- Description
- Students acquire knowledge of internal and external risks to a network and develop strategies for protecting network data and securing a network. They also develop and apply a general strategy for troubleshooting network problems and acquire knowledge of the basic roles and responsibilities associated with network maintenance and support.
- 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 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 risks and problems most common to a small network and on the ability to apply troubleshooting strategies, tools and commands in specific situations. 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 provide a rationale for protecting network data and describe major components of a data backup strategy
1.1 give reasons for protecting data in a local area network (LAN)
1.2 describe the nature, scope and source of potential risks to data in a LAN
1.3 identify and describe major components of a data backup strategy including:
1.3.1 redundancy
1.3.2 fault-tolerance
1.3.3 data backup
1.3.4 uninterruptible power supply
1.4 design an appropriate data backup strategy, given a small office or home office network scenario
2 analyze security risks in a LAN and describe steps that can be taken to secure a network
2.1 give reasons for network security
2.2 describe the nature, scope and source of internal and external security risks in a LAN environment
2.3 identify the characteristics of threats imposed by:
2.3.1 viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other new attack technologies
2.3.2 direct attacks such as:
2.3.2.1 eavesdropping
2.3.2.2 password attacks
2.3.3 Internet Protocol (IP) address spoofing
2.4 identify and describe strategies for protecting a LAN from internal and external risks including:
2.4.1 user authentication, access permissions and account options
2.4.2 share permissions and user group access rights
2.4.3 virus protection
2.4.4 firewalls
2.4.5 data encryption
2.5 design an appropriate security plan, given a small office or home office network scenario
3 demonstrate an understanding of the functions and key roles of network maintenance and support in an organization
3.1 outline considerations that are required to maintain and support an operating network including:
3.1.1 anticipated activities
3.1.2 data integrity
3.1.3 hardware and software standards
3.1.4 repair policies
3.1.5 system monitoring
3.1.6 training
3.2 identify benefits associated with network maintenance and support
3.3 identify and describe key functions and roles related to network maintenance and support activities including:
3.3.1 network maintenance policies
3.3.2 network documentation
3.3.3 vendor upgrades
3.3.4 system backup
3.4 identify hardware devices/software tools used to gather information to assist network maintenance and support activities
3.5 develop a plan to maintain and support an operating network
4 use appropriate strategies, tools and commands to troubleshoot common network problems
4.1 describe the most common sources of network problems in a LAN including:
4.1.1 user error
4.1.2 software
4.1.3 physical connectivity
4.2 demonstrate the safe use of troubleshooting tools
4.3 demonstrate the use of the following appropriate software commands to check configuration or connectivity:
4.3.1 Internet Protocol configuration (IPCONFIG)
4.3.2 Packet Internet Groper (PING)
4.3.3 traceroute (TRACERT)
4.4 outline a general strategy for troubleshooting network problems that:
4.4.1 establishes the symptoms
4.4.2 identifies the affected area
4.4.3 establishes what has changed
4.4.4 selects the most probable cause
4.4.5 implements a solution
4.4.6 tests the results
4.4.7 recognizes the potential effects of the solution
4.4.8 documents the solution
4.5 use appropriate strategies, tools and commands, given a small office or home office network scenario, to troubleshoot common network problems related to:
4.5.1 a particular physical topology
4.5.2 client connectivity
4.5.3 wiring and/or infrastructure
4.5.4 remote connectivity
5 demonstrate established laboratory procedures and safe work practices
6 demonstrate basic competencies
6.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
6.1.1 communicate
6.1.2 manage information
6.1.3 use numbers
6.1.4 think and solve problems
6.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
6.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
6.2.2 be responsible
6.2.3 be adaptable
6.2.4 learn continuously
6.2.5 work safely
6.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
6.3.1 work with others
6.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
7 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
7.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
7.2 identify steps to achieve goals
Program of Studies 2009. Source document, © Alberta Education.