Learners will explore a range of hardware and related software and will learn to configure and install these. A range of networking technologies will be explored including Local Area Networking (LAN), Wide Area Networking (WAN) and how these technologies evolved to form largescale networks. Protocol methodologies related to IP data networks will also be explored.

Learning Outcomes - The learner will:

1. Understand the fundamentals of the computer.
   Assessment Criteria - The learner can:
   1. Summarise the historical development of computer systems.
   2. Explain the components of a modern computer.
   3. Differentiate client and server environments.
   4. Assess different operating systems.
      
      
2. Understand networking principles and their protocols.
   Assessment Criteria - The learner can:
   1. Describe network standards and protocols.
   2. Assess different network topologies.
   3. Evaluate the impact of different network standards.
   4. Differentiate between network hardware and software.
      
      
3. Be able to carry out desktop engineering fundamentals.
   Assessment Criteria - The learner can:
   1. Carry out PC assembling and basic troubleshooting.
   2. Carry out the installation of client and server operating systems.
   3. Configure client systems to meet organisational policies.
      
      
4. Be able to demonstrate routing and switching techniques.
   Assessment Criteria - The learner can:
   1. Configure techniques. a network using routing and switching.
      
      

Learning Outcome 1

• Introduction to PC
• Introduction to Operating System
• Booting
• Serial, Parallel, PS/2, SCSI & USB
• Hard Disk
• Optical Storage Devices
• SMPS
• UPS
• Input Devices
• Printer
• Display Interfaces & Monitor
• Multimedia
• Modem
• Backup Devices
• Viruses
• Laptop & Palmtop Computers
• Installation of Operating System
• Managing Application on Operating System
• Mail Client Configuration
• PC Assembling Practical
• Trouble Shooting

Learning Outcome 2

• Topology: Logical e.g. Ethernet, Token Ring; physical e.g. star, ring, bus, mesh, tree, ring.
• Protocols: Purpose of protocols; routed protocols e.g. IPv4, IPv6, IPv6 addressing, Global Unicast, Multicast, Link-local, Unique local, EUI 64, Autoconfiguration, FTP, HTTP, SMTP, POP3, SSL; management of protocols for addressing.

Learning Outcome 3

• Basic Numbering Systems
• Networking Fundamentals
• Transmission Media and Networking Topologies
• Network Reference Models
• Networking Protocols
• IP Addressing
• Subnetting
• Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM)
• Basic Router Configuration
• Router Boot Sequence
• IP Routing
• Back-Up and Restoring of Router Configuration
• Switching Concepts
• Managing Switches
• Advanced Switching Technology
• Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
• Inter-VLAN Routing and VLAN Trunking Protocol
• Network Security
• Access list, Extended Access List, Named Access List
• Network Address Translation (NAT)
• Wireless technologies
• Wireless Security
• IPv6
• IPv6 Routing Protocols
• WAN Technologies

Learning Outcome 4

• Transmission Media and Networking Topologies.
• Networking Protocols.
• IP Addressing.
• Subnetting.
• Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM).
• Basic Router Configuration.
• Router Boot Sequence.
• IP Routing.
• Back-Up and Restoring of Router Configuration.
• Managing Switches.
• Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN).
• Inter-VLAN Routing and VLAN Trunking Protocol.
• Enabling Network Security.
• Access list, Extended Access List, Named Access. List.
• IPv6 Routing Protocols.