Diploma in Computer Networking and Security Level 7 | Detailed Information

• Discuss characteristics of selected hardware components (Range - Mother boards, bus architecture, CPU types, other chips, add on cards, peripherals)

• Discuss the characteristics of selected networking components (Range - Media types, network cards, switches, routers, interfaces)

• Discuss fundamental data communication and networking principles (Range - Media topologies, LAN and WAN technologies)

• Discuss different modes of data communication (Range - serial, parallel, simplex, half duplex, full duplex, related interfaces)

• Describe the publicly available telephone and data networks and related standards (Range - PSTN, PDNs, related interfaces and bandwidth limitations, ITU, ISO, IETF standards)

Network Administration and Help Desk

• Demonstrate skills for configuring and administering a peer-to-peer local area network (Range - network components used, installation and configuration of operating systems, IP addressing, creating users and their logins)

• Demonstrate skills for configuring and administering a client server local area network (Range -network components used, installation of clients and servers and the configuration of operating systems, directory services, user and administrator logins, shares, security policies)

• Demonstrate skills for installing, configuring and administering any common application(s) shared across a client server network environment (Range - Microsoft Office applications or Open Office applications)

• Identify and describe the tasks that occur in a help desk environment with emphasis on actions and their schedules (Range - communication and inter-personal skills, telephone manner, problem identification and job description, questioning skills, diagnostic techniques, logging, identifying and forwarding the job to the right person)

• Demonstrate how to operate a help desk (Range - Effectively solve common network administration problems related to client end, network media, server and infrastructure, and common application-related issues)

• Discuss advances and emerging trends in network and help desk administration

Operating Systems

• Install a current version of Linux OS with appropriate device drivers and kernel modules for a typical small-to medium business environment and configure the system for common tasks for a functional business

• Demonstrate effective use of OS commands from both command line and graphical user interfaces to manage a multi-user OS for a small-to-medium business.

• Differentiate between entries in the system log files and use the appropriate ones to troubleshoot and manage the network

• Compare, compile and/or install kernel modules and device drivers

• Create and use intermediate level shell scripts and integrate and implement network and related services

• Discuss the tasks of a network systems administrator and demonstrate effective conduct of these

Network Protocols and Technologies

• Analyse the purpose and features of networking protocols

• Evaluate the significant features of various LAN and WAN protocols

• Develop integrated networks using TCP/IP features

• Examine recent advances in networking technologies that cover improved transfer of information, sharing of resources and their efficient management

• Apply knowledge of protocols and technologies to a given case study or a real world small-to-medium business in order to review their existing LAN and WAN Virtual Networking

• Discuss the concept of virtual machines (VM) and demonstrate the facilities and setup of virtual networking environments (Range - virtualisation platforms, related issues and techniques, virtual servers, virtual desktops)

• Identify different components for virtual networking (Range - virtual network adapters, virtual switches, and associated configuration issues)

• Analyse different addressing issues in virtual networks

• Develop integrated virtual and physical networks and fine tune them for efficient traffic transfer

• Assess the problems associated with the design, implementation and operation of virtual networks and adopt effective trouble shooting tools and procedures

Wireless and Sensor Networks

• Assess the system requirements and features for wireless networks in general

• Assess the specific system requirements and features for wireless sensor networks

• Assess the hardware and software requirements for wireless sensor remote monitoring and control systems

• Analyse the application and Media Access Control layers(including the frame format) of the IEEE 802.15.4 ZigBee protocol standard

• Critically analyse the protocol management for the ZigBee device object component and the associated routing algorithm utilised for wireless message routing

• Design and develop a sensor network project in consultation with the tutor

Network Security and Forensics

• Analyse the elements of network security and different types of malware and social engineering attacks

• Examine applications attacks with special reference to web application and client-side application attacks

• Demonstrate the use of selected vulnerability assessment and mitigating tools

• Examine steps for securing host systems along with the applications hosted on these systems

• Plan and organise network security and administration of this security

• Demonstrate knowledge of wireless network security

• Examine the principles of access control, authentication and account management

• Examine, plan and design network systems to aid in business continuity and computer forensic processes

Special Topic / Project

• Identify a suitable special topic/project in consultation with the tutor

• Evaluate the stages of the special topic/project

• Explore the principles used for the special topic/project

• Demonstrate a professional approach in the completion of the special topic/project

• Critically appraise the features of the special topic/project

• Prepare and present a professional report on the special topic/project to an audience of peers and academic professionals and (where required) defend it

Programme Outcomes:

Graduates of this level 7 programme will be able to install, configure, review and administer computer networks (including virtual, wired, wireless and sensor), support users of those networks, manage network security and undertake computer forensic investigations (if required).

Course Length: 40 Weeks (Credits 120)

Class timings: 1:30pm to 5:30pm Monday to Friday