Module Details

Module Code: COMP7011
Title: Internet & Network Services
Long Title: Internet & Network Services
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: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is focused on the study of advanced system and network administration topics for the Linux/Unix operating systems. Topics explored and implemented will include the setup and maintenance of many of the most popular network services including servers for DNS, LDAP, Web (HTTP, HTTPS), NAS and email (SMTP, POP3, IMAP). Special attention is paid to the concepts needed to implement these services securely and to the troubleshooting skills that will be necessary for real-world administration of these internet and network services.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the role of Internet and network services in an Enterprise environment.
LO2 Perform system administration procedures such as OS installation, server side software installation and software updating in a Linux/Unix environment.
LO3 Identify and discuss key sever security principles.
LO4 Produce and evaluate an outline specification for a server to meet the Internet and network service requirements of a particular organisation.
LO5 Design and develop a simple LAN offering Internet and network services.
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).
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
Introduction to Internet & Network Services
A history of Internet and Network Services, outlining the evolution of services from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0. An overview of the most widely used services (DNS, DHCP, LDAP, Web & HTTP, eMail, NAS & IP-SAN).
System admin procedures for OS & software installation & updating
The steps & corresponding commands required to install & update a Linux OS & required services. Includes an overview of core Linux admin commands & package management tools.
DNS Services
DNS history and theory, The domain name space, Delegation and Zones, Resolving names and reverse lookups, Configuring BIND named.conf, Configuring BIND zones, DNS hierarchies: subdomain delegation, Securing BIND DNS, BIND 9 Views, Restricting queries, Restricting zone transfers, DDNS and nsupdate.
LDAP Directory services
LDAP Schema, Referencing LDAP entries, LDAP security, Implementing OpenLDAP server, Defining global parameters, Restricting access, Database configuration and indexing, Querying LDAP databases.
HTTP & Web 2.0 services
HTTP theory, Apache history and status, Apache architecture, Apache configuration files, Using Apache modules, Apache logs and analysis, Apache virtual hosting, Virtual host security issues, Apache authentication, Intro to cryptography, Using HTTPS with Apache, Dynamic content, Extending Apache with PHP and Tomcat, Dynamic content and security, Implementing FTP services. Read/Write Web, Wikis, Blogs, content management systems, p2p sharing.
Server Security
General server security principles. SSH security; key based authentication, brute force attacks. The role of firewalls in controlling user access to services over the network. Restricting users & services to the minimal set of permissions they need to function. Intrusion detection & incident response.
eMail Services
SMTP theory, Implementing SMTP with Postfix, Postfix configuration, Postfix ESMTP AUTH and encryption, Email services: POP3 and IMAP4, Encrypting client access, Spam and virus filtering, Web mail client access.
Network based storage services
The role of NAS & IP-SAN in the IT infrastructure & the benefits of each. Key NAS protocols; NFS, CIFS & IP-SAN protocols; iSCSI, FCIP. Enable network based file sharing and IP-SAN.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Install and configure a Linux based OS and a specified network service.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Networking Services assessment exam covering the history of internet and network services, the role of individual services and the key steps to install, configure and secure the services and system.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Design and implement a LAN offering various network services to meet the requirements of a particular organisation.
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 underpinning learning outcomes defined. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Networking Services lab. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. 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
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes defined. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Networking Services lab. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Hunt, Craig. (2004), Linux Network Servers, Sybex, New York, [ISBN: 9780782141238].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Burgess, Mark. (2003), Principles of Network and System Administration, Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470868072].
  • Flickenger, Robert. (2003), Linux Server Hacks, 1st. O Reilly, [ISBN: 9780596004613].
  • Harrison, Peter. (2005), Linux Quick Fix Notebook, 1st. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 9780131861503].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 4 Elective
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 4 Mandatory