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32011 Multilayer Switched Networks

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, 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.

Subject handbook information prior to 2018 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Information Technology: Electrical and Data Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 32524 LANS and Routing AND 32521c WANS and VLANS
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.

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

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. Various methods regarding planning, configuring, and verifying the implementation of complex enterprise switching solutions are explored. 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 allows students to prepare for the CCNP industry certification.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

01. Describe design issues and limitations typically encountered in switched campus networks.
02. Describe some theoretical aspects of different high speed switched network technologies
03. Explain the roles and relative strengths of important LAN technologies from a technical perspective
04. Select appropriate switched network technologies for different situations
05. Demonstrate proficiency in using hierarchical design methodologies for designing switched networks
06. Acquire practical skills for analysing and troubleshooting problems typically encountered in switched LANs
07. Configure switches to meet service or performance objectives commonly found in LANs including network redundancy, campus network management and infrastructure security.
08. Demonstrate an overview of emerging switching techniques.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Identify, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs. (A.1)
  • Identify constraints, uncertainties and risk of the system (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.) (A.3)
  • Apply principles of sustainability to create viable systems (A.4)
  • Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies (B.1)
  • Design components, systems and/ or processes to meet required specification (B.2)
  • Synthesise alternative/innovative solutions, concepts and procedures (B.3)
  • Implement and test solutions (B.5)

Teaching and learning strategies

4 contact hours per week, consisting of a combined tutorial, laboratory and mini lecture session.

Most factual content is available as online course material with e-laboratories, pre-tests and other learning support activities. Students are required to study the online materials and complete any assigned activities 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, and will make use of this pre-study during the class time.

The approach of collaborative learning is carried out in this subject. The students are organized in groups and engage with other students to complete the planned teaching tasks together, including the lab activities and the skill based assessment. 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.

The subject 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.

Expected commitment time : 7 hours/week. Additional time will be required on the assignments.

Content (topics)

1. Introduction to switched LAN design and models
2. LAN traffic management using VLANs, Trunking, VTP and Ethernet Channel
3. Using Spanning Tree Protocol for increased LAN stability
4. Inter-VLAN Routing
5. Multilayer switching for increased performance
6. First-Hop Redundancy using HSRP, VRRP and GLBP
7. Introduction to network management including AAA, NTP and SNMP
8. Switching features and technologies for the campus network
9. Switched campus network security

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Weekly Chapter Online tests

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

01, 02, 03, 04, 05 and 06

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs):

A.3, B.1, B.3 and B.5

Type: Exercises
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 5%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Correctness of the answer 33 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 B.1, B.3
Correctness of assessment of implications, and consequences 33 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 B.3, B.5
Relevance of assessed risks 34 06 A.3
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Quiz

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

01, 02, 03 and 04

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs):

B.1 and B.3

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 15%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Correctness of the answer 50 01, 02, 03, 04 B.1, B.3
Correctness of application of theory 50 01, 02, 03, 04 B.1, B.3
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Skill Based Assessment

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

04, 05, 06 and 07

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs):

A.1, A.3, A.4, B.1, B.2, B.3 and B.5

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance of assessed risks 20 06 A.3
Application of sustainability theory 40 05, 06, 07 A.1, A.4, B.2
Application of methodology 40 04, 05, 06, 07 B.1, B.3, B.5
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 4: Online Test

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 and 08

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, B.3 and B.5

Type: Examination
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 10%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Correctness of the answer 50 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 B.1, B.3, B.5
Correctness of assessment of implications, and consequences. 50 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 B.1, B.3, B.5
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 5: Written Test

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 08

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs):

A.3, B.1 and B.3

Type: Examination
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Correctness of the answer 50 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 08 B.1, B.3
Interpretation of analysis 50 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 08 A.3, B.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Required texts

Erum Frahim; Richard Froom; Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH) Foundation Learning Guide: (CCNP SWITCH 300-115); Cisco Press (2015)
(UTS Library e-Book access: http://proquestcombo.safaribooksonline.com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/book/certification/ccnp/9780133965827 )

CCNP Switch Lab Manual.
This manual will be provided by UTS.

Other resources

Cisco Academy and Examination Website: https://www.netacad.com
Online support for this subject will be provided through UTSOnline. The URL for UTSOnline: http://www.online.uts.edu.au
BELL site on team work: http://www.bell.uts.edu.au/groupwork
The UTS Coursework Assessment Policy & Procedure Manual: www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/coursewkassess.html