Unit introduction
Computer networking is an important part of our daily business and personal lives that most people take for granted. Without networks, many of the tools and systems used by business and individuals would not function: we couldn’t surf the worldwide web, send and receive emails, or use a variety of devices such as a smartphone, laptop or games console to communicate with friends and family online.
So, what is computer networking? In its simplest form, computer networking is a collection of interconnected, wired or wireless, hardware devices and associated software that allows computers to communicate and share resources with each other.
There are a number of job roles that involve working with computer networks. These include :
- Network engineers who design, develop, test, operate and support computer networks and services
- Network managers who ensure that the network capacity can meet an organisation’s needs and that it is secure
-
IT support technicians who find and correct software and hardware problems for computer users, including problems in computer networks.
In this unit, you will come to understand the features and uses of computer networks by exploring what networks are, as well as the different types of network and how they affect user experience. You will investigate issues such as reliability (frequency of network failure and performance) and how quickly data are transferred across the network under different conditions. You will be able to apply some of your findings to your own computer network. You will also learn about the different hardware and software devices needed for networking, and how these can be combined to make a computer network. You will also put your knowledge and skills into practice by designing, developing and testing your own computer network for a brief. Once completed, you will review your network against the brief and obtain feedback from the client and from others, and evaluate possible improvements.
Lesson delivery schedule :
Date |
Lesson |
Learning Outcomes Covered
|
| 17th January | Lesson 1 | Learning aim A: Understand the features and uses of computer networking |
| 24th January | Lesson 2 | Learning aim A: Understand the features and uses of computer networking |
| 31 January | Lesson 3 | Learning aim A: Understand the features and uses of computer networking |
| 7th February | Lesson 4 |
Learning aim A: Understand the features and uses of computer networking |
| 14th February | Lesson 5 | Learning aim B: Design a computer network |
| 28th February | Lesson 6 |
Learning aim B: Design a computer network |
| 7th March | Lesson 7 |
Learning aim B: Design a computer network |
| 14th March | Lesson 8 |
Learning aim B: Design a computer network |
| 21st March | workshop | Assignment 1 workshop |
| 28th March | Lesson 9 |
Learning aim C: Develop and test a computer network |
| 25th April | Lesson 10 |
Learning aim C: Develop and test a computer network |
| 2nd May | Lesson 11 |
Learning aim C: Develop and test a computer network |
| 9th May | Lesson 12 |
Learning aim D: Review the finished computer network |
| 16th May | Lesson 13 |
Learning aim D: Review the finished computer network |
| 23rd May | Workshop | Assignment 2 workshop |
Teaching Resources :
Scheme of work is available here.
List of questions that can be used in the lessons above is available here.
List of some entry-level Industry certifications to enter the career of networking :
- CCENT – Cisco’s Entry level certification https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/ccent
- CompTIA core certifications : https://certification.comptia.org/certifications?level=core
- Microsoft’s entry level MTA qualifications : https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mta-summary-certification.aspx
