This document provides an overview of the Business Computer Networks module. The aims are to provide awareness of networking technology, terminology, and the benefits of networks for businesses. Learning outcomes include illustrating networking concepts and understanding networks' value. The module covers topics like network design, media, architectures, and security. Assessments include an exam and coursework assignment. Students are encouraged to study independently to fully understand the topics.

1. Business Computer Networks
Module
Overview
Tom Caira
School of Computing
E252
0141-848-3915
tom.caira@uws.ac.uk
Twitter: @TomCaira

2. Aims of the Module
• To provide you with a basic awareness of
networking technology and terminology
associated with the Internet and business
computer networks.
• To provide you with an awareness of the
benefits that networking technologies bring to
the business community and to engender an
appreciation of the strategic and operational
value of business computer networks
©2012 Tom Caira
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3. Learning Outcomes
• By the end of this course you should be
able to
– Illustrate broad knowledge of the basic
concepts, technologies and terminology
associated with the Internet and business
computer networks.
– Demonstrate an understanding and
appreciation of the value and benefits of
business computer networks
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4. Module Topics
1. Introduction to Networks & Networking Concepts
2. Network Design Essentials
3. Networking Media and Network Interface Cards
4. Making Networks Work
5. Network Architectures
6. Simple and Complex Computer Networks
7. Introduction to Network Security
8. Supporting Small Business Computer Networks
9. Enterprise and Wide Area Networks
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10. Solving Network Problems
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5. Industry Certification
• CompTIA Network+
– Recognised by many IT companies as essential or
desirable for working in a networking technician role
– This module covers most (but not all) of the Network+
syllabus
• You may choose to complete the syllabus yourself and also
take the Network+ certification exam
• You can arrange to take this certification exam at the
University
– But it is not part of your programme of study and you will have to pay
for the certification exam yourself
• More info
©2012 Tom Caira
– http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/network.aspx
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6. Module Assessments
• One Examination
• One Coursework Assignment
• Each worth 50% of the overall
assessment for the module
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7. Teaching Staff
• Tom Caira Room E252
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8. Recommended Textbooks
• There is no required textbook for this module
• The notes and additional information that I give
to you on Moodle should be enough
• If you feel that a book might help you then you
might consider buying
– Tomsho, 2011, Guide to Networking Essentials, 6th Edition
• Available on Amazon for approx. £55
– White, 2012, Fundamentals of Networking and Data
Communications, International edition of 7th revised edition
• Available on Amazon for approx. £45
• There are a huge number of networking-
©2012 Tom Caira
type books available 8

9. Delivery Mechanism
• Paper Free
– Using Moodle
• http://moodle.uws.ac.uk
• Should automatically be given access once you
have enrolled and registered for this module
• Check that you can get access and familiarise
yourself with the Moodle system
• If you have enrolled and are unable to access
Moodle then let me know immediately
• If you have not yet enrolled then do so ASAP
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10. Module Schedule
• 10 Units
– See Module Plan for delivery schedule
– Approximately 3-4 hours contact per week
• 1-2 Hours Lecture
• 1-2 Hour Tutorial or Activity or Lab
– Anticipated that you will also spend at least
another 6 hours per week on private study
• Reading the notes, reviewing tutorial exercises,
reviewing further information provided on Moodle
©2012 Tom Caira
– Note this is in addition to time spent on your coursework
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11. Lecture
• Compulsory
• 1-2 hours per week
– 9.00am Wednesdays in L221
– 6.00pm Wednesdays in E223 (Evening Students)
• Make sure that you prepare before
coming to the lectures
– i.e. At very least look over the lecture notes
• Lecture material and any recommended
reading will always be available by the
©2012 Tom Caira
Monday before the class 11

12. Tutorial/Lab/Activity Sessions
• These will run when appropriate
and when time permits
– Discussion
– Demonstration
– Quiz
– Practical work
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13. Private Study / Further Reading
• This module requires you to get involved in a
great deal of research and “understanding” of
the topics that are presented
• There is not enough time during lectures and
other sessions to go through everything in great
detail
• You will likely only achieve this “understanding”
if you commit extra time for further reading and
private study
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14. Assessment
• Standard University exam
– 3 questions from 5
• Coursework
– Written Report & Presentation
• Group project
– Maximum 4 students per group
– undertake an analysis and specification based
assignment on a business computer network
©2012 Tom Caira
installation for a real or simulated client –
(approx. 3000 words) 14

15. And Finally!!
• Enjoy the experience
• Very interesting and hopefully very useful
module
• Very current and “sellable”
• Business (and Home) computer networks
are becoming increasingly essential
– Next 5 to 10 years (and beyond) hold great
promise for suitably qualified professionals
©2012 Tom Caira
• Hopefully plenty of job opportunities
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