Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

The emergence of next generation networks provides the technical underpinning of convergence to deliver multitude of services including voice, video and data services, as it allows the transition from separate networks into a unified network communication infrastructure based on Internet Protocol (IP). Next generation networks are IP-based networks, therefore, ALL IP is sometimes used to describe the transformation towards next generation networks. Since the exhaustion of the global IPv4 addresses occurred in January 2011, the paradigm shift from IPv4 to IPv6 is urgent and inevitable. However, one of main challenges to the IPv6 deployment is the lack of knowledge and experience with IPv6. Management and information technology professionals will all need to have a solid understanding of IPv6 and related protocols to be capable of managing services and applications running on next generation networks.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide students with the appropriate level of expertise in IPv6 related knowledge and skills for managing and controlling services and applications running on next generation networks. Ultimately this unit is intended to equip students with skills and knowledge applicable for entry into the workforce or for entry further studies.

Objectives

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical and practical knowledge of the Internet Protocol (IPv6) and related internetworking protocols;
2. Understand transition strategies from IPv4 to IPv6;
3. Relate the services supported by Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) to IPv6-based services;
4. Appropriate next generation applications and services will be optimised through IPv6-based network infrastructure ; and
5. Demonstrate critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving in tasks related to moving into a new network paradigm
6. Demonstrate communication skills in tasks related to the work of network systems professionals in a team environment.

Content

This unit identifies the business goals and technical requirements for transitioning into a next generation network environment. It will impart both theoretical and practical concepts relevant to IPv6 numbering, naming and addressing. As adoption of these new technologies will be a gradual one, this unit will also cover relevant transition strategies into next-generation network systems which will be pertinent from a network management standpoint. With the roll-out of the NBN in Australia, this unit will also cover information on how NBN services support IP-based access to the Internet on national fibre optical network infrastructure. Finally, this unit will cover how the delivery of next generation applications and services, such as cloud computing, Internet of Things and smart grid, will be optimised through IPv6-based network infrastructure.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Weekly two hour lectures are conducted to address theoretical concepts of next generation internetworking protocols and services, and to explain the technical content which forms the basis of the practical sessions.

Weekly one hour practical/tutorial sessions are conducted in a computer laboratory environment will allow you to review theoretical concepts and to gain practical experience in a variety of technical tasks required to appreciate next generation network technologies.

You will be expected to put in the necessary additional number of hours in your own time each week to read prescribed materials to enhance your understanding of the technical concepts introduced in this unit. You will also be expected to become accustomed to looking up relevant resources on your own initiative and through reading and hands-on exercises.

Concurrent Teaching
This unit is being taught concurrently with an undergraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits that postgraduate and undergraduate students attend the same lectures. Separate discussion groups will be provided for postgraduate students where student numbers allow. As a postgraduate student you will be required to complete separate or additional assessment tasks. For this unit, this means the assessment items will vary. The written assignment will require independent research work to be undertaken. The examination questions will test for a deeper understanding of the subject material.

Assessment

All assessment items contribute to your final grade.You will receive feedback on your workbook as the workbook is assessed. You will be able to view your practical assessment and theory examination by request.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Two deliverables to demonstrate acquired knowledge of theory and practicals.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 8

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: Written assignment and oral presentation.
To report on acquired knowledge of theory and present the assignment briefing.
Relates to objectives: 6
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Theory examination covering lecture material from Weeks 1 to 13.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
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

Recommended Textbook(s):

IPv6 Essentials, Second Edition (2009) by Silvia Hagen, published by O'Reilly, ISBN 9780596100582

IPv6 Fundamentals: A Straightforward Approach to Understanding IPv6
Author: Rick Graziani Publisher: Cisco Press, ISBN-10: 1-58714-313-5, ISBN-13: 978-1-58714-313-7

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.

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: 07-Feb-2013