Assignment 1: Network Requirement Analysis and Design Plan

Unit Details

Unit Code: MN503
Unit Title: Overview of Internetworking
Semester: Semester 1, 2026
Assessment Type: Individual Report and Simulation
Weighting: 15%
Total Marks: 50
Word Limit: 1500 words (±10%, approximately 5 pages)
Due Date: Week 7, Friday 11:55 PM (submit report and Packet Tracer file on Moodle)
Submission Guidelines: Submit a single MS Word report with title page, 1.5 line spacing, 11-pt Calibri font, 2.5 cm margins. Use IEEE referencing style. Include Cisco Packet Tracer (.pkt) file for the network design.

Assessment Purpose (with ULO Mapping)

This assignment assesses students’ ability to:
– Explain human factors in planning and design for business and technical goals.
– Investigate and develop architectural internetworking designs for organisational needs.

Task Overview

A case study on wireless network deployment in educational institutions is provided on Moodle (drawing from recent TP-Link implementations in schools). Based on this, propose a wired and wireless network design for an educational institution with six departments: Administration, Academic, Human Resources, Finance, IT Support, and Sports.

Use Cisco Packet Tracer to simulate the design. The network must support reliable connectivity, security, and scalability for staff, students, and guests. Include VLAN segmentation, IP addressing scheme, wireless access points, and basic security features.

Report Structure

• Project scope (concise outline)
• Challenges (at least three key issues addressed)
• User-centric design concept (approach and improvements)
• Project hardware requirements (devices with models, features, cables, end devices)
• Network design (justification, screenshots from Packet Tracer)
• Outcomes (at least four benefits)
• Limitations (at least two, with future suggestions)
• Conclusion
• Demonstration (snapshots showing ping connectivity and configuration)
• References (IEEE style)

Marking Criteria

• Project Scope: 3 marks
• Challenges: 4 marks
• User-centric design concept: 6 marks
• Project hardware requirements: 10 marks
• Network design and justification: 10 marks
• Outcomes: 3 marks
• Limitations and future development: 3 marks
• Conclusion: 3 marks
• Demonstration (in-lab or screenshots): 5 marks
• Reference style and overall presentation: 3 marks

The project scope focuses on delivering a robust wired and wireless network for the school to enable seamless digital learning and administration across all departments. Challenges include ensuring coverage in multi-building layouts, managing device density in classrooms, and protecting against unauthorised access. User-centric design prioritises intuitive access for teachers and students through separate SSIDs and guest portals while maintaining high performance for administrative tasks. Hardware selections feature Cisco or TP-Link enterprise access points with PoE support, multilayer switches for VLAN handling, and a core router for internet gateway functions. The logical design employs a hierarchical model with access, distribution, and core layers to optimise traffic flow. VLANs separate departments for enhanced security and bandwidth management. Wireless implementation uses WPA3 encryption and controller-based management for centralised control. Outcomes encompass improved collaboration tools usage, reduced downtime, faster administrative processes, and support for mobile learning devices (Forouzan, 2021, https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/computer-networks-forouzan-9781260540304.html). Cost constraints limit advanced redundancy features, though future upgrades could incorporate Wi-Fi 6E access points.

References (IEEE Style)

1. B. A. Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking, 6th ed. New York, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill Education, 2021.
2. W. Stallings, Computer Networking with Internet Protocols and Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA: Prentice Hall, 2022.
3. J. F. Kurose and K. W. Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 8th ed. Boston, MA, USA: Pearson, 2021.
4. A. S. Tanenbaum and D. J. Wetherall, Computer Networks, 6th ed. Boston, MA, USA: Pearson, 2021.
5. Cisco Systems, “Campus Network Design Models,” Cisco Validated Design, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/solutions/CVD/Campus/cisco-campus-lan-wlan-design-guide.html.