UNIT 02: NETWORKING
Assignment Brief
Student Name/ID Number
Unit Number and Title 02. Networking
Academic Year 2023
Unit Tutor Ms. Shanika Wijesuriya
Assignment Title Designing and Implementing an Efficient Networked
System
Issue Date 27/12/2024
Submission Date 22/02/2025
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 3,000–3,500 words for the report excluding annexures, although
you will not be penalised for exceeding the total word limit.
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.
Transferable skills and competencies developed
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Time Management
Vocational scenario
You have been tasked with designing and implementing an efficient networked system for a
medium-sized organization called Tech Solutions Ltd. The organization is experiencing rapid
growth and requires a robust network infrastructure to support its operations. Your assignment is to
design and implement a networked system that meets the organization's requirements.
PEARSON HIGHER NATIONALS IN COMPUTING YORK GRADUATE CAMPUS
Assignment activity and guidance
Task 1: Networking Principles and Protocols
a) Research and examine networking principles and their associated protocols. Provide a
detailed explanation of the key principles and protocols that govern modern networks, such
as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and Ethernet. (LO 1)
b) Analyze the impact of these principles and protocols on network performance, security,
and scalability. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different protocols and their
suitability for different network scenarios. (LO 1)
Task 2: Networking Devices and Operations
a) Explain the various networking devices commonly used in networked systems,
including routers, switches, firewalls, access points, and network interface cards. Describe
the purpose, functionality, and operation of each device. (LO 2)
b) Discuss the role of network operations, such as routing, switching, addressing, and
subnetting, in establishing and maintaining network connectivity. Explain how these
operations contribute to the overall efficiency and performance of a networked system.
(LO 2)
Task 3: Designing Efficient Networked Systems
a) Conduct a comprehensive analysis of Tech Solutions Ltd.'s networking requirements,
taking into consideration the organization's size, geographical distribution, and growth
projections. Based on the analysis, design an efficient networked system that meets the
organization's needs. Consider factors such as network topology, addressing schemes,
security measures, and scalability. (LO 3)
b) Justify your design decisions by explaining how they contribute to the efficiency,
performance, and security of the networked system. Discuss any trade-offs or
considerations made during the design process. (LO 3)
Task 4: Implementing and Diagnosing Networked Systems
a) Implement the designed networked system in a simulated environment using appropriate
network devices, such as routers, switches, and access points. Configure the devices
according to the proposed design, including IP addressing, routing protocols, VLANs, and
security settings. Document the configuration settings. (LO 4)
PEARSON HIGHER NATIONALS IN COMPUTING YORK GRADUATE CAMPUS
b) Test the implemented networked system to ensure its functionality and performance.
Diagnose and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the testing phase. Document the
troubleshooting steps and solutions. (LO 4)
Deliverables:
1.) Networking principles and protocols report, providing an explanation of key
principles and protocols and their impact on network performance, security, and
scalability.
2.) Networking devices and operations report, describing the purpose, functionality, and
operation of common networking devices and the role of network operations in
establishing and maintaining connectivity.
3.) Design proposal for an efficient networked system, including network topology,
addressing schemes, security measures, and scalability considerations.
4.) Justification report for the design decisions made in the networked system proposal.
5.) Network implementation documentation, including configuration settings for routers,
switches, access points, IP addressing, routing protocols, VLANs, and security
settings.
6.) Network testing and troubleshooting report, documenting the testing process,
identified issues, and their resolutions.
7.)Reflection report, discussing the challenges faced, lessons learned, and
recommendations for improving the efficiency and performance of networked systems.
Recommended Resources
Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your
research – the list is not definitive.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
PEARSON HIGHER NATIONALS IN COMPUTING YORK GRADUATE CAMPUS
LO3 Design efficient networked systems
P5 Design a networked M3 Install and configure D2 Design a
Pass
system to meet a given Merit
network services and Distinction
maintenanceschedule
specification. applications
LO1 Examine networking principles on your
and their choice.
protocols to support the
networked system.
P1 Discuss the benefits M1 Compare common LO1 & LO2
P6 Test and evaluate the
and constraints of networking principles and how
design to meet the D1 Critically evaluate the
different network types protocols enable the
requirements and topology protocol
and standards. effectiveness of networked
analyse user feedback selectedfor a given
systems.
with the aim of improving scenario to demonstrate
P2 Explain the impact of
efficiency. the efficient utilization of
network topology,
communication and a networkingsystem.
bandwidth requirements.
LO2 Explain networking devices and operations
LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems
P3 Discuss the operating M2 Explore a range of server
P7 Implement
principles a
of networking M4 Recommend
types potential
and justify the selection D3 Use critical reflection to
networked
devices andsystem based enhancements
server types. for the a given
of a server, considering evaluate own work and
on a prepared design. networked systems.
scenario regarding cost and justifyvalid conclusions.
P4 Document
P8 Discuss theandinter-
analyse performance optimization.
dependence of
test results against
workstation
expected hardware
results.
with relevant networking
software.
PEARSON HIGHER NATIONALS IN COMPUTING YORK GRADUATE CAMPUS
STUDENT ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION AND DECLARATION
When submitting evidence for assessment, each student must sign a declaration confirming that
the work is their own.
Student name: Assessor name:
Issue date: Submission date: Submitted on:
Programme:
Unit:
Assignment number and title:
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a particular form of cheating. Plagiarism must be avoided at all costs and students
who break the rules, however innocently, may be penalised. It is your responsibility to ensure
that you understand correct referencing practices. As a university level student, you are
expected to use appropriate references throughout and keep carefully detailed notes of all your
sources of materials for material you have used in your work, including any material downloaded
from the Internet. Please consult the relevant unit lecturer or your course tutor if you need any
further advice.
Student Declaration
Student declaration
I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the
consequences of plagiarism. I understand that making a false declaration is a form of
malpractice.
Student signature: Date:
PEARSON HIGHER NATIONALS IN COMPUTING YORK GRADUATE CAMPUS
