School of Computing and

Engineering

Title Assignment

Module Data Communications (Level 4) (Full time)

Module Code CP4UA58O

Module Leader: Dr. Syed Abbas/ Dr. Ikram Ur Rehman

Set by: Dr. Muhammad Asshad

Moderated by: Dr. Nasser Matoorian

Type of assessment: Course work

For a given scenario (see Appendix), you are required to produce a report using
Data Communications paradigms.
Where evidence of Packet Tracer simulation is required, this must be included in
the form of screenshots with a clear explanation. The report must be submitted
online via the UWL Blackboard portal
Acceptable formats: Word or PDF
Please do not submit zipped files.
Due date: 10th May 2024

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Assessment and Grading Criteria

Title Report on the given scenario, utilising Data

Communications paradigms.

Task details From the given scenario (given below in the appendix section),
summary you will be required to propose solutions to the given
requirements, with recommendations.
You will submit a report (word or pdf format).
The report should not be more than 12 pages, excluding
references. It should be presented with title page in 16-point bold
font, headings of 14- point bold font, and the main body with 12-
point font.
Please use font ‘Times new Roman’ throughout the report.
Please adhere to the following basic structure:

❖ Title, Author Information

❖ Abstract
❖ Introduction
❖ Main body
❖ Conclusion
❖ References

Where Packet Tracer simulation is required, screenshots to

illustrate the topology and end-to-end connectivity must be
provided.
Criteria Issues Mark Marking
breakdown
(100
where
marks)
appropriate

Analysis of ❖ Clear understanding and 10

the given analysis of the problem/task.
problem
(10 marks)
Solution ❖ Understanding of key 10
network and data
(60 marks) communication principles.

❖ Correct networking standards

10
and conventions.

❖ Understanding of the role of

network services, protocols, 10
devices, and network
architecture.

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 ❖ Familiarity with basic
mathematics and statistics to 10
some network and data
communication scenarios.
❖ Understanding of
10
client/server application.

❖ Meets all required

functionalities 10

Documentation ❖ Documentation is easy to 30

read with academic rigour,
(30 marks) and credible references.

Timing of feedback: within 15 working days

Grade descriptors

In addition to the assessment criteria above the following table may assist you in understanding how we arrive at
your final mark. Indeed your final mark should agree with the following grade descriptors, but note that the
assessment criteria are the main means of assessment.

Mark Descriptor
0-39% Limited conceptual understanding with possible structural deficiencies. Restricted use of theory within
module. Inappropriate argument leading to unreliable and invalid conclusions/recommendations

40-49% Some confusion in purpose & aims of evaluation. Some overall structure and conceptual
understanding. Fair use of theory but arguments sometimes irrelevant, illogical or with unsupported
assertions.

50-59% Demonstrates a limited but accurate level of understanding presented in a mostly descriptive manner.
The answer contains relevant interpretation and critical understanding especially at the upper end of
the marking range.

60-69% Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding of the subject presented in a coherent manner.
The answer contains evidence of application and interpretation. At the upper end there is evidence of
thoughtful and measured critical evaluation.

70-79% Demonstrates a clear, comprehensively researched understanding of relevant material with some
element of critical evaluation. Shows initiative in approach and rigour in the handling of information.
Demonstrates originality of thought together with interpretation and application to the relevant sector

80% or The answer is analytical and critical. The assignment demonstrates scholarship through a depth of
above insight and understanding of relevant material, which is logically structured, accurate and well
referenced. Originality of thought and application is evident.

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 Appendix

Task:
A newly established ACME Corporation has recently acquired offices in the UK,
India, and the US. The number of employees in each office is 300, 200, and 100,
respectively. The network resources are scarce; therefore, the network design
should be as such that they are used efficiently (Hint: Subnetting required)
Each branch office has three departments i.e. IT, HR and Finance. These three
departments should have different broadcast domains, and departments should
communicate with each other (Hint: Inter-VLAN configuration required). The
company is in the process of setting up its communication and network
infrastructure, computers, servers, databases, e-mail, and file sharing facilities.
The company requires sharing of technology resources across all offices. The
company needs to operate in a very secure environment (Hint: Recommend
security measures). Their workforce is also using mobile devices to conduct their
“Business as Usual” (BAU) activities.
As a Network Administrator, you are assigned the responsibility of connecting
different offices using networking paradigms (Hint: Routing protocols required).
A topology diagram must be created using Packet Tracer tool. Evidence of
successful end-to-end connectivity must be provided and a report on your selection
of technologies must be produced. The devices and protocols you chose to set up
the scenario mentioned above must be clearly documented in the report, including
the rationale behind choosing them. Optional: You can also provide budgeting.
Furthermore, the company has asked you to recommend cloud-based services
(e.g. Email, File share, IIS etc.) using AWS. You are not required to setup servers
on AWS but provide recommendations in your report. You are required to compare
your selection with other available options, their advantages and disadvantages
and give an in-depth analysis of what you have proposed.
Based on the given scenario above, what recommendations will you suggest to
ACME Corporation for such implementation? Necessary assumptions can be
taken to justify your solutions.
Consider the following points when completing this assignment:
❖ Evaluate and explain the operating principles of commonly used networking
devices, their characteristics and performance. Define networking
standards and communication with OSI Model
❖ Propose and justify a network infrastructure solution for the given scenario
❖ Use routing algorithms to connect network nodes
❖ Evaluate and explain choices for hardware and software such as cloud-
based servers.
❖ Discuss security recommendations as ACME corporation is extremely
particular about security implications.
❖ Provide credible references from books, journal articles, conference papers,
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 technical articles and vendor websites (e.g. cisco). Please do not use
Wikipedia and other blogging websites (e.g. Quora). Where the information is
taken from a source, in-text citation must be provided. Do not copy and paste and
write in your own words to avoid plagiarism.

Plagiarism Warning: Plagiarism is a serious academic misconduct. We have our

methods of finding a plagiarised work. Protect your work. Do not copy from
someone and do not let anyone copy your work. If found plagiarising, severe
penalties may incur subject to the decision made by the disciplinary committee.

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