Unit 41: Networking Principles - Pearson Qualifications

UNIT 41: NETWORKING PRINCIPLESUnit 41:Networking PrinciplesUnit code:J/601/3250QCF Level 3:BTEC SpecialistCredit value:10Guided learning hours: 75Aim and purposeThis unit provides the skills and understanding required to design, install and maintainnetworked systems. It covers topologies, the OSI model and TCP/IP.Unit introductionNetworking skills are particularly valued in the IT industry and this unit provides a solidfoundation for learners to gain knowledge and understanding of networking models.Learners will be introduced to the physical and logical topologies of networks andunderstand the purpose and function of network hardware, software and interconnectiondevices.The unit introduces learners to the OSI model and the TCP/IP protocol suite and theirfeatures, functions and standards.AP025131 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 2 and 3 Certificate and Diploma inICT Systems and Principles – Issue 1 – October 2010 Edexcel Limited 20101

UNIT 41: NETWORKING PRINCIPLESLearning outcomes and assessment criteriaIn order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs todemonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessmentcriteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit.On completion of this unit a learner should:Learning outcomesAssessment criteria11.1describe common physical network topologies1.2explain the difference between logical andphysical network topologies1.3describe the network topologies and hardwareand software components used to implementcommon data communication systems232Understand physical andlogical topologies andsystemsUnderstand the OpenSystem Interconnection(OSI) modelUnderstand the InternetProtocol Suite (TCP/IP) identify common cable types and properties connector types wiring standards wireless standards2.1describe the OSI model and how its layers relateto each other2.2explain the function of each layer of the OSImodel2.3describe the key features, protocols andstandards of each OSI layer3.1describe the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) andthe function of its four layers3.2describe the key features, protocols andstandards of each TCP/IP layer3.3explain how TCP/IP relates to the OSI modelAP025131 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 2 and 3 Certificate and Diploma inICT Systems and Principles – Issue 1 – October 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

UNIT 41: NETWORKING PRINCIPLESUnit content1Understand physical and logical topologies and systemsPhysical topologies: types eg star, bus, ring, mesh, tree; features; standardseg IEEE802 standards for LANs and WANsLogical topologies: signal topology; logical networks eg Ethernet, LocalTalk, tokenringNetwork hardware: work station, server, network interface card, interface controller,repeater, passive, active and intelligent hubs, bridge, switch, router, gatewayNetwork software: network operating system, firewall, virus checker, emailInterconnection devices: cable types eg Cat 5 and RJ45, Cat 5e and RJ45, Cat 6and RJ45, thin co-axial and BNC connector, thick co-axial and AUI transducerwith patch cable, fibre optic cables and connectors; IEEE standards; wirelessLANs eg 802.11, infrared, Bluetooth, 3GCommon data communication systems: LANs, WANS, wired, wireless2Understand the Open System Interconnection (OSI) modelOSI model: protocol ie 7 layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session,Presentation, Application); relationships, functions, features, standards eg ISO, ITU-T3Understand the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)TCP/IP: transmission control protocol; internet protocol; layers (data flow or networkaccess, internet, transport, application); functions, features, standards; relationshipwith OSI modelAP025131 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 2 and 3 Certificate and Diploma inICT Systems and Principles – Issue 1 – October 2010 Edexcel Limited 20103

UNIT 41: NETWORKING PRINCIPLESEssential guidance for tutorsDeliveryThis unit can be delivered in the order of the learning outcomes. Learners will need asmuch practical work as possible to bring the theory to life. The use of in-centre computerlabs, talks and demonstrations by the centre technicians, and visits to installations will allhelp with the teaching and learning.Learning outcome 1 starts with the basics of network hardware and software,interconnection devices and topologies. Quite a lot of time should be spent on gettinglearners familiar with the terminology and the hardware. Building simple networks forthemselves will reinforce learning. Exposure to both wired and wireless networks shouldbe included.Learning outcomes 2 and 3 deal with the OSI model and the TCP/IP protocol. Learnerscan research these, perhaps in groups, and pool their findings. Discussions withtechnicians can help learners understand how these protocols work in practice and whyeach is used and when. Gapped handouts can be a useful tool for recording therelationship between the two.Outline learning planThe outline learning plan has been included in this unit as guidance and can be used inconjunction with the programme of suggested assignments. The outline learning plandemonstrates one way in planning the delivery and assessment of this unit.Topic and suggested assignments/activities and/assessmentIntroduction to the unitPhysical and logical topologies 4Network topologies – illustrations, research, demonstrationsNetwork hardware – practical work, research, creating postersNetwork software – technician talk, research, postersInterconnection devices – practical work, research, demonstrationsWired, wireless systems – research.AP025131 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 2 and 3 Certificate and Diploma inICT Systems and Principles – Issue 1 – October 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

UNIT 41: NETWORKING PRINCIPLESTopic and suggested assignments/activities and/assessmentAssignment 1 – Network TopologiesAssignment 2 – Interconnection DevicesOSI model 7 layers – tutor led, research, technician talkFeatures and standards – research, notes, gapped handouts.TCP/IP TCP and IP – distinction, tutor led, technician talkLayers – tutor led, researchRelationship with OSI – research, discussion, gapped handouts.Assignment 3 – Models and ProtocolsAssessmentIt is suggested that this unit is assessed using the three assignments summarised in theProgramme of suggested assignments table.Learning outcome 1 has four assessment criteria and can be assessed after the teachingof that outcome.A suitable scenario might be that the learner has recently been employed as a traineenetwork technician and has been asked to demonstrate their understanding of topologiesand components. Evidence can be presented as a leaflet or in any other suitable format.Learners are expected to be able to ‘describe’ for 1.1 and 1.3. The unit content providesa list of the expected range of coverage. Topologies can be described using annotateddiagrams. The diagrams for 1.3 may also cover some of the requirement for 1.1.1.2 requires an explanation of the difference between logical and physical topologies.This should be more than just a description of both topologies.For 1.4, learners may be observed identifying physical examples of the cables andconnectors and a witness statement prepared as evidence. If learners are undertakingnetworking tasks, this evidence may be collected then. Alternatively, this could bepresented visually as a poster identifying the different cable types and connectors withnotes about wiring and wireless standards.For learning outcome 2 (2.1–2.3) and learning outcome 3 (3.1–3.3), learners (in theirrole as trainee technicians) can be asked to prepare a presentation on the OSI model andthe TCP/IP protocol.AP025131 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 2 and 3 Certificate and Diploma inICT Systems and Principles – Issue 1 – October 2010 Edexcel Limited 20105

UNIT 41: NETWORKING PRINCIPLESProgramme of suggested assignmentsThe table below shows a programme of suggested assignments that cover theassessment criteria in the assessment and grading grid. This is for guidance and it isrecommended that centres either write their own assignments or adapt any Edexcelassignments to meet local needs and resources.Criteria coveredAssignment titleScenarioAssessment method1.1, 1.2, 1.3Network topologiesYou are to showyourunderstanding oftopologies bycreating anexplanatoryleaflet.Leaflet – illustrated.1.4InterconnectiondevicesIdentify cablesand connectors.Witness statement.2.1, 2.2, 2.3Models andprotocolsYou are to give apresentation onthe OSI modeland the TCP/IPprotocol.Presentation.3.1, 3.2, 3.3Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC qualificationsand other relevant units and qualificationsThis unit forms part of the BTEC in IT sector suite. This unit has particular links with:Level 1Level 2Level 3An Introduction toCommunicationTechnologiesNetworking PrinciplesSetting up an IT NetworkCommunication TechnologiesComputer NetworksCore Network TechniquesManaging NetworksThis unit maps to some of the underpinning knowledge from the following areas ofcompetence in the Level 3 National Occupational Standards for IT (ProCom):4.7Systems Design5.1Systems Development5.3IT/Technology Solution Testing.6AP025131 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 2 and 3 Certificate and Diploma inICT Systems and Principles – Issue 1 – October 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

UNIT 41: NETWORKING PRINCIPLESEssential resourcesLearners will require access to computer equipment to enable them to gain a practicalawareness and enable them to apply their knowledge and understanding in a practicalsituation.Employer engagement and vocational contextsThe use of vocational context is essential in the delivery and assessment of this unit.There is a range of organisations that may be able help centres to engage and involvelocal employers in the delivery of this unit, for example: Learning and Skills Network – www.vocationallearning.org.uk Work-based learning guidance – www.aimhighersw.ac.uk/wbl.htmLocal, regional business links – www.businesslink.gov.ukNational Education and Business Partnership Network – www.nebpn.orgNetwork for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Network AmbassadorsScheme – www.stemnet.org.ukWork experience/workplace learning frameworks – Centre for Education and Industry(CEI University of Warwick) – www.warwick.ac.uk/wie/ceiIndicative reading for learnersTextbooksDodd A Z – The Essential Guide to Telecommunications, 4th edition (Prentice Hall, 2005)ISBN-10 0131487256, ISBN-13 978-0131487253Hallberg B – Networking: A Beginner’s Guide, 5th Edition (Osborne/McGraw-Hill US,2009) ISBN-10 0071633553, ISBN-13 978-0071633550Lowe D – Networking All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies, 3rd Edition(John Wiley & Sons, 2008) ISBN-10 0470179155, ISBN-13 978-0470179154Schiller J – Mobile Communications, 2nd Edition (Addison Wesley, 2003)ISBN-10 0321123816, ISBN-13 opedia.comAP025131 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 2 and 3 Certificate and Diploma inICT Systems and Principles – Issue 1 – October 2010 Edexcel Limited 20107

UNIT 41: NETWORKING PRINCIPLESFunctional Skills — Level 2SkillWhen learners are ICT - Finding and selectinginformationUse appropriate searchtechniques to locate and selectrelevant informationdescribing the OSI model and TCP/IP suiteSelect information from a varietyof sources to meet requirementsof a complex taskidentifying common cables and connectorsICT - Developing, presenting andcommunicating informationCombine and present informationin ways that are fit for purposeand audiencedescribing the OSI model and TCP/IP suiteexplaining the relationship between the OSI modeland TCP/IP suite.Evaluate the selection, use andeffectiveness of ICT tools andfacilities used to presentinformation8AP025131 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Level 2 and 3 Certificate and Diploma inICT Systems and Principles – Issue 1 – October 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

Networking skills are particularly valued in the IT industry and this unit provides a solid . Network hardware: work station, server, network interface card, interface controller, repeater, passive, active and intelligent hubs, bridge, switch, router,