MODULE DETAILS

Module 6: Routers and Switches

NOMINAL DURATION IN HOURS

4 weeks (48 hours total time commitment)

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers the basics of switches, routers, routing protocols, and the basic rules to follow in building internetworks.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for the participants to understand the basics of routers and switches. These devices are the kingpins of modern Local Area Networks. Routers are arguably the most complex and the most important component of networks, although managed switches are also becoming increasingly more complex.

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Unit 3: Design basic industrial Ethernet networks (DITETH603)

Module 5: TCP/IP and VoIP (DITTCP605)

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors must:

• hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
• be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
• be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments will be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Identify and explain the basics of switches and routers
2. Explain the basics of routing protocols
3. Describe advanced routing concepts

Learning Outcome 1

 Identify and explain the basics of switches and routers

Assessment Criteria

1.1   Describe the difference between bridging and switching

1.2   Describe the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching

1.3   Describe the difference between managed and unmanaged switches

1.4   Explain the basics of a spanning tree algorithm

1.5   Identify and explain the following concepts related to routing:

(a) Static vs. dynamic routing

(b) Routing tables and metrics

(c) Routing protocols

(d) Autonomous Systems

(e) Interior vs. Exterior Gateway Protocols

(f) Border routers

Learning Outcome 2

Explain the basics of routing protocols

Assessment Criteria

2.1   Identify the basic differences between link-state and distance-vector routing algorithms

2.2  Identify and explain the basic attributes and operation of the following routing protocols:

(a) Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

(b) Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)

(c) Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)

Learning Outcome 3

Describe advanced routing concepts

Assessment Criteria

3.1   Describe the following:

(a) Multi-Protocol Layer Switching (MPLS)

(b) IP Security (IPSec)

3.2   Identify and explain future directions in routing concepts

3.3   Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages between IPSec and MPLS

Delivery mode

Online and/or face-to-face