You have been recently hired as a Network Engineer and assigned the task of designing and implementing a network that is based on the requirements and specifications outlined by your manager.

Module Number: CTF3303 Module Name: Computer Systems Year/Semester: 2024-25 / Semester 1 Module Tutor/s: TBC

Assessment Number

1 Part 1

Assessment Type (and weighting)

Summative Assessment (50%)

Assessment Name

Coursework

Assessment Submission Date

Week 15

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO1: Design a networked computing system in response to a business-based design brief

LO2: Work as an effective member of a team

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Applications in this Assessment

AI Status

Application

Notes

Category A

No GAI tool is permitted.

While grammar and/or spell checkers may be used to correct individual words and sentences, the use of GAI is not allowed. This is because the learning outcomes require you to produce original assessment work without any GAI assistance

Any GAI generated content which is presented as your own original work and is not acknowledged will be assessed for academic misconduct.

Assessment Brief
Produce a report of 1500 words in which you cover each task with:

Theoretical concept used in the specific task along with in-text citation and references.

Description of how you have implemented the solution.

Screenshot of the Network with appropriate label.

Attach .pkt file (Packet Tracer) as an Object to the word document at end of the task or in the appendix section. Please click on the following link for the video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1vZbJORl-s&ab_channel=SharonSmith

Add proper in-text citations in the main body of your portfolio and Reference list at the end of the document.

Refer to Section 12 in Module Guide for Assessment structure and Guidance.
You Assignment Submission must have following structure:

Cover PageTable of ContentsIntroductionTasks following the above-mentioned criteria.Reference ListAppendix (optional)
Note:

All students will have to demonstrate their work to their tutors before making final Submission: Possibly Week 14

Scenario:
HashiCorp Ltd. is specialised in delivering IT infrastructure solutions to medium-sized organisations world-wide. With the expansion of the company, a newly acquired branch needs a network. Your manager is faced with the demands of business and plethora of technology challenges.

You have been recently hired as a Network Engineer and assigned the task of designing and implementing a network that is based on the requirements and specifications outlined by your manager.

Additionally, you are responsible for monitoring the network firewall, assessing the functionality of the network router, ensuring all Internet security software is updated regularly, developing, and implementing company email policies and maintaining the company phone system.

Each group have been assigned the task of designing, implementing a network infrastructure for HashiCorp Ltd. by internetworking three departments which are as follows:

Finance:

10 computers & 1 printer

Production:

10 computers & 1 printer

Sales:

15 computers & 1 printer

IP Telephony (VoIP) all desktops have an associated telephone set

The network consists of 3 Servers:

HTTP Email
DNS
All servers are shared between all users.

The figure below is a schematic representation of the network infrastructure outlined in the tables above.

Figure 1: A schematic diagram showing the necessary network infrastructure requirements for HASHICORP LTD.

Note:
The figure above is not to be reproduced in submitted reports. You will need to implement your selected network topology, justifying your choice accordingly.

Tasks:
The IT Manager emphasised on scalability, availability and hence you are required to provide a complete network infrastructure design and implementation. Hashi Corp Ltd. will be using the following IP address: 192.168.10.0/24

Design a networked system to meet a given specification. Use packet tracer software to design your network.
Test and evaluate the design to meet the requirements. Install and configure network services and applications. Design a maintenance schedule to support the networked system.
Use all the command lines to troubleshoot your designed network. At this stage you may need to identify the cause of any problem on your designed network and find a possible solution.
Usually, implementing a possible solution involves making changes to the network, therefore, document and analyse test results against expected results.
Recommend potential enhancements for the networked systems. And finally, use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions.
Work effectively in groups; Keep the records of individual contributions as this will be reviewed in the group presentation.
Write a report explaining your networks design and implementation. You are required to cover all aspects of this project providing sufficient evidence from your work. The report must include evidence from research to support your findings. You are expected to include a minimum of 5 sources with a minimum of 3 academic books.
Declaration:At the end of the assessment, you should also include a declaration of any software tools including Generative AI (GAI) applications that you used in developing and completing the assessment.

Minimum Secondary Research Source Requirements:
Level 3- It is expected that the Reference List will contain at least five sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include three academic books.

Specific Assessment Criteria:
Marking Scheme:

Task

Marks

Design of the network platform including the definition of any security issues that could arise with the new systems recommendation

25

Documentation of the proposed network infrastructure detailing the reason for PC and network device selection

20

Test/Analyse network connectivity using Packet-Tracer and provide the connectivity test data to prove efficient transmission of data packets from PC to PC and from PC to Server(s)

15

Conclusion and Recommendations

10

Good report writing, report structure, referencing (minimum of 5 sources) and layout

10

Group presentation (20 mins) delivery, artwork, presentation, interaction

20

First class (70% and above):
Students will provide an excellent implementation of a networked computer system, demonstrating critical insight and excellent understanding of complex matters.

Focused and justified recommendations will be made as to how problems/weaknesses identified in the networked system may be overcome, and non-functional requirements improved. Extensive research demonstrating use of a wide range of well selected secondary research resources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be excellent

Upper Second Class 2(1) (60-69%):
Students will provide a perceptive implementation of a networked computer system, demonstrating critical insight and clear understanding of complex matters.

Well thought through and justified recommendations will be made as to how problems/weaknesses identified in the networked system may be overcome, and non-functional requirements improved. Research demonstrating use of a wide range of well selected secondary research resources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be very good.

Lower Second Class 2(2) (50-59%):
Students will provide a sound implementation of a networked computer system, demonstrating a clear and critical understanding of complex matters.

Justified recommendations will be made as to how problems/weaknesses identified in the networked system may be overcome, and non-functional requirements improved. Research demonstrating use of a wide range of well selected secondary research resources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be good

Third class (40-49%):
Students will provide a satisfactory implementation of a networked computer system, demonstrating sufficient understanding of complex matters. Considered recommendations will be made as to how problems/weaknesses identified in the networked system may be overcome, and non-functional requirements improved. Research demonstrating use of a wide range of well selected secondary research resources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be competent.

Fail (39% and below):
Students who do not meet the requirements of a third-class grade will not successfully complete the assessment activity

GENERAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES LEVEL 3
Relevance

Learning outcomes must be met for an overall pass

Knowledge and Understanding

Analysis, Creativity and Problem-Solving

Self-awareness and Reflection

Research/

Referencing

Written English

Presentation and Structure

Class I
(Exceptional Quality)

85% – 100%

Work is directly relevant and expertly addresses the requirements of the brief.

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates breadth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice beyond the threshold expectation for the level.

Demonstrates excellent understanding of key concepts in different contexts.

Presents an excellent discussion of findings through the analysis of information sources.

Draws justified, relevant and thoughtful conclusions.

Demonstrates creative fair and initiative.

Applies excellent problem-solving skills.

Provides insightful reflection and self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility.

A range of contemporary and relevant reference sources selected and drawn upon.

Sources cited accurately l in both the body of text and in the Reference List/ Bibliography.

Writing style is clear and appropriate to the requirements of the assessment. An exceptionally well written answer with competent spelling, grammar and punctuation. For example, paragraphs are well structured, include linking and signposting, and bullet points are used appropriately. Sentences are complete and different types are used. A wide range of appropriate vocabulary is used.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured.

Where relevant, there is effective use of, and reference to, figures, tables and images.

Class I
(Excellent Quality)

70% – 84%

Work is relevant and comprehensively addresses the requirements of the brief.

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates an excellent breadth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

Demonstrates excellent understanding of concepts.

Presents an excellent overview of findings through the interpretation of relevant information sources.

Draws justified, relevant and thoughtful conclusions.

Clear evidence of initiative.

Applies excellent problem-solving skills.

Provides excellent reflection and self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility.

A range of relevant reference sources selected and drawn upon.

Sources cited well in both the body of text and in the Reference List/Bibliography.

Writing style is clear and appropriate for the type of assignment. Paragraphs are well-structured with linking and signposting and bullet points are used appropriately. There are a few minor grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes that do not pose difficulties for the reader. A very good range of vocabulary is demonstrated. Sentences are complete and a few different types are used.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured.

Where relevant, there is effective use of and reference to, figures, tables and images.

Class II/i
(Very Good Quality)

60% – 69%

Work is relevant and addresses most of the requirements of the brief well.

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates a thorough breadth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

Demonstrates very good understanding of concepts.

Presents a perceptive overview of findings through the interpretation of relevant information sources.

Draws justified and relevant conclusions.

Demonstrates initiative.

Applies strong problem-solving skills.

Provides justified reflection in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, as required by the assessment.

A range of appropriate reference sources drawn upon.

Sources cited well in the main in the text and in the Reference List/ Bibliography.

Writing style is mainly clear and appropriate for the type of assignment. Paragraphs are mostly well-structured with linking and signposting, and bullet points are used appropriately. Grammar, punctuation or spelling mistakes may be frequent, but do not pose difficulty for the reader. A good range of vocabulary is demonstrated. Sentences are complete with some attempt at different types.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured in the main.

Where relevant, there is use of figures, tables and images.

Relevance

Learning outcomes must be met for an overall pass

Knowledge and Understanding

Analysis, Creativity and Problem-Solving

Self-awareness and Reflection

Research/

Referencing

Written English

Presentation and Structure

Class II/ii
(Good Quality)

50% – 59%

Work addresses key requirements of the brief. Some irrelevant content.

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates a sound breadth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

Demonstrates sound understanding of key concepts.

Presents a clear overview of findings through the interpretation of some relevant information sources.

Draws relevant conclusions.

Demonstrates some initiative.

Applies sound problem-solving skills.

Provides some reflection in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, as required by the assessment.

Relevant reference sources drawn upon.

Some sources cited well in both the body of text and in the Reference List/Bibliography.

Writing style is broadly appropriate for the type of assignment. Paragraphs are used and most contain some linking and signposting. Bullet points are not overused. Grammar, punctuation or spelling mistakes may be frequent, but do not cause significant difficulty for the reader. A range of vocabulary is demonstrated. Sentences are complete.

The presentational style and layout are largely correct for the type of assignment.

Logically structured in the most part.

Where relevant, effective placement of some figures, tables and images.

Class III
(Satisfactory Quality)

40% – 49%

Work addresses the requirements of the brief, although superficially in places. Some irrelevant content.

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates a sufficient breadth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

Demonstrates a sufficient understanding of key concepts.

Presents an overview of findings through the interpretation of a limited number of relevant information sources.

Draws some relevant conclusions.

Demonstrates limited initiative.

Applies some problem-solving skills.

Provides limited reflection in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, as required by the assessment.

Some relevant reference sources selected and drawn upon.

Some weaknesses in referencing technique.

Writing style is not appropriate in places for the type of assignment. There may be some over-reliance on bullet points, but attempts at paragraphs, signposting and linking are also evident. Grammar, punctuation or spelling mistakes may be frequent and a few may pose minor difficulties for the reader. Vocabulary may be limited. Sentences are mostly complete.

The presentational style and layout are largely correct for the type of assignment.

Adequately structured.

Inclusion of some figures, tables and images but not always relevant and/or clear.

Borderline

Fail
35% – 39%

Work addresses only some of the requirements of the brief. Irrelevant and superficial content.

One or more learning outcomes have not been met.

Demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level. Demonstrates a lack of understanding of key concepts.

Presents a limited overview of findings with little consideration of the quality of information drawn upon.

Draws some irrelevant conclusions.

Demonstrates little initiative.

Problem-solving skills are lacking.

Provides scant reflection in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, when required.

Sources selected are limited and lack relevance.

Poor referencing technique employed.

Writing style is unclear and does not match the requirements of the assessment in question.

Deficiencies in spelling, grammar and punctuation makes reading difficult and arguments unclear in places. Paragraphs are poorly structured.

For the type of assignment the presentational style, layout and/or structure are lacking.

Figures, tables and images included when required but these lack clarity and relevance.

Fail

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Work does not address the requirements of the brief. Irrelevant and superficial content.

One or more learning outcomes have not been met.

Demonstrates inadequate knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

Demonstrates insufficient understanding of key concepts.

Presents a poor overview of findings with no consideration of the quality of information drawn upon.

Draws irrelevant conclusions.

Initiative and problem-solving skills are absent.

Provides no reflection in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, when required.

There is an absence of relevant sources.

Poor referencing technique employed.

Writing style is unclear and does not match the requirements of the assessment in question.

Deficiencies in spelling, grammar and punctuation makes reading difficult and arguments unclear. Unstructured paragraphs.