Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Building new networks or upgrading existing networks requires a detailed network planning. This advanced level unit will expose students to methodologies and procedures which are useful in addressing the issues involved in network planning. The unit builds on previously acquired skills and knowledge relating to computer networks and data communications.

Aims

The unit draws together subject matter from a number of different networking-related areas. The aim of the unit is to assemble the previously acquired knowledge and techniques of computer networks and apply it in a cohesive fashion to the task of network planning.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Correctly determine business and technical requirements for the task of network planning (GC1, GC2, GC6);
   
2. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the planning and design of data communications networks and services required in order to satisfy a set of defined criteria such as reliability, availability and security (GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6);
   
3. Demonstrated knowledge of network modelling and simulation for network planning, design, and analysis (GC1, GC2, GC3);
   
4. Demonstrate critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving in tasks related to network systems in a self-reliant and independent way and in collaborations with others (GC1, GC2, GC4, GC5, GC7); and
   
5. Demonstrate effective written, visual and oral communication skills in tasks related to the work of network systems professionals in a team environment (GC3, GC5, GC7).

Key IT Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change.

Content

The unit takes a top-down approach to network design for both wired and wireless communications. It begins with a discussion of the need to identify business goals and technical requirements followed by a discourse on the task of characterising network traffic. Modelling and simulation of network systems, particularly network traffic, will be demonstrated for network planning, design and analysis. The next design level addressed is logical network design including topology, addressing models, protocol selection, security and management strategies. The physical network design phase involves selecting appropriate technologies. The role of testing, optimising and documenting the overall design will also be covered. Furthermore, selected topics of new developments of network technologies will be discussed as well in this unit.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The principal teaching mechanism is via weekly lectures and practicals combined with readings from texts listed in the resource materials as well as current Internet resources.

The lectures are conducted to address theoretical aspects of network planning and to explain the technical content that forms the basis of the practicals.

The practicals will be performed to enable you to gain experience in practical aspects of network planning and to discuss, in group, technical details of selected network planning topics.

A written report from assessment items provides you with the opportunity to practice written communication skills as well as providing a focal point for the material developed throughout the unit.

Assessment

With the consideration of the direct application feature of network planning, assessment in this unit is designed with the focus on practical investigations. In addition to the final examination, a project is to be conducted as an assessment item. The project is a comprehensive case study of network planning.Demonstrators, lecturers, and the unit coordinator will be available in person at specified times or via email to answer questions from students.

Practicals provide you with an opportunity to gain feedback regarding your progress in the unit.

Past examination papers will be available which provide you with the opportunity to get familiar with the examination paper format and to assess your preparedness for the final examination.

Assessment name: Report
Description: Given an incomplete or probably inaccurate set of requirements and specifications, you are asked to conduct a comprehensive case study of network planning - starting from clarifying and developing a full set of business and technical requirements and specifications to delivering a complete network planning. The expected deliverable is a formal technical report of your complete network design.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Approx week 12

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Final examination - theory.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Textbook:
McCabe, J. D. (2007), Network Analysis, Architecture and Design 3rd Ed. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers

Reference:
Oppenheimer, P. (2004) Top-Down Network Design 2nd Ed. Indiana: Cisco Press

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas

QUT has a formal risk assessment process which can be used to determine the types or risks and how you should handle them.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 24-May-2012