RQF) 2. NETWORKING
UNIT TUTOR DATE ISSUED SUBMISSION DATE
KHURRAM ABBAS 16th September 2024 5th January 2025
ASSIGNMENT TITLE NETWORKING INFRASTRUCTURE
PASS MERIT DISTINCTION
LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols LO1 and LO2
P1 Discuss the benefits and M1 Assess common networking D1 Evaluate the topology and
constraints of different network types principles and how protocols enable protocol suite selected for a given
and standards. the effectiveness of networked scenario and how it demonstrates the
systems. efficient utilisation of a networking
P2 Explain the impact network system.
topologies have on communication
and bandwidth requirements.
LO2 Explain networking devices and operations
P3 Discuss the operating principles M2 Explore a range of server types
of networking devices and server and justify the selection of a server
types. for a given scenario, regarding cost
and performance optimisation.
P4 Discuss the interdependence of
workstation hardware and relevant
networking software
LO3 Design efficient networked systems LO3 and LO4
P5 Design a networked system to M3 Analyse user feedback on your D2 Critically reflect on the
meet a given specification. designs with the aim of optimising implemented network, including the
your design and improving efficiency design and decisions made to
P6 Design a maintenance schedule to enhance the system.
support the networked system.
LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems
P7 Implement a networked system M4 Recommend potential
based on a prepared design. enhancements for the networked
systems.
P8 Document and analyse test results
against expected results
SUBMISSION FORMAT
Part -1 Design efficient networked systems
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 penalized for exceeding the total
word limit.
Part – 2 Implement test and diagnose networked systems
1. Download an appropriate networking software applicable for the proposed design.
2. Implement a networked system based on your prepared design and provide evidence of your work
by adding screenshots of the logical view.
3. Conduct verification with e.g., Ping, extended ping, trace route, telnet, SSH, etc.
4. Record the test results and analyse these against expected results.
5. Recommend enhancements which would allow the system to support device growth and the
addition of communication devices.
6. Chose and apply different services that are necessary for the given scenario.
Part – 3
1. Provide a critical reflection of your work and a justification of your decisions.
UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols
LO2 Explain networking devices and operations
LO3 Design efficient networked systems
LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems.
SCENARIO
You are employed as a network engineer by a high-tech networking solution development organization and are
working on a project for a local educational 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 program 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
You will need to produce a report that includes the following:
1. An introduction to provide an overview of your report.
2. Benefits and constraints of different types of networks and networking standards.
3. The impact of network topology, speed of communication and bandwidth requirements.
4. Effectiveness of networking systems.
5. Discussion on operating principles of networking devices and server types and networking software.
6. Discuss the relationship of workstation hardware with networking software.
7. Explore a range of server types and justify the selection of a server, considering a given
scenario regarding cost and performance optimization.
8. For the given specification, identify the topology protocol for the efficient utilization of a networking system
Part – 2 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 3 - 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 analyze 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.
