Description
This module introduces the ideas and concepts of how computers, mobile devices and gadgets communicate via a wide range of communications technologies with each other and other devices. This will include interactions via technologies such as Ethernet, VLANS, STP, Wireless, Routing, Subnetting, IPv6, SNMP, DHCP, DNS, Firewalls and Network Management
Aims
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with an understanding of the key technologies used by computer devices to communicate with each other, along with the skills required to analyse weakness’s in the current technologies and propose solutions that would help to stop the weaknesses.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the communications technologies which can be used to communicate between network devices.
2. Critically evaluate the security of a range of technologies used for communicating in a network.
3. Appreciate the issues of network design and management
Indicative Content
1 VLANS
Describe the core concept of VLANS and trunking along with the common attacks that can be used against them
2 STP
Investigate how STP can be used to create a loop free network and how this can be exploited by an attacker
3 Static Routing
Examine how routing works and show it can be used for pivoting deeper into a network
4 Subnetting and Variable Length Subnet Masks
Classful and classless addressing. Benefits and impact on routing protocols. Design of LANs using VLSM techniques
5 Network Application protocols
Investigation into various networking protocols used at the application layer of the OSI model along with common security weaknesses.
6 Firewalls
Software and hardware firewalls - their application, uses and how to counter them.
7 Intrusion Detection Systems
Examine how Intrusion detection systems work and how they can be bypassed
8 Network Management
Examine network management protocols (Simple Network Management Protocol SNMP) and current practice
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 12 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 0 |
| Practical Activity | 39 |
| Assessment | 75 |
| Independent | 74 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
