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NET2030 Network Structures

Intermediate · 1 credit · BIT - Business, Admin, Finance and IT

Description
Students acquire an understanding of network infrastructure and assess the advantages and disadvantages of different types of networks. They also develop knowledge of data transmission principles in a computer network and compare features of different network topologies and transmission methods.
Prerequisite
None
Parameters
Designed to be delivered in conjunction with other intermediate level courses in the computer networking systems. Schools have the option of delivering courses in conjunction with one or more project courses if they wish to extend learning and/or address other specific technologies. Access to an appropriate computer work station, the Internet, networking hardware, software and tools, and consumable supplies. Access to instruction from an individual with specialized knowledge and skills in computer networking. Particular emphasis is given to network infrastructure, concepts and terminology relevant to network topology and architecture. Students model and assume personal responsibility for ethical behaviour in their use of networking technologies and in their access to electronic sources of information. They also demonstrate an understanding of industry-based policies regarding network use and security.
Supporting courses
ELT1010: Electro-assembly 1 NET1010: Digital Technology 1 NET2020: Workstation Technology & Operations NET2110: Telecommunications 1

Outcomes The student will:

  • 1 describe and explain the evolution of computer/Internet networks and the general structure and function of peer-to-peer and server-based networks, local area networks and wide area networks

    • 1.1 summarize the history of networking, from the telegraph to modern computer technology

    • 1.2 describe the evolution of standards for data transmission, from Morse code to the American standard code for information interchange (ASCII)

    • 1.3 create a time line of specific milestones in the history of computer networking

    • 1.4 identify emerging networking technologies and their impact on global communications

    • 1.5 describe a computer network and solutions provided by computer networking including:

      • 1.5.1 file sharing

      • 1.5.2 hardware sharing

      • 1.5.3 program sharing

      • 1.5.4 user communication

      • 1.5.5 new methodologies

    • 1.6 give examples of resources commonly shared within a network environment

    • 1.7 describe the structure, purpose and function of peer-to-peer and server-based networks

    • 1.8 compare and contrast peer-to-peer and server-based networks with respect to:

      • 1.8.1 number of work stations

      • 1.8.2 relative cost

      • 1.8.3 security

      • 1.8.4 administration

      • 1.8.5 data backup

    • 1.9 describe and compare the structure, purpose and function of local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs) and wide area networks (WANs)

    • 1.10 create schematic diagrams for the physical layout of LANs, MANs and WANs

    • 1.11 describe and give examples of how networks may be categorized; e.g., topology, protocol, architecture, media

  • 2 describe and demonstrate basic principles of data transmission in a computer network

    • 2.1 describe characteristics of digital and analog signalling

    • 2.2 explain concepts and technical terms associated with data signalling and transmission including:

      • 2.2.1 propagation, modulation and encoding

      • 2.2.2 baseband and broadband signalling

      • 2.2.3 transmission speed and bandwidth

      • 2.2.4 attenuation, reflection and noise

      • 2.2.5 dispersion, jitter and latency

      • 2.2.6 data collision

    • 2.3 describe and illustrate the structure of data packets and frames

    • 2.4 explain applications of packet-sniffing software to capture and analyze data packets and frames

    • 2.5 convert binary and hexadecimal numbers to decimal numbers

    • 2.6 identify problems and solutions related to data collision in a shared media environment

  • 3 describe and compare the features of bus, star, ring, mesh, wireless and hybrid topologies, Ethernet, token ring, fibre distributed data interface (FDDI) and wireless transmission methods

    • 3.1 describe and compare the unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of common physical network topologies; e.g., bus, star, ring, mesh, wireless, hybrid and new topologies

    • 3.2 explain the function of network segments and backbones

    • 3.3 create schematic diagrams for the physical layout of bus, star, ring, mesh, wireless, hybrid and new topologies

    • 3.4 describe the architecture of an Ethernet network with respect to:

      • 3.4.1 physical topology

      • 3.4.2 access strategy

      • 3.4.3 carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD)

      • 3.4.4 media and hardware devices

      • 3.4.5 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards

    • 3.5 describe and compare the main features of token ring, FDDI, LocalTalk and wireless networks with respect to:

      • 3.5.1 topology

      • 3.5.2 methodology and access strategy

      • 3.5.3 media type

      • 3.5.4 speed

    • 3.6 select an appropriate topology and network architecture, and design a network to address user needs, given a particular set of network requirements

  • 4 demonstrate basic competencies

    • 4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:

      • 4.1.1 communicate

      • 4.1.2 manage information

      • 4.1.3 use numbers

      • 4.1.4 think and solve problems

    • 4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:

      • 4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours

      • 4.2.2 be responsible

      • 4.2.3 be adaptable

      • 4.2.4 learn continuously

      • 4.2.5 work safely

    • 4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:

      • 4.3.1 work with others

      • 4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks

  • 5 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster

    • 5.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment

    • 5.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities

Program of Studies 2009. Source document, © Alberta Education.