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32011 Multilayer Switched Networks

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: Information Technology: Computing and Communications
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 32521 WANS and VLANS
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Recommended studies: knowledge of some routing protocols covered in 32009 Advanced Routing Principals is an advantage

Handbook description

This subject complements and extends the theory and practice learned by completing 32524 LANs and Routing and 32521 WANs and VLANs. This subject extends skills and knowledge in the design and implementation of switched campus networks using VLANs for performance, reliability and security. Inter VLAN routing methods are explored. Multicast protocols, including issues that arise with switched networks, are introduced. Practical work is done on Cisco Systems layer 2 and layer 3 switches. The course is run in the UTS Cisco Systems Network Academy. The subject is part of a sequence which will allow students to prepare for the CCNP industry certification.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At  the  end  of  the  subject  the  student  will  be  able  to:

  1. Describe  design  issues  and  limitations  typically  encountered  in  switched  local  and  metro area  networks. 
  2. Describe  some  theoretical  aspects  of  different  high speed  network  technologies 
  3. Explain  the  roles  and  relative  strengths  of  important  LAN  technologies  from  a  technical  perspective 
  4. Select  appropriate  switched network  technologies  for  different  situations 
  5. Demonstrate  proficiency  in  using  hierarchical  design  methodologies  for  designing  switched  networks 
  6. Acquire  practical  skills  for  analyzing  and  troubleshooting  problems  typically  encountered  in  switched  LANs 
  7. Configure  switches  to  meet  service  or  performance  objectives  commonly  found  in  LANs;  including  network  redundancy,  congestion  management,  traffic  flow  control,  multicast  traffic,  optimization  and  network  access  control. 
  8. Demonstrate an overview of emerging switching techniques.
  9. Describe the differences between wired and wireless LANs and the implementation of WLAN solutions.

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

This subject allows students to specialize in Switched LAN technologies including WLAN technology, and provides suitable preparation for the associated Cisco CCNP exam.

Teaching and learning strategies

Practical  work  and  Lectures; 
4  hours  allocated  to  laboratory access,  including  practical  skills exercises,  short  lectures,  case  studies,  studying  online  material and  class  discussion. 

Most factual content is available as on-line course material (CCNP3 Ver. 5) with simulations, e-laboratories, pre-tests and other learning support activities.  Students are expected and encouraged to study the on-line materials before class so that informed debate on issues is possible. Instructors will conduct classes on the understanding that all students have completed the required pre-study.

Students are expected to exercise considerable diligence, to strive for efficient utilisation of class time and laboratory facilities so as to ensure maximum benefit from these resources by their learning group.

Normal engagement time (not counting assignments):
7 hours/week.

Content

  1. Introduction to switched LAN design and models
  2. LAN traffic management using VLANs and VTP
  3. Using Spanning Tree Protocol for increased LAN stability
  4. Inter-VLAN Routing
  5. Multilayer switching for increased performance
  6. Using HSRP for switched-network redundancy
  7. Optimizing switched LANs for multicast service
  8. Describing WLAN topologies and Implementing WLAN solutions
  9. Switched LAN security and access control

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Case Study 3

Objective(s):

2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9
Weighting: 10%

Assessment Item 2: Online Exam

Objective(s):

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9
Weighting: 5%

Assessment Item 3: Written Exam

Objective(s):

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 4: Skills Exam

Objective(s):

2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9
Weighting: 35%

Minimum requirements

Online exam and written exam will be taken in normal class times. Allocation of students to time slots for skills exams will be published during week 11.

No supplementary examination will be given in this subject.  If you miss any piece of assessment through documented illness or misadventure, you should consult with the subject co-ordinator.  In the case of the final examination, your ‘Application for Alternative Examination (due to Illness or Misadventure)’ form must be submitted with appropriate documentation to the Student Information & Administration Centre within three working days of the examination.

Students must obtain a minimum mark of 50 to pass this subject.

Recommended texts

Richard Froom, Balaji Sivasubramanian, and Erum Frahim; Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH) Foundation Learning Guide: Foundation learning for SWITCH 642-813 (Foundation Learning Guides) - Hardcover (July 1, 2010)

Other resources

Cisco Academy and examination websites: http://cisco.netacad.com/public

NetLab Access: http://beanbag.it.uts.edu.au

32011 subject material: https://online.uts.edu.au/

Online discussions: http://online.uts.edu.au

Bell site on team work: http://www.bell.uts.edu.au/team.html