Unit 44: Local Area Networking Technologies
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Aim
To provide learners with an understanding of Local Area Network (LAN) technologies and the delivery of a wide range of networked services across a LAN infrastructure.
Unit abstract
LANs have become ubiquitous in all but the smallest of enterprises and their implementation has become the realm of skilled designers if the best advantage is to be made of available technology. Whist it is now the case that simple networks can often been installed by users with little previous knowledge, the design, implementation, testing and management of extended LANs requires considerable technical knowledge.
The impact of LANs across an organisation can require upskilling of staff, changes to the physical environment and changes to commercial procedures. It also requires changes to the access, security and ownership of the data which passes across the LAN. In this unit learners will understand that consideration must be given to not only the physical LAN but the organisational culture as a whole.
Learners will understand the importance of considering both physical and logical environments including network addressing, best use of media, and network segmentation. Learners will also study Quality of Service (QoS) in order to best manage the network traffic. Once a LAN is installed and operational learners will study methods of measuring and maintaining performance in a proactive manner using a range of tools.
1.2 Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
LO1- Understand the impact of LAN technologies
LO2 -Be able to design LAN infrastructures
LO3- Be able to implement LAN infrastructures
LO4- Be able to manage LAN infrastructures.
2.0 Unit Indicative content:
1 Understand the impact of LAN technologies
LAN technologies: standards e.g. IEEE 802 LAN standards, IEEE 802.11 wireless standards, STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), VLANs (Virtual LAN), VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol), standby routing, ether channel, ISL (Inter Switch Link), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol); LAN hardware: e.g. layer 2 switches, layer 3 switches, layer 4 switches, wireless devices, network interfaces, client devices
Traffic intensive services: quality of service management e.g. DSCP (Differentiated Service Code Point), IP precedence, queues, base rules, 802.1q frame tagging; quality of service need e.g. Voice over IP, video streaming, audio streaming;
LAN security: security need e.g. VLANs, switch port control, ACLs (Access Control Lists), MACACL’s, MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering, wireless security, port spanning
2 Be able to design LAN infrastructures
Devices: expected average number and types of devices on system; anticipated participation Bandwidth: expected average load; anticipated peak load; cost constraint
Users: quality expectations, concept of system growth
Applications: security requirements, quality of service needs, redundancy Communications: suited to devices, suited to users, supportive of quality of service
Scalable: able to support device growth, able to support addition of communication devices, able to cope with bandwidth use and trend change
Security: device access, VLAN membership, traffic management, system monitoring
Traffic intensive services: application of rules, prioritisation
Technology: VLAN design, STP design, DHCP address allocation design, wireless infrastructure design
3 Be able to implement LAN infrastructures
Devices:installation of communication device, allocation of addresses, local client configuration
Services: directory, authentication, DNS (Domain Name Service), email, network file, printing
Specialised configuration: VLAN, VTP, standby, ether channel, STP
Security: ACLs, VLAN membership
Traffic management: system monitoring, traffic intensive services, traffic precedence
Connectivity: suitable bandwidth, cabling, wireless infrastructure
Testing: external access eg WAN access, access to internet; security; bandwidth
4 Be able to manage LAN infrastructures
LAN performance: network monitoring tools, user access, traffic analysis, bandwidth monitoring, checking configuration, checking rules
LAN issues: using troubleshooting methodology; proving resolution
3.0 Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
This unit requires a range of skills and strategies to be employed for teaching and learning.
This is suitable for use for a range of sectors and should utilise the full range of skills developed through study of other units in the programme. These include planning, practical work, data handling and processing, critical analysis and presentation skills.
Learners should also have access to a wide range of research facilities including careers library and/or careers services.
The sessions will be practical in most cases. Learners should participate in such activities and bring in their respective work practice samples and record their experiences in an appropriate fashion as agreed with the tutor.
Tutor support will available throughout. You can contact the tutor via email or through your e-learning portal on a regular basis on top of scheduled classroom hours which all learners should attend. There will a number activities leading to peer discussions and learning.
This knowledge gained from this unit can be applied to a number of other units in the programme as well.
