ASSIGNMENT BRIEF SHEET

Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing

Unit number Unit 2: Networking

Assignment title Networking Infrastructure

Academic Year

Unit Tutor

Issue date Submission date

IV name and date

Submission format

Part 1
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 2,000–2,500 words, although you will not be
penalized for exceeding the total word limit.

Part 2
The submission is in the form of an individual evidence portfolio. This assignment can be completed as
a group, but each student must produce their own portfolio, which will contain:
 A LAN design plan and blueprint and justification document.
 A fully completed test plan including an evaluation of results and recommendations for
improvements to LAN.
 A proposed and justified maintenance schedule.

Part 3
 Evidence of an implemented network.

You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs, subsections and illustrations as appropriate, and
all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system.

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.

Assignment Brief

You are employed as a Network Engineer by Nguyen Networking Limited, a high-

tech networking solution development company, which have branches in Hồ Chí
Minh City, Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and Cần Thơ.

The company has been contracted to implement a networking project from a local
educational institute. The specification of the project is given below:

People: 200 students, 15 teachers, 12 marketing and administration staff, 05 higher

managers including the head of academics and the program manager, 03 computer
network administrators.

Resources: 50 student lab computers, 35 staff computers, 03 printers.

Building: 03 floors, all computers and printers are on the ground floor apart from
the IT labs – one lab located on the first floor and another located on the second
floor.

As a first task, the CEO of the company Mr. Nguyen has asked you to investigate
and explain networking principles, protocols and devices and submit a report.

Part 1

You will need to produce a report that includes the following:

1. An introduction to provide an overview of your report.
2. Benefits and constraints of different types of networks and networking standards.
3. The impact of network topology, speed of communication and bandwidth
requirements.
4. Effectiveness of networking systems.
5. Discussion on operating principles of networking devices and server types and
networking software.
6. Discuss the relationship of workstation hardware with networking software.
7. Explore a range of server types and justify the selection of a server, considering
a given scenario regarding cost and performance optimization.
8. For the given specification, identify the topology protocol for the efficient
utilization of a networking system.
The CEO Mr. Nguyen is happy with your first report and now he has asked you to
analyze the specification from the institution, as given earlier.

You need to design and implement the networking project within a given time
frame:

Part 2 - Design efficient networked systems

1. Prepare a written step-by-step plan of how you are going to design a Local Area
Network including a blueprint of your LAN.
2. Justify your choice of devices for your network design.
3. Produce a test plan to evaluate this design for the requirements of bandwidth and
cost constraints as per user specifications.
4. Justify the security requirements and quality of services needed for selection of
accessories.
5. Suggest a maintenance schedule to support the networked system.

Part 3 - Implement test and diagnose networked systems

1. Implement a networked system based on your prepared design.

2. Conduct verification with e.g. Ping, extended ping, trace route, telnet, SSH, etc.
3. Record the test results and analyze these against expected results.
4. Investigate what functionalities would allow the system to support device growth
and the addition of communication devices.
5. Discuss the significance of upgrades and security requirements in your
recommendations.

ASSESMENT CRITERIA

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

LO1 Examine networking principles and their protocols. LO1 & 2

P1 Discuss the benefits and constraints
of different network types and
standards.
P2 Explain the impact of network
topology, communication and
bandwidth requirements.
D1 Considering a given
M1 Compare common
scenario, identify the
networking principles and how
topology protocol selected
protocols enable the
for the efficient utilization of
effectiveness of networked
a networking system.
systems.
 LO2 Explain networking devices and operations

P3 Discuss the operating principles of M2 Explore a range of server

networking devices and server types.
P4 Discuss the inter-dependence of
workstation hardware with relevant
networking software.
types and justify the selection
of a server, considering a given
scenario regarding cost and
performance optimisation.

LO3 Design efficient networked systems

P5 Design a networked system to meet M3 Install and configure D2 Design a maintenance

a given specification. network services and schedule to support the
applications on your choice. networked system.
P6 Test and evaluate the design to
meet the requirements and analyse
user feedback.

LO4 Implement and diagnose networked systems

P7 Implement a networked system M4 Recommend potential D3 Use critical reflection to

based on a prepared design. enhancements for the evaluate own work and
networked systems. justify valid conclusions.
P8 Document and analyse test results
against expected results.

P1: Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards:

The two most common types of network infrastructures are:

 Local Area Network (LAN):

 LAN is an internal computer network, this interface allows devices to connect to each other to work
and share data. This connection is made via LAN cable or Wifi (wireless) in tight spaces, so it can only be
used in a limited range such as offices, indoors, schools ...
 [1]
https://capquangviettel.vn/mang-lan-la-gi-cong-dung-cua-mang-lan-nhu-nao/

 Wide Area Network (WAN).

WAN (wide area network) is a communication network spread over a large geographical area such
as cities, states or countries. They can be private to connect parts of a business or they can be more public
to connect smaller networks together.

https://www.vietnetco.vn/wan-network.html

 Other types of networks include:

 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
  MAN is the urban network. The maximum distance between two nodes (nodes) of the MAN
network is 100 Km. The MAN network is a combination of multiple LANs. MAN's scope can cover a whole
province / city and nation wide

https://vietadsgroup.vn/hoi-dap-la-gi-/mang-man-la-gi-khai-niem-mang-man-la-gi--c62d9717.aspx

 Wireless LAN (WLAN).

WLAN stands for wireless LAN which means wireless local area network, it is a method of wireless
distribution to two or more devices using high frequency radio waves and usually includes an access point
to the Internet.

https://software4win.com/wlan-la-gi/

ss
 Storage Area Network (SAN):
SAN (Storage Area Networking) or storage network; is a dedicated network, the system is completely
separate from LANs and WANs. The SAN links all storage related resources within the corporate network,
organized together.

https://www.vietnetco.vn/sd-san.html

P2 Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirements

 Networking Topologies:
 Bus:
a bus topology is a network setup where each computer and network device is connected to a single
cable or backbone. Depending on the type of computer network card, a coaxial cable or an RJ-45 network
cable is used to connect them together.
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/b/bustopol.htm

 Advantages of the Bus Network

Its main advantages are:

• Easy to install and maintain.

• It is cheaper because it requires less wiring.
• It is comfortable for a small and temporary network.
• Easy to add a computer to the network.
• The Internet and electricity cables can go together.
• There are no central elements on which the entire network depends, whose failure would render all
stations inoperative.

 Disadvantages of the Bus Network

• It is known as passive topology because computers do not regenerate the signal.
• Lose signal over distance (you can use repeaters).
• Its main drawback is that if the cable breaks at some point, the network is entirely inoperative. When it
decided to install such a network in a building with several floors, what do is to install a network per floor
and then join them all through a trunk bus.
• It requires much maintenance.
• The speed in this network connection is deficient.
• Equipment limits depending on the signal quality.
• Performance decreases as the network grows.
• High transmission losses due to collisions between messages.
• It takes a lot of space.
• One information sent at a time.
http://ecomputernotes.com/computernetworkingnotes/computer-network/bus-topologies

 Ring:
 A ring topology is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path. Each
networked device is connected to two others, like points on a circle. Together, devices in a ring topology
are referred to as a ring network.
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ringtopo.htm

 The main advantage of Ring topology is that the signal degeneration is low since each
workstation participating in the network is responsible for regenerating the weak signal

 The disadvantage of ring topology is, if one workstation fails, the entire network will fail.
http://www.omnisecu.com/basic-networking/network-topologies-mesh-ring-hybrid-topology.php

 Star:
In this netwrok each and every node maintains an itotally individual connection to a switch, where all
other nodes are connected. It has a direct connection with swithch to node. the weakness are need more
wire to setup a network.
 Advantages of Star Topology
• Easy to install and wire.

• No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.

• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

 Disadvantages of Star Topology

• Requires more cable length than a linear bus topology.

• If the connecting network device (network switch) fails, nodes attached are disabled and cannot
participate in network communication.

• More expensive than linear bus topology because of the cost of the connecting devices (network
switches).
http://www.omnisecu.com/basic-networking/network-topologies-star-topology.php
  Mesh:
 In this topology every node conected with each other node. It generally used in warreless network. It
need a large amount of overhead which very difficult to manage+

 Hybrid:
 This is simply a topology referring to the case where more than one topology is utilized. ti is the
combination of star and ring topology.
  Tree Topology

Imagine a hierarchy of network nodes, with the root node serving client nodes, that in turn serve other
lower-level nodes. The top-level node is mostly a mainframe computer while other nodes in the hierarchy
are mini or microcomputers. In this arrangement, the node at each level could be forming a star network
with the nodes it serves.
 Advantages

 Fault identification is easy.

 The advantages of centralization that are achieved in a star topology are inherited by the
individual star segments in a tree network.
 The tree topology is useful in cases where a star or bus cannot be implemented individually.
It is most-suited in networking multiple departments of a university or corporation, where
each unit (star segment) functions separately, and is also connected with the main node
(root node).
 Each star segment gets a dedicated link from the central bus. Thus, failing of one segment
does not affect the rest of the network.
 The network can be expanded by the addition of secondary nodes. Thus, scalability is
achieved.

 Disadvantages

 Owing to its size and complexity, maintenance is not easy and costs are high. Also,
configuration is difficult in comparison to that in other topologies.
 As multiple segments are connected to a central bus, the network depends heavily on the
bus. Its failure affects the entire network.
 Though it is scalable, the number of nodes that can be added depends on the capacity of
the central bus and on the cable type.

 The impact of current network technology, communication and standards:

  OSPF: It is a routing protocol generally used for larger network either a single network or a group
network. It is designed by Internet Engineering Task Force. It can also use as a Gateway Protocol.
 FTP: File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is mainly a standard protocol of Network which is used to transfer
data from client to host or one server to another server. If user or admin want to upload a file on a website
he or she needs a username, password and host address.
 SMTP: Simple mail transfer protocol is like a media which transfers e-mail. SMTP always work with
POP3 service.
 TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol is a set of a protocol stack. Basically it
is tow different protocol. TCP/IP is closely related with FTP, SMTP, HTTP.
Data Communications
 Transmission of signals • Send and receive information over communications lines
 Encoding, interfacing, signal integrity, multiplexing etc.

 Networking
 Topology & architecture used to interconnect devices
 Networks of communication systems

 Bandwidth:
 Bandwidth is the capacity of a wired or wireless network communications link to transmit the maximum
amount of data from one point to another over a computer network or internet connection in a given
amount of time -- usually one second. Synonymous with capacity,bandwidth describes the data transfer
rate. Bandwidth is not a measure of network speed -- a common misconception.
 Expected average load; anticipated peak load; local internet availability; cost constraints, throughput.

The impact of network bandwidth requirements:

 Bandwidth affects how long it takes to download or upload information over the Internet. A connection
that has plenty of bandwidth available provides a smooth, responsive user experience. The more available
bandwidth, the more quickly data can be transferred; however, the law of diminishing returns applies
here. Once you have sufficient bandwidth, Internet performance is not further affected.

P3: Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types.
 Networking devices:
 Servers;
 Hub, routers;
 Switches;
 Multilayer switch, firewall, HIDS, repeaters; bridges;
 Wireless devices;
 Access point (wireless/wired), content filter, Load balancer,
 Modem, Packet shaper, VPN concentrator.
 Network Hub: Network Hub is a networking device which is used to connect multiple network hosts.
A network hub is also used to do data transfer. The data is transferred in terms of packets on a
computer network. So when a host sends a data packet to a network hub, the hub copies the data
packet to all of its ports connected to.

 Network Switch: Like a hub, a switch also works at the layer of LAN (Local Area Network) but you can
say that a switch is more intelligent than a hub. While hub just does the work of data forwarding, a
switch does 'filter and forwarding' which is a more intelligent way of dealing with the data packets. So,
when a packet is received at one of the interfaces of the switch, it filters the packet and sends only to
the interface of the intended receiver.
 Modem: A Modem is somewhat a more interesting network device in our daily life. So if you have
noticed around, you get an internet connection through a wire (there are different types of wires) to
your house. This wire is used to carry our internet data outside to the internet world.

 Network Router: A router is a network device which is responsible for routing traffic from one to
another network. These two networks could be a private company network to a public network. You can
think of a router as a traffic police who directs different network traffic to different directions.
 Bridge: If a router connects two different types of networks, then a bridge connects two
subnetworks as a part of the same network. You can think of two different labs or two different floors
connected by a bridge.
 Repeater: A repeater is an electronic device that amplifies the signal it receives. In other terms, you
can think of repeater as a device which receives a signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher
power so that the signal can cover longer distances.
https://fossbytes.com/networking-devices-and-hardware-types/

 Server type:
 Web
 File
 Database
 Combination
 Virtualization
 Terminal services server.

 The operating principles of server types:

 1. Server Platform
Server platform is the fundamental hardware or software for a system which acts as an engine that
drives the server. It is often used synonymously with an operating system.
2. Application Server
Also known as a type of middleware, it occupies a substantial amount of computing region between
database servers and the end user, and is commonly used to connect the two.
3. Audio/Video Server
It provides multimedia capabilities to websites by helping the user to broadcast streaming multimedia
content.
4. Chat Server
It serves the users to exchange data in an environment similar to Internet newsgroup which provides
real-time discussion capabilities.
5. Fax Server
It is one of the best options for organizations that seek minimum incoming and outgoing telephone
resources, but require to fax actual documents.
6. FTP Server
It works on one of the oldest of the Internet services, the file transfer protocol. It provides a secure file
transfer between computers while ensuring file security and transfer control.
7. Groupware Server
It is a software designed that enables the users to work together, irrespective of the location, through
the Internet or a corporate intranet and to function together in a virtual atmosphere.
8. IRC Server
It is an ideal option for those looking for real-time discussion capabilities. Internet Relay Chat comprises
different network servers that enable the users to connect to each other through an IRC network.
9. List Server
It provides a better way of managing mailing lists. The server can be either open interactive discussion
for the people or a one-way list that provides announcements, newsletters or advertising.
10. Mail Server
It transfers and stores mails over corporate networks through LANs, WANs and across the Internet.
11. News Server
It serves as a distribution and delivery source for many public news groups, approachable over the
USENET news network.
12. Proxy Server

It acts as a mediator between a client program and an external server to filter requests, improve
performance and share connections.
13. Telnet Server
It enables the users to log on to a host computer and execute tasks as if they are working on a remote
computer.
14. Virtual Servers
A virtual server is just like a physical computer because it is committed to an individual customer's
demands, can be individually booted and maintains privacy of a separate computer. Basically, the
distance among shared and dedicated (hosting) servers is reduced providing freedom to other
customers, at a less cost. Now, it has become omnipresent in the data center.
15. Web Server
It provides static content to a web browser by loading a file from a disk and transferring it across the
network to the user's web browser. This exchange is intermediated by the browser and the server,
communicating using HTTP.
https://techspirited.com/different-types-of-servers