Assignment briefQualification Edexcel Level 3 Extended Diploma in ITUnit number and title Unit 9 – Computer NetworksStart date 25/09/13

Deadline 14/10/13

Assessor name Rebecca Harrop

Assignment title Networks and Network Protocols

The purpose of this assignment is to: Cover the following criteria:P1 describe the types of networks available and how they relate to particular network standards and protocolsP2 describe why different network standards and protocols are necessaryM1 compare the benefits and disadvantages of peer-to-peer network and client/server networks

ScenarioBrothers Bob and Bill want to create a small home network for themselves. Currently, Bill has an old desktop style computer which you can assume has no networking capabilities. Bob has a laptop which was bought within the last 12 months and so has the networking hardware you would expect as standard. 1. They want to create a network inside the house to help them achieve the following:

Play games against one another. Share files and music collections.

In the future, they will also wish to share a printer that Bob is being bought for his birthday. Bob will need to decide what kind of printer to ask for depending upon his network set-up.

2. Bill and Bob’s mum already pays for an internet connection with Sky Broadband. Their mum does not know how to set it up but she says that, if they can work out how to, Bill and Bob can both share her Internet connection and get online. Bill and Bob want to do this so they can also achieve the following:

Play games as a team against others online. Pick up email and use social networking sites. Share comics, films and music collections with other online.

3. Bill and Bob have a maximum budget of £50 to spend in order to achieve this.Your aim in this Unit is to be able to explain to Bill and Bob, the type of network they will need and evaluate their options for what equipment they need to buy, in order to build or configure, the network to achieve their aims.

Task Task Description Criteria

1. Write a report for Bill and Bob which describes the types of networks available (including LAN, WAN and PAN and topologies: Bus Ring Star and Tree) and how they relate to particular network standards and protocols. The report should contain a description of the OSI/TCP/IP layer model of networking and a description of the following network standards and protocols: i. Network protocols and standards: Ethernet, Token-Ring, FDDI; TCP/IP, AppleTalk, CSMA-CD, CSMA-CA, Token Passing. Wireless technologies including factors affecting range and speed: 802.11, Infrared, Bluetooth, 3G;

ii. Application layer protocols: DNS, DHCP, HTTP, POP, SMTP

Evidence required: Report with diagrams

P1

2. Further to your report in Task 1, include a section which describes why different network standards and protocols are necessary.

Evidence required: Report section

P2

3. Create a presentation which explains the main differences between a client/server and peer to peer network. Compare the benefits and disadvantages of each type of network architecture explaining which will be the best choice for Bill and Bob’s needs.

(Covers M1)

Evidence required: PowerPoint slides and notes pages

M1

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Assessor Rebecca HarropSignature Date

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