KV6017 - Enterprise Networks and Security

There is an emphasis on practical work in the delivery of the module and you will have an opportunity to work directly with industry standard networking hardware and software. You will also make extensive use of appropriate network simulation software.

You will be introduced to the fundamental theoretical concepts of Enterprise Networks, WANs and security strategies during the lectures. You will be expected to prepare for lecture topics and deepen your understanding of course material by studying course texts and technical literature.

The lab classes will give you an opportunity to apply and extend your understanding through a series of challenging problem solving exercises concerning Enterprise Networks, WAN technologies and security concepts. Academic support will be given throughout the exercises in a structured manner.

During your lab classes, academic support will be available to you to guide you through the exercises. You will receive informal feedback on your progress throughout your lab classes.

A series of online feedback tests that are part of the Cisco Academy learning are also available to you if you wish.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
ML01 - Critically review WAN and related LAN concepts, technologies, and security aspects.
ML02 - Model and predict performance of WAN systems.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
ML03 - Design and create LAN and WAN systems, and justify your design, implementation, testing and troubleshooting strategies.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
ML04 - Communicate complex problems, decision-making and solutions clearly and effectively.

Formative Assessment

You will be given the opportunity to be formatively assessed throughout the module with the help of short online feedback tests as part of your online CCNA learning.

Summative Assessment (covers Module Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.)

1) Practical Lab-Based Assessment 1 – 15% of module assessment weight
This practical assessment will assess understanding of key enterprise network and system concepts introduced in the initial part of the module. It focuses on evaluating knowledge of network design principles, configuration of relevant protocols and analytical reasoning within enterprise network environments.

2) Practical Lab-Based Assessment 2 – 15% of module assessment weight
This practical assessment will assess the ability to apply advanced enterprise network and security concepts covered later in the module. It evaluates analytical reasoning and understanding of secure system strategies and performance optimization in complex network contexts.

3) Presentation: comprises 20% of the module assessment weight.
The presentation will outline the importance of cryptographic protocols in establishing a secure system. It evaluates the ability to explain technical concepts clearly, demonstrate understanding of secure communication mechanisms and discuss how security and performance measures interact to maintain effective enterprise network operation.
(This component may be delivered as an oral presentation, viva discussion or equivalent format as determined for the module delivery).

4) An individual assignment (50% of the module assessment weight).
This assignment gives you the opportunity to develop a complex wide area network according to a given specification. The word limit will be 2000 words.

N/A

This module introduces you to a detailed examination of Enterprise and Wide Area Networks (WANs) and their secure implementations. You will learn the theory and practical implementation of relevant protocols and security strategies.

A particular feature of the module is the incorporation of subject areas from the final module of Cisco’s Networking Academy programme CCNA. The incorporation of Cisco’s Networking Academy programme is designed to strengthen your skills relevant for future graduate employment by giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the application of appropriate digital technologies in an Enterprise and WAN context, and by encouraging you to strengthen your self-management when completing your CCNA learning.

You will have an opportunity to work directly with industry standard networking hardware and software. You will also make extensive use of appropriate network simulation software which will aid the accessibility of the module content.

Further research and enquiry is encouraged which will be based on: online learning material provided to you; further research into relevant Request For Comments; and wider research based on quality publications.

You will receive informal feedback on your progress throughout your lab classes. A series of online feedback tests that are part of the Cisco Academy learning are also available to you if you wish. The summative assessment for this module carries 100% of the overall grade and consists of two practical lab-based assessments, a presentation and a written report. Together, these components assess theoretical understanding and practical competence in enterprise networks and security through tasks that involve design, implementation, evaluation and analysis of networked systems.