Unit 9:

Computer Networks

Unit code:

R/601/7320

QCF Level 3:

BTEC National

Credit value:

10

Guided learning hours: 60

Aim and purpose
The aim of this unit is to ensure learners understand the key components of networked systems, know about
network protocols and the services provided by network systems and develop the skills required to ensure
network security.

Unit introduction
Networks are used in one way or another by virtually every organisation, from simple use of internet services
through internal file sharing to wide area networks exchanging data across continents. Therefore, it is essential
that learners thinking of careers within the IT industry have a good understanding of the underlying principles
of networking and how data travels around networks.
This unit starts by exploring the different types of networks and the standards relating to network systems,
including local and wide area networks. Networks can be either wired or wireless systems and, although
much of the underpinning content is similar, this unit does make reference to both.
The hardware and software components used in networks and their operation are explored and learners will
develop an understanding of their functions and how they relate to each other, particularly how connections
are made and the purpose of these connection devices.
As users of networks, we work with them mostly through the services that they provide, from simple
services such as file sharing and communications to more complex services involving security and account
management. Learners will explore and use the different services available.
For networks to be suitable they must be secure and networks distributed across several physical locations,
perhaps via a WAN, makes the ensuring of security a complex business. Learners will be exploring the
technologies used to create secure systems and putting security procedures and devices in place to secure a
networked system. Learners will come to understand the risks to businesses from insecure networks.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:

Know types of network systems and protocols

Understand the key components used in networking

Know the services provided by network systems

Be able to make networked systems secure.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Information Technology

Issue 3 September 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

Unit content
1 Know types of network systems and protocols
Types of network: local area network (LAN); wide area network (WAN), internet; WAN technologies eg
frame relay, MPLS, ATM; Personal Area Network (PAN); logical and physical topologies eg star, bus, ring,
mesh, tree; network access methods eg CSMA, Token passing; network models eg OSI 7 layer, TCP/IP
Network protocols and standards: types eg TCP/IP, AppleTalk, UDP, 802.2, 802.3, FDDI, 802.5;
wireless technologies eg 802.11, infrared, Bluetooth, 3G; factors affecting range and speed of wireless
technologies
Application layer protocols: types eg DNS, DHCP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP

2 Understand the key components used in networking

Key components: network devices; interconnection devices; connectors and cabling; software
Network devices: workstations; servers eg print, mail, file, web, proxy; others eg network interface cards
(NIC); features and functions
Interconnection devices: equipment eg router, switch, wireless access points; purposes, features and
functions of each
Connectors and cabling: leased line; dedicated line; media types eg STP, Category 5, coaxial, UTP, fibre
optic; wireless; mobile technology; cable/connection standards
Software: network operating system; virus checker; firewall; other eg email client
Commercial systems: software eg Mac OSX, Linux, Windows

3 Know the services provided by network systems

Directory services: used for eg account management, authentication management, active directory, DNS
Telecommunication services: communication eg email, internet relay chat (IRC), discussion boards; remote
access eg via mobiles, remote desktop, social networking
File services: file transfer; file sharing
Application services: application software eg database, web, proxy; shared resources eg printing; storage
space; Voice over IP (VoIP); mobile working; authentication eg users, hardware

4 Be able to make networked systems secure

Securing a system: passwords, authorisation permissions and access control lists; backing up and restoring;
encrypting; others eg biometrics; physical security eg CCTV, locks, firewalls; security risk levels; software
protection eg antivirus, intrusion detection systems
Business risks: loss of service; loss of business or income eg through loss of customer records; increased
costs; loss of confidentiality; compromised data integrity; security issues eg malware (hostile, intrusive, or
annoying software or program code), viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, adware

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Information Technology

Issue 3 September 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

Assessment and grading criteria

In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that
they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria for a pass grade describe the
level of achievement required to pass this unit.
Assessment and grading criteria
To achieve a pass grade the
evidence must show that the
learner is able to:

To achieve a merit grade the

evidence must show that, in
addition to the pass criteria,
the learner is able to:

P1

describe the types of

networks available and how
they relate to particular
network standards and
protocols

M1 compare the benefits and

disadvantages of peer-to-peer
network and client/server
networks
[IE3]

P2

describe why different

network standards and
protocols are necessary

P3

explain the key components

required for client
workstations to connect to a
network and access network
resources

P4

explain the function of

interconnection devices

P5

describe typical services

provided by networks

P6

make a networked system

secure.

M2 design a networked solution

to meet a particular situation
with specific requirements
[IE1, CT1]

To achieve a distinction grade

the evidence must show that,
in addition to the pass and
merit criteria, the learner is
able to:

D1

justify the design and choice

of components used in a
particular networked solution
[IE6]

D2

evaluate typical services

available from a network
operating system directory
service.

M3 report on the business risks

of insecure networks and
how they can be minimised.

PLTS: This summary references where applicable, in the square brackets, the elements of the personal,
learning and thinking skills applicable in the pass criteria. It identifies opportunities for learners to demonstrate
effective application of the referenced elements of the skills.

Key

IE independent enquirers

RL reflective learners

SM self-managers

CT creative thinkers

TW team workers

EP effective participators

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Information Technology

Issue 3 September 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

Essential guidance for tutors

Delivery
This unit is based on the principles of networking with a theoretical view to much of the content. However,
centres should try to ensure that as many varied learning approaches are used as possible. Practical activities
on real networks are recommended, examples are offered in Assessment.
Visits or talks given by outside professionals will be valuable preparation may be necessary to ensure that the
guest speaker understands the level of programme and is prepared to use appropriate language and respond
to the learning outcomes where possible.
This unit can be offered in parallel to the many vendor units on offer and is designed to link into the other
network-related units.
The unit content can be followed chronologically but this may not be the most appropriate sequence.
Integrating practical activity to bring the unit alive will be vital. Much internet research can be carried out on
network components and services and learners can work in teams to cover and collect information and pool
findings.
A secure and separate network will be needed for learners to practise implementing security features. It is
not possible to carry out much of the content but learners should understand where and when the use of
techniques, such as encryption, is suitable.

Outline learning plan

The outline learning plan has been included in this unit as guidance and can be used in conjunction with the
programme of suggested assignments.
The outline learning plan demonstrates one way in planning the delivery and assessment of this unit.
Topic and suggested assignments/activities and/assessment
Introduction to the unit

whole-class exercise tutor presentation on different types of network

whole-class exercise learning and understanding network protocols and standards

directed research learn about application layer protocols

whole-class exercise tutor demonstrates network devices, interconnection devices, connectors and cabling,
software and commercial systems, followed by practical exercises.

Assignment 1 Networking/not-working

whole-class exercise practical work on directory, telecommunication, file and application services.

Assignment 2 Bespoke Systems

individual exercise use tutor-provided materials to research risk-related business issues

whole-class exercise tutor sets a series of practical exercises to teach learners about securing data.

Assignment 3 Service Provider

Assignment 4 Securing a Network

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Information Technology

Issue 3 September 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

Assessment
As this unit has substantial theory it is important that centres make as much use of varied assessment
strategies as possible to maintain interest. This could include the use of online or conventional testing, learner
presentations, assignments or question and answer sessions.
The suggested assessment is through four assignments as outlined in the Programme of suggested assignments.
Suggested Assignment 1 Networking/not-working

The suggested scenario is that learners have been employed to explain possible network solutions to a
business client
For P1, describing networks, protocols and standards, learners could produce a report/poster using diagrams.
Alternatives are a small set of linked web pages or a presentation.
For P2, learners should be able to demonstrate they understand why different network standards and
protocols are necessary. Examples given should be realistic. This can be linked to P1.
Before attempting M1, learners should, ideally, have the chance to see the operation of both types of
networks and then the actual evidence presented as a verbal, written report etc would be based on real
experience.
Suggested Assignment 2 Bespoke Systems

For P3, learners are explaining the key components for connection to network systems. This, along with the
evidence for P4 (the function of interconnection devices), could be produced as an information leaflet, which
may be paper- or web based.
M2 is the design of a network and learners will need to be supplied with a specific scenario to develop their
solution. Evidence could be diagrammatic with explanatory notes.
D1 is a justification of the design developed for M2. Pros and cons should be included.
Suggested Assignment 3 Service Provider

The evidence for P5 and D2 can be in any appropriate format. To make for some variation this could be
presented as a blog or simply a standard report format.
The unit content informs the expected coverage.
Suggested Assignment 4 Securing a Network

The assumption here is that a network has already been set up and the assessment deals with implementing
security procedures. Learners will obviously benefit from setting the system up as well, and evidence from
that activity may be used for other networking units.
P6 will be evidenced with observation records and/or witness statements, which should be supplemented
with any associated paperwork.
M3 is another report but evidence could be presented orally and question and answer sheets used to assess
knowledge and understanding.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Information Technology

Issue 3 September 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

Programme of suggested assignments

The table below shows a programme of suggested assignments that cover the pass, merit and distinction
criteria in the assessment and grading grid. This is for guidance and it is recommended that centres either
write their own assignments or adapt any Edexcel assignments to meet local needs and resources.
Criteria covered

Assignment title

Scenario

Assessment method

P1, P2, M1

Networking/notworking

You have been employed

to explain possible network
solutions to a business client.

Report

The client asks you to design

a network for the business.

Leaflet

P3, P4, M2, D1

Bespoke Systems

Poster
Presentation
Presentation
Network diagram

P5, D2

Service Provider

The client wants you to

Presentation
explain some typical network
Blog
services.
Report

P6, M3

Securing a Network

The client asks you to secure Observation records

the network.
Witness statements
Report

Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC

qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications
This unit forms part of the BTEC in IT sector suite. This unit has particular links with the following unit titles in
the IT suite:
Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Unit 10: Setting up an IT Network

Unit 5: Managing Networks

Unit 24: Networking Technologies

Unit 11: IT Security

Unit 32: Networked Systems

Security

Unit 43: Networking Infrastructure

This unit maps to some of the underpinning knowledge from the following areas of competence in the
Level 3 National Occupational Standards for IT (ProCom):

4.7 Systems Design

6.2 IT Security Management.

Essential resources
Learners will need access to practical resources and suitable technology. They can also use simulators or
multimedia tools to gain experience before handling live resources.

Employer engagement and vocational contexts

Visits to a local ISP or using the academic centre network as a suitable vocational context.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Information Technology

Issue 3 September 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

Indicative reading for learners

Textbooks

Dodd A Z The Essential Guide to Telecommunications, 4th Edition (Prentice Hall, 2005)
ISBN-10 0131487256, ISBN-13 978-0131487253
Hallberg B Networking: A Beginners Guide, 5th Edition (Osborne/McGraw-Hill US, 2009)
ISBN-10 0071633553, ISBN-13 978-0071633550
Lowe D Networking All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies, 3rd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, 2008)
ISBN-10 0470179155, ISBN-13 978-0470179154
Schiller J Mobile Communications, 2nd Edition (Addison Wesley, 2003) ISBN-10 0321123816,
ISBN-13 978-0321123817
Websites

www.howstuffworks.com
www.webopedia.com

Delivery of personal, learning and thinking skills

The table below identifies the opportunities for personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS) that have been
included within the pass assessment criteria of this unit.
Skill

When learners are

Independent enquirers

exploring the issues, events or problems involved with peer-to-peer network and
client/server networks, from different perspectives
identifying a particular design of networked solution to resolve specific problems
supporting conclusions about the design and choice of components used in a
particular networked solution, using reasoned arguments and evidence

Creative thinkers

generating the design, and exploring possibilities of a networked solution to meet

a particular situation with specific requirements

Effective participators

identifying improvements that would reduce the business risks of insecure

networks and how this would benefit the whole organisation.

Although PLTS are identified within this unit as an inherent part of the assessment criteria, there are further
opportunities to develop a range of PLTS through various approaches to teaching and learning.
Skill

When learners are

Self-managers

making a network secure.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Information Technology

Issue 3 September 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

Functional Skills Level 2

Skill

When learners are

ICT Using ICT

Select, interact with and use ICT systems
making a network secure
safely and securely for a complex task in nonroutine and unfamiliar contexts

ICT Finding and selecting

information
Use appropriate search techniques to locate
and select relevant information
ICT Developing, presenting and
communicating information
Combine and present information in ways
that are fit for purpose and audience

researching network protocols

explaining network solutions and services.

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Information Technology

Issue 3 September 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010