Assessment Overview
Subject: Computer Network
Assessment Type: Network Design & Implementation Assessment Duration: 3 Weeks
Learning Outcomes
∙ Apply network design principles to meet specific business requirements. ∙ Select appropriate network devices and protocols for a given scenario. ∙ Configure network devices (switches, routers, access points) for functionality and security.
∙ Document network design and implementation effectively.
∙ Communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely in a presentation. Scenario
XYZ Company is a growing firm with 100 employees across three departments: Sales, Marketing, and Finance. They are moving to a new office and require a secure, scalable network to support communication, collaboration, and internet access. The network must ensure logical separation between departments while allowing secure inter-departmental communication.
Assessment Requirements
Part 1: Network Design (40 Marks)
1. Network Requirements Analysis (10 Marks)
∙ Analyze the scenario and identify key network requirements for XYZ Company. ∙ Consider the following factors:
o Number of users and devices per department.
o Bandwidth requirements for applications (e.g., video conferencing).
o Security needs for sensitive data.
o Scalability for future growth.
∙ Document findings clearly and concisely.
2. Network Design Document (30 Marks)
∙ Create a comprehensive network design document outlining your proposed solution. ∙ Include the following sections:
o Network Topology: Describe and justify your chosen topology (e.g., star, hierarchical).
o Network Diagram: Use a network design tool (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer, Visio) to create a detailed network diagram, showing:
▪ Network devices (routers, switches, access points) with labels and
specifications.
▪ Interconnections using appropriate cabling (e.g., Cat6).
▪ IP addressing scheme, including subnet masks and VLAN segmentation. ▪ Device placement based on office layout.
o Equipment List: Provide a detailed list of required devices with specifications. Justify selections based on functionality, scalability, and budget.
o Security Considerations: Describe implemented security measures, such as: ▪ Strong password policies.
▪ Wireless security protocols (WPA2/WPA3) and encryption.
▪ Firewall configurations (if applicable based on budget).
Part 2: Network Implementation (30 Marks)
Note: This can be a simulation using a network design tool or a written explanation if physical equipment is unavailable.
1. Configuration Details (20 Marks)
Provide detailed configuration steps for the following devices:
∙ Switches: Configure VLANs for department separation and trunking for inter-VLAN communication.
∙ Routers: Set up static routes or routing protocols (e.g., RIPv2) for inter-VLAN routing and internet access.
∙ DHCP Server: Configure DHCP to automatically assign IP addresses (IPv4 and IPv6 options).
∙ Wireless Access Points: Set up SSID, security settings (WPA2/WPA3), and VLAN assignments (if applicable).
2. Testing and Verification (10 Marks)
Describe the steps for verifying network functionality:
∙ Connectivity Tests: Use ping tests to check connectivity within and between departments.
∙ Traceroute: Identify paths taken for internet traffic.
∙ File Sharing Tests: Ensure communication between departments.
∙ Internet Access Verification: Confirm network-wide internet access.
Part 3: Project Documentation and Presentation (30 Marks)
1. Project Report (20 Marks)
Prepare a professional report documenting the network design and implementation. Include: ∙ Executive Summary: Key aspects of the network design and implementation. ∙ Introduction: Project overview and XYZ Company’s network requirements. ∙ Network Requirements Analysis: Details of identified requirements. ∙ Network Design: Explanation of topology, diagram, equipment selection, and security measures.
∙ Network Implementation: Configuration steps for devices.
∙ Testing and Verification: Methods used for testing and validation.
∙ Conclusion: Summary of achievements and potential future improvements. 2. Presentation (10 Marks)
Deliver a 10-minute presentation to a non-technical audience, focusing on: ∙ Network requirements and identified needs.
∙ Chosen network topology and its advantages.
∙ Implemented security measures and their importance.
∙ Network functionality and benefits for XYZ Company.
Guidelines:
∙ Use clear, non-technical language.
∙ Utilize visual aids (network diagrams, screenshots).
∙ Ensure clarity, confidence, and effective communication.
Marking Scheme and Criteria
Part 1: Network Design (40 Marks)
∙ Network Requirements Analysis (10 Marks) – Completeness and relevance. ∙ Network Design Document (30 Marks)
o Network Topology (5 Marks) – Clarity and justification.
o Network Diagram (10 Marks) – Completeness, accuracy, and clarity. o Equipment List (5 Marks) – Appropriateness and justification.
o Security Considerations (10 Marks) – Comprehensiveness and effectiveness. Part 2: Network Implementation (30 Marks)
∙ Configuration Details (20 Marks) – Accuracy and completeness.
∙ Testing and Verification (10 Marks) – Thoroughness and effectiveness. Part 3: Documentation and Presentation (30 Marks)
∙ Project Report (20 Marks)
o Organization, clarity, and technical accuracy (10 Marks).
o Completeness and relevance (5 Marks).
o Presentation style and formatting (5 Marks).
∙ Presentation (10 Marks)
o Delivery style, clarity, and communication (5 Marks).
o Visual appeal and professionalism (3 Marks).
o Explanation of design choices and functionalities (2 Marks).
Additional Notes
1. Maintain a consistent formatting style for the report and presentation. 2. Proofread all documents before submission.
3. Be prepared to answer questions about your design and implementation choices. 4. Cite any external sources used to maintain academic integrity.
Best of Luck!
