Module Details

Module Code: COMP7032
Title: Routing and Switching Concepts
Long Title: Routing and Switching Concepts
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module describes the architecture, components and operation of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches, and resolve common issues with virtual LANs and inter-VLAN routing in IPv4 networks.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the operation of VLANs in a switched network and the method of forwarding frames based on different VLAN configurations.
LO2 Configure VLANs and trunking and apply basic switch security in a small network.
LO3 Classify dynamic and static routing protocols according to their purpose, operation and behaviour, and describe the methods for enabling inter-VLAN routing.
LO4 Establish network connectivity by configuring a network consisting of routers using static and dynamic routing approaches, and inter-VLAN routing.
LO5 Describe the purpose and operations of DHCP and NAT, and configure DHCP and NAT as appropriate for an Internet-connected small network.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

12702 COMP6027 Networking Fundamentals
12787 COMP7032 Routing and Switching Concepts
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Switching Basics
Switched LAN Design, frame forwarding, switching domains; switch configuration and security.
VLANs
VLAN segmentation (VLAN types, trunking & tagging), implementation (VLAN assignment, trunks), security and design.
Routing Basics and Inter-VLAN Routing
Initial configuration; routing process; router operation (routing table, types of routes); static routing (static, static default, floating static, static host); inter-VLAN routing (router-on-a-stick, layer-3 switching).
Dynamic Routing
Dynamic Routing protocols (overview, comparison with static routing, distance vector vs. link state); RIP; single-area OSPF; dynamic routes in the routing table, and the routing lookup process.
Classless Routing Protocols, VLSM and CIDR
IPv4 enhancements, Variable-Length Subnet Masking (VLSM), Classless Interdomain Routing (CIDR).
DHCP and NAT
DHCP operation, configuration and troubleshooting; benefits and drawbacks of NAT, static vs. dynamic, PAT, port-forwarding.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Mid-term assessment for early feedback on learner engagement with the theory of switching in a LAN environment, including forwarding methods and VLAN operation.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Mid-term assessment of switch configuration skills, including basic switch configuration, VLAN configuration, and/or switch security configuration.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 3,5
Assessment Description
In-class written assessment of students' understanding of routing protocols and approaches, the requirements for inter-VLAN routing, and/or the purpose and operations of DHCP and NAT.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Assessment of router configuration skills, including initial configuration, static route configuration, dynamic routing protocol configuration, inter-VLAN routing configuration, and/or DHCP and NAT configuration.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering content underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Networking lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Directed study to support labs/lectures. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Networking lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering content underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Directed study to support labs/lectures. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Cisco Networking Academy. (2016), Routing and Switching Essentials Companion Guide, Cisco Press, [ISBN: 9781587134289].
  • Andrew S Tanenbaum, David J. Wetherall. (2013), Computer Networks, Pearson, [ISBN: 9781292024226].
  • Behrouz A. Forouzan. (2012), Data Communications and Networking, McGraw Hill Higher Education, [ISBN: 9789814577519].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Cisco Networking Academy. (2016), Routing and Switching Essentials Labs & Study Guid, Cisco Press, [ISBN: 9781587134265].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 3 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management and Cybersecurity 3 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity 3 Mandatory