WEBSITE PRODUCTION Y/601/6623

Level 3 Unit 12

Assessment CriteriaLearning Outcome

The learner will:

Pass

The assessment criteria are the pass requirements for this unitThe Learner can:

Merit

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

Distinction

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

1 Understand web architecture and components

P1 Outline the web architecture and components which enable internet and web functionality

2 Understand the factors that influence website performance

P2 Explain the user side and server side factors that influence the performance of a website

P3 Explain the security risks and protection mechanisms involved in website performance

M1 Compare and contrast current interactive websites for performance and security

D1 Discuss the impact that cases of website security breaches have had on society

3 Be able to design websites

P4 Using appropriate design tools, design an interactive website to meet a client need

M2 Produce annotated design documentation for an interactive website to meet a client need

4 Be able to create websites

P5 Create an interactive website to meet a client need

M3 Implement CSS in an interactive website to improve the site to meet a client’s needs

D2 Carry out acceptance testing with client on an interactive website

Understand web architecture and components

Learners should gain an understanding of what each of the architecture, components and protocols are as identified in the teaching content. This can be facilitated by group discussion, exercises, presentations, or group research tasks.

Assessment criterion P1 could be evidenced by the use of a report or presentation, delivered to a group and evidenced through the presentation, and supported by a tutor observation sheet, or recorded evidence. Each of the listed topics in the web architecture, components and protocols section of the teaching content should be covered, by an explanation of what it is and what it does.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components - ArchitectureInternet service providers (e.g. Virgin Media, BT, Sky) Internet service providers are there for a reason, companies and individuals need

to either connect through a provider or use their own T-Line like a T1. ISP’s provide a service that most individuals are not aware of, from minor hosting to providing a static IP address. The range of ISP’s is broad, each sells a connection package with phone options and each can be measured in terms of speed of connection, bandwidth and for most, a small degree of site or file hosting. Speed of connection – this is how fast an individual file can go from the website to

your screen, measures in Megabit speed which is 1/8 of a Megabyte per second. The faster the speed the faster a page opens.

Bandwidth – this is how large a file can be downloaded at one time and can be compared to road width, smaller the bandwidth, the more buffering a file has to do to load.

Static IP – Used by business to limit down activity such as blocking, easier to block and restrict a static address than a dynamic address, whereas dynamic addresses are more difficult to hack or be subject to DDOS attacks.

Hosting – a lot of small companies host on their ISP and bounce to a registered domain name from. This is good for small businesses as the storage space for small sites is already there. Bouncing the web address is not seen by the customers and it is a secondary site that makes it more difficult to hack.

P1.1 – Task 1 – Describe, with evidence, the purpose and function of ISP’s for a specific client.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components - ArchitectureWeb hosting services (e.g. free hosts; Google Sites, Free-space; paid hosts; JimdoPro, Fasthosts) Web hosting differs from ISP’s because they provide a place to store, locate, display

and manage website functions. Where ISP’s can bounce, hosts store. The difference is the range of hosts is the service they provide for that fee. These services include: Database management through SQL Auto redirecting of IP addressing Email exchanging Virtual Private networking Dedicated server activity

The difference between pricing strategies depends on the level of service the user requires, free hosts like Google share the space but not the activity, Bit and tinyurl provide space and a small degree of activity management whereas fasthosts and others provide more management facilities such as forums, secure logins and database management, shopping basket protection, blog and wiki activity etc. None of these provide filtering, that is something that the user still has to manage like forum maintenance and management. Ultimately the provision of hosting is the difference between a look-at-me site and an managed shopping experience.P1.1 – Task 2 - Describe, with evidence, the purpose and functions of Web Hosting for a specific client.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Architecture - Domains

Part 1 - Transfer Protocol http:// – Hypertext Transfer Protocol https:// – Hypertext Transfer Protocol, Secure ftp:// - File Transfer Protocol for FTP site. Allows upload/download of files.

Part 2 – www (which part of internet is being addressed)Part 3 – domain name – name of organisation that controls the

site that the page is stored onPart 4 – indicates the type of organisation (.co/.sch/.gov/.edu/.org

etc)Part 5 – the country in which the site is locatedPart 6 – sub domain or webpage currently viewing

http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/aboutus.phpPart 1

Part 2

Part 4

Part 3 Part

5

Part 6

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Architecture - Domains Web addresses as seen in the previous slide are broken down for a reason. First

there was IP addresses, then the web grew to the point when remembering all those numbers was impossible. When the system of DNS came into place, the translation of IP addresses to wording allowed businesses, government offices, companies and individuals to generate their own unique address that was more memorable for the customer.

How difficult would Easyjet.com find business if the customer has to remember 12 numbers, or Thetrainline, Google, Amazon, all branded names based on their DNS name rather than their IP.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) has unique IP (Internet Protocol) address

four numbers separated by full stops Domain Name System (DNS)

translates IP address numbers into domain name Without the DNS you would have to remember numbers instead of names. For example – typing http://193.164.107.139 would lead to the same page

as http://www.brookweston.org URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

standard address used to find a pageP1.1 – Task 3 - Describe, with evidence, what DNS and URL are and what it does in terms of securing business, naming and address management.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Design Creation In the early days of web design all code had to be created using HTML, now

HTML is hidden behind the GUI of websites, still there running the system and still accessible but not as obvious. Programmers still use HTML but programs have surpassed this. The inclusion of JavaScript, CSS, MySql, embedded flash, dHTML, sHTML etc. means that more lines of code are added than ever before.

Look at the examples from here to see the difference even major companies have gone through to revamp their image through effective web design.

Programs that generate this additional code include Dreamweaver, Moodle, Web Plus and Coffeecup. There are two kinds for this, offline and online. Offline programs create the whole site with additional language add ins like JavaScript and allow the user more control over the finishes result rather than template altering. Additions in terms of behaviours add functionality to the site. Coffeecup and WebPlus are similar, basing designs on templates and adding in code.

Online site creators like moonfruit, wix and godaddy all give the user options to customise the layout and content. This will contain dynamic code and everything tricky that can be created with a higher level of technicality within Dreamweaver but reduce the control the user has and reduces the skillset gained from web creation.

P1.1 – Task 4 - Describe, with evidence, the different levels of Design Creation software available and the advantages and disadvantages of online vs. offline creation.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Web Servers The term web server can refer to either the hardware (the computer)

or the software (the computer application) that helps to deliver web content that can be accessed through the Internet. The most common use of web servers is to host websites, but there are other uses such as gaming and data storage The primary function of a web server is to cater web page to the request of clients using HTTP. This means delivery of HTML documents and any additional content that may be included by a document, such as images, style sheets and scripts.

A user agent, such as a web browser or web crawler, initiates communication by making a request for a specific piece of information using HTTP and the server responds with the content of that resource or an error message if it is unable to do so.

For companies that prefer to manage their own hosting they will need specific hardware to store, serve, process and manage user accounts and internet activity. This is called a Web Server, sets an open traffic line between server and outside hosting and allows the user to manage their own business.

Managing the website internally allows the users to change anything without the need to upload, making the changes automatic and live each time. Longer term this is more beneficially for a company for the sheer reason of being able to manage your own content and expand through software rather than proxy.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Web ServersThe two main types of server for this is IIS and Apache. Internet

Information Services (IIS) is a server designed to work with a Microsoft environment, and manages web activity in terms of modules, Security, Content, Compression, Caching, Logging and Diagnostics which all add up to a website management bundle for all activity on the site. Ruby on Rails, ASP (.net and classic) and Python are all languages that work out of the box on IIS whereas they have it be added to Apache as modules to be managed. More importantly it comes free with Microsoft Windows and functions well within with similar coding parameters.

Apache server is often referred to as simply Apache, a public-domain open source Web server developed by a loosely-knit group of programmers. Core development of the Apache Web server is performed by a group of about 20 programmers, called the Apache Group. However, because the source code is freely available, anyone can adapt the server for specific needs, and there is a large public library of Apache add-ons. It is the most accepted web server because it offers all the functionality of the IIS and is more adaptable. Being free is it’s biggest selling point though it does everything IIS can do with add –ins.

P1.2 – Task 5 - Describe, what web servers do and how they work and outline the benefits and disadvantages of IIS and Apache.

E-mail is a great way to give your employees the means to collaborate and share information with co-workers, vendors, manufacturers, customers, and students.

A mail server is a server that handles the network’s e-mail needs. It is configured with e-mail server software, such as Microsoft Exchange Server. Exchange Server is designed to work with Microsoft Outlook, the e-mail client software that comes with Microsoft Office. Most mail servers actually do much more than just send and receive electronic mail.

Hardware wise this usually is a dedicated server that handles the client (software) processes the tens of thousands of emails that come in every day and manages these emails to the client. With the server software, emails are processed before rerouting. A server application like Exchange Server will:

Spam and virus filter through the emails Block DOS attacks Filter for swearwords Flag up erroneous or dangerous emails Process attachments, groups, reminders, and account information. Manage the email folder limits.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Components - Email

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Components - Email Email servers can be internal or external similar to Web Servers but the need for

email management is more urgent than web filtering and proxy management. Emails server work on two levels, Pop3 and SMTP, or incoming and outgoing connections. Once an email is sent to a registered company and the server receives it through ISP distribution, the email server will then process the email through a content filter and pass it on to the relevant internal email address.

All sorts of actions happen between the receiving and arriving, such as address redirection, filtering, content management, email box size management, priority management, delivery and distribution management, backup storage and data logging. This is taken care of by the email server.

Similarly an online server like Icewarp manages some of these tasks, for a fee. The service they provide depends on the user needs and the annual subscription. This is one step away from Cloud Computing which is more interactive but in the 10 years of development the professionalism and customisation of the online email providers has put them on a par with offline providers, except for the individualisation.

P1.2 – Task 6 - Describe, what email servers do and how they work and outline the benefits and disadvantages of internal vs. external server provision.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Components - Proxy A proxy server (or Application Gateway) is a server that sits between a client computer and a

real server. The proxy server intercepts packets that are intended for the real server and processes them. The proxy server can examine the packet and decide to pass it on to the real server, or it can reject the packet. Or the proxy server may be able to respond to the packet itself, without involving the real server at all.

For example, Web proxies often store copies of commonly used Web pages in a local cache. When a user requests a Web page from a remote Web server, the proxy server intercepts the request and checks to see whether it already has a copy of the page in its cache. If so, the Web proxy returns the page directly to the user. If not, the proxy passes the request on to the real server.

Application gateways are aware of the details of how various types of TCP/IP servers handle sequences of TCP/IP packets, so they can make more intelligent decisions about whether an incoming packet is legitimate or is part of an attack. As a result, application gateways are more secure than simple packet-filtering firewalls, which can deal with only one packet at a time. A good proxy server will:

Learn from attacks and add them to a barred list Download updates from an online security system like Janet Filter the network as an added level of protection. Act as a barrier, together with the firewall and SSL against DOS attacks.

P1.2 – Task 7 - Describe, what proxy servers do and how they work and outline the benefits in terms of security to a company.

A router is like a bridge, but with a key difference. Bridges are Data Link layer devices, that can’t peek into the message itself to see what type of information is being sent. In contrast, a router is a Network layer device, so it can work with the network packets at a higher level. In particular, a router can examine the IP address of the packets that pass through it. And because IP addresses have both a network and a host address, a router can determine what network a message is coming from and going to. Bridges cannot.

Unlike a bridge, a router is itself a node on the network, with its own MAC and IP addresses. This means that messages can be directed to a router, which can then examine the contents of the message to determine how it should handle the message.

You can configure a network with several routers that can work cooperatively together. For example, some routers are able to monitor the network to determine the most efficient path for sending a message to its ultimate destination. If a part of the network is extremely busy, a router can automatically route messages along a less-busy route, for example, the router knows that the Rockingham Road is gridlocked all the way through to the A6003, so it sends the message for cars to go on A45 instead.

Routers aren’t cheap. For big networks, though, they’re worth it. The functional distinctions between bridges and routers get blurrier all the time. As bridges, hubs, and switches become more sophisticated, they’re able to take on some of the chores that used to require a router, thus putting many routers out of work.

Some routers are nothing more than computers with several network interface cards and special software to perform the router functions. Routers can also connect networks that are geographically distant from each other via a phone line (using modems) or ISDN. You can also use a router to join your LAN to the Internet.

P1.2 – Task 8 - Describe, what a router does and how they work and outline the benefits in terms of network traffic flow to a company.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Components - Routers

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Components - BrowsersBrowsers (e.g. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Safari) Browsers exist merely to display results and translate the HTML code

from the external and internal sites onto a GUI for the user to read and use. The choice of Browser is dependant on the users preferences rather than needs. They all do the same thing, display results. Browsers come with a small range of additional options to benefit the user and claim loyalty, for example:

• Embedded Email in IE• Proxy and Java blocking in Opera• Compatibility with OS like Safari• Ease of Use like Chrome• Adding favourites or stash like Opera.• Speed of display like Firefox

• From within all Browsers is the options for connectivity which allows the easier access to networking. Also the access to history, RSS feeds, setting privacy levels, security settings etc. are all available on any web browser.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Components - Browsers At the end of the day all browsers are

free, some come preinstalled with the OS like IE in windows, Safari on IOS, Firefox in Linux and there is nothing to stop a user from installing other browsers for their own particular reasons. For comparison details click here.

Heavy web users need an internet browser that is both fast and secure, and though all browsers enable internet access, not all are created equal. Different browsers can render webpages differently, and there can be a large disparity in performance between the top competitors. The three main things to consider when choosing an internet browser are simplicity, speed and security.

P1.2 – Task 9 - Describe what a web browser does and how they work and outline the range of different choices are available for a company.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Components – TCP/IP You need TCP/IP to connect to the Internet. Realize that there is a difference

between installing TCP/IP on your network and installing it for dial-up networking use; these are two separate installations and uses for the protocol.

You install TCP/IP to use with the dial-up networking feature. This installation enables you to connect to the Internet by means of a modem. The TCP/IP communicates with Web servers on the Internet. If you install TCP/IP on your network, you use it to connect to the other computers on your LAN. One installation has nothing to do with the other. For more information,

Using TCP/IP to connect to the Internet provides you with all the Internet features and advantages, including e-mail, Web browsers, and file transfer. Also, TCP/IP includes various programs (which are also protocols) that you can use to access information on the Internet. If you have special needs for FTP or Telnet, for example, TCP/IP provides those programs for you to use. If you plan to expand your network to the Internet someday, your knowledge and use of TCP/IP will help you tremendously. Knowing how to configure TCP/IP will make it easier for you to transfer your Web sites and pages to the Web and to configure clients and servers for the Internet. Having TCP/IP in place means less configuring when you move to the Internet.

P1.2 - Task 10 – Define TCP/IP and in terms of web components define the benefits of TCP/IP in constructing and Intranet and Internet presence.

LO1 Understand web architecture and components – Components - EmailThere are two types of Email components used in private and

business, Browser based such as Outlook express and Site based such as GMail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail etc. Both of these types have their own purposes and often users will use several online and an offline mail program to access their accounts. With modern Smartphones, synchronising accounts is standard practice but users will still maintain a separation between accounts, usually for professional and personal reasons.

The difference between the two systems is minimal, once activated they provide the same systems of storage and access, mail, calendars, reminders, CC, BCC, folders structures, tracking RSS accounts, out of office reminders, collaborative calendar sharing, meeting invites and reminders.

The difference between offline and online is ease of access, online email programs save the emails as drafts to be re-accessed, offline email programs resend when reconnected. It is the ease of use that defines the multiple accounts, online can be accessed remotely, allows multiple accounts but is also less secure.

Program and Browser based emailMicrosoft Outlook and Outlook Express are e-mail programs

that allow the user to send and receive mail, manage and sort messages, check and remind the user of their feeds, attach files, and more. The User can read their messages while still attached to the Internet, or they can read and answer them offline if you use a telephone line and ADSL to connect to the Internet. If the User uses a permanent connection, such as a cable modem, their computer is always online. With a permanent connection, they can choose toHave Outlook Express check your mail every 10 minutes, or

every 30 minutes, and so on. Create folders to organize your messages, and keep an address

book that makes addressing your messages quick and easy.P1.2 - Task 11 – Define the purpose and function of Browser based email programs and define the advantages and drawbacks against internal mailing systems.

P1.1 – Task 1 – Describe, with evidence, the purpose and function of ISP’s for a specific client. P1.1 – Task 2 - Describe, with evidence, the purpose and functions of Web Hosting for a specific client.P1.1 – Task 3 - Describe, with evidence, what DNS and URL are and what it does in terms of securing business, naming and address management.P1.1 – Task 4 - Describe, with evidence, the different levels of Design Creation software available and the advantages and disadvantages of online vs. offline creation.P1.2 – Task 5 - Describe, what web servers do and how they work and outline the benefits and disadvantages of IIS and Apache.P1.2 – Task 6 - Describe, what email servers do and how they work and outline the benefits and disadvantages of internal vs. external server provision.P1.2 – Task 7 - Describe, what proxy servers do and how they work and outline the benefits in terms of security to a company.P1.2 – Task 8 - Describe, what a router does and how they work and outline the benefits in terms of network traffic flow to a company.P1.2 – Task 9 - Describe what a web browser does and how they work and outline the range of different choices are available for a company.P1.2 - Task 10 – Define TCP/IP and in terms of web components define the benefits of TCP/IP in constructing and Intranet and Internet presence.P1.2 - Task 11 – Define the purpose and function of Browser based email programs and define the advantages and drawbacks against internal mailing systems.

Task List