CTSPlanner
Sign-in not configured
← Networking

NET3060 Wide Area Networks

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

Description
Students develop basic knowledge of the technologies employed in a wide area network (WAN) and of how a WAN may be used to connect local area networks (LANs) at different locations. Students gain practical experience in using WAN technologies to establish remote network access and they analyze emerging WAN technologies with respect to the impact on global networking.
Prerequisite
NET2030: Network Structures NET2040: Network Media & Devices NET2050: Open System Interconnection NET2060: Network Protocols NET2070: Local Area Networks
Parameters
Designed to be delivered in conjunction with other advanced level courses in 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 vendor-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 placed on introductory level knowledge of WAN concepts, and on the application of WAN technologies. 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.

Outcomes The student will:

  • 1 describe the general structure, function and communication services provided by a WAN

    • 1.1 describe and illustrate the basic structure and function of a WAN

    • 1.2 compare and contrast the structure of and communication services provided by:

      • 1.2.1 LANs, metropolitan area networks (MANs) and WANs

      • 1.2.2 public networks, private networks and virtual private networks (VPNs)

    • 1.3 describe and give examples of:

      • 1.3.1 analog and digital carrier systems and services

      • 1.3.2 major standards for digital carrier services including: data signaling standards, T- and E- carrier standards

    • 1.4 describe basic processes of modulation, synchronization and multiplexing in a WAN

    • 1.5 describe and compare:

      • 1.5.1 dial-up and dedicated connections

      • 1.5.2 asynchronous and synchronous modems

      • 1.5.3 new technologies for WAN connections including: Bluetooth, wireless, ultra wideband

    • 1.6 identify common types of lease lines and the advantages and disadvantages associated with dedicated lease lines

  • 2 explain, compare and contrast how typical circuit-switching and packet-switching sessions work

    • 2.1 explain and illustrate how a typical circuit-switching and packet-switching session works

    • 2.2 compare design features of switched virtual circuits and permanent virtual circuits

    • 2.3 describe the physical characteristics (i.e., speed, capacity, media, basic functions and user services) including:

      • 2.3.1 common circuit-switching technologies; e.g., integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), wireless, new network technology

      • 2.3.2 common packet-switching technologies such as: x.25, frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), synchronous optical network/synchronous digital hierarchy (SONET/SDH), new packet technology

    • 2.4 define the concept of quality of service

    • 2.5 compare the quality of service offered by selected circuit-switching and packet-switching technologies

    • 2.6 explain WAN design considerations related to:

      • 2.6.1 committed information rate

      • 2.6.2 error rate and packet loss

  • 3 demonstrate applications of WAN technology in providing network users with remote access

    • 3.1 describe and compare different approaches used to provide network users with remote access including:

      • 3.1.1 dial-up connections

      • 3.1.2 VPN connections

      • 3.1.3 wireless

      • 3.1.4 new technologies

    • 3.2 explain the function of a remote access server and common remote access protocols and services including:

      • 3.2.1 Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)

      • 3.2.2 Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

      • 3.2.3 Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP)

      • 3.2.4 Independent Computing Architecture (ICA)

      • 3.2.5 Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS)

      • 3.2.6 new protocols

    • 3.3 recommend a remote access connectivity solution and select a remote access protocol/service, given a need for remote connectivity in a small office or home office scenario

  • 4 identify and describe security issues in a WAN and the function of network security protocols and methods

    • 4.1 identify internal and external security issues in a WAN

    • 4.2 identify the purpose and components of a network security policy

    • 4.3 describe/illustrate the purpose and function of the following common security protocols:

      • 4.3.1 Internet Protocol Security (IPSec)

      • 4.3.2 Kerberos

      • 4.3.3 Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol (L2TP)

      • 4.3.4 Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

      • 4.3.5 new protocols

    • 4.4 explain the purpose, characteristics and benefits of a:

      • 4.4.1 firewall

      • 4.4.2 proxy server

    • 4.5 predict the impact of implementing a particular security strategy on network functionality

  • 5 analyze emerging WAN technologies with respect to design, evolution and impact on global networking

    • 5.1 identify and briefly describe five or more emerging WAN technologies

    • 5.2 analyze three or more emerging WAN technologies, including any of the following, with respect to elements of design, historical evolution and benefits to global networking:

      • 5.2.1 plain old telephone system (POTS), xDSL, Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) and cable, as examples of last mile solutions

      • 5.2.2 technologies designed to address bandwidth requirements

      • 5.2.3 Internet Protocol (IP) version 6

      • 5.2.4 tunnelling protocols

      • 5.2.5 VPN solutions

      • 5.2.6 wireless/satellite networks

      • 5.2.7 Internet telephony

      • 5.2.8 voice-over-Internet protocol

      • 5.2.9 ultra wideband networking

      • 5.2.10 emerging networking technologies

  • 6 demonstrate established laboratory procedures and safe work practices

  • 7 demonstrate basic competencies

    • 7.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:

      • 7.1.1 communicate

      • 7.1.2 manage information

      • 7.1.3 use numbers

      • 7.1.4 think and solve problems

    • 7.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:

      • 7.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours

      • 7.2.2 be responsible

      • 7.2.3 be adaptable

      • 7.2.4 learn continuously

      • 7.2.5 work safely

    • 7.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:

      • 7.3.1 work with others

      • 7.3.2 participate in projects and tasks

  • 8 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values

    • 8.1 identify short-term and long-term goals

    • 8.2 identify steps to achieve goals

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