Digital & Technology Solutions
Degree Apprenticeship
Data Communications and Network Security
Level 4
20 credits
Assessment Brief
This assessment brief provides details of the overall assessment for your module. It will provide details of the coursework elements. Section 1 provides the detail of the assessment and Section 2 provides general assessment brief guidance.
Component: Coursework Assignment (100%)
Description: 2500-word report
A mark of at least 40% must be achieved to pass the module.
Submission details
Component Date Time
Coursework
Module Learning Outcome Assessment Matrix
Learning Outcome C/W
Demonstrates a broad understanding of the knowledge base of this module, and its terminology and discourse (with specific reference to transmission media, data encoding, transmission modes, error detection and correction, flow control, multiplexing, switching techniques, and routing), including awareness that areas of this knowledge base are open to on-going debate and reformulation. P
Identifies principles and concepts underlying the theoretical frameworks highlighted in this module, and demonstrates an ability to identify their strengths and weaknesses, especially in relation to the evolving networking scene (covering network topologies, protocols, layering, standardisation, LANs, WANs & MANs, internetworking, management, and multicast). P
Assesses and analyses security risks, threats and vulnerabilities relating to networks. P
Collects information from a variety of authoritative sources to inform a choice of solutions to standard problems highlighted in this module, including online open source and subscription-only literature. P
Judges the reliability of data and information provided in this module, using pre-defined techniques and/or criteria, especially in relation to free resources. P
Scenario
Plexiglass Ltd is a medium sales organisation providing their services to multiple product providers. It is considering setting up a satellite office in Newcastle for a new sales office.
The new branch is designed to accommodate 50 users initially, growing to 80 in the future. The staff in the satellite office will be required to access a central database hosting customer information which is stored within the HQ. The staff will also need a local logon server.
Due to heightened awareness in network security, there is a need to ensure that all traffic within the satellite office is protected. There is uncertainty around what type of LAN should be used to connect to the branch office and whether any additional corporate resources should be maintained on site.
You are part of the project development team that has been asked to evaluate the appropriate options and recommend a solution. Your job is to:
Task 1:
Identify and briefly describe a protocol or a device for each layer of the OSI model. [20 marks].
Task 2:
Recommend a topology and provide a technical description of one network device and one protocol for the network which will connect the satellite office to the head office. [30 marks]
Task 3:
Recommend and explain IPv4 addressing scheme that offers the least wastage for the new network. [20 marks].
Task 4:
For one of the OSI layers, identify and discuss what you consider to be an appropriate method of security and its impact in relevance to the scenario. [20 marks]
Academic Conventions
Up to 10 Marks can be awarded for the entire task for overall structure, strength of argument, referencing and use of language including use of the Harvard Referencing Style. To be rated as excellent, your work will need to be based on a number of good qualities and utilise relevant resources. These resources need to be referenced from within your document using the Harvard Reference style.
