Computer Networks
- Sciences
- 700 level
- 3 credit units
- 124 pages
- 15 units
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to computer networks, covering fundamental concepts, architectures, and protocols. It explores network topologies, transmission media, and addressing techniques. Students will learn about the OSI and TCP/IP models, network configuration, and basic troubleshooting methods. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and manage computer networks effectively.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic computer literacy
- Familiarity with operating systems
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CIT722, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CIT722 · Unit 1: History of Networks
This unit covers the very basics of networking history. We’ll start with a little history that describes how the networking industry evolved. This unit is an overview only. It will familiarize you with much of the vocabulary you hear with regards to networking. Some of these concepts are covered in more detail in later units.
What you should be able to do
- Define basic networking terminology
- Describe the OSI and TCP/IP models
- Compare different network topologies
- Explain various network protocols
- Troubleshoot basic network connectivity issues
What it prepares you for
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- IT Support Specialist
- System Administrator
- Telecommunications
- Information Technology
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Wireshark
- Ping
- Tracert
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: OSI AND TCP/IP MODELS
Unit 2: Interaction between OSI model layers protocols
Understanding the complex interactions and dependencies between the seven layers requires strong conceptual grasp.
- Module 4: TYPES OF NETWORK, TRANSMISSION MEDIA, ADDRESSING AND TROBLESHOOTING
Unit 4: Addressing
Requires understanding of subnetting, CIDR notation, and address allocation strategies.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 43 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: BASIC NETWORKING CONCEPTS
Unit 1: History of Networks · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Study the history of networking, including early communication methods.. Understand the evolution of networks and the Internet.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
Unit 2: Introduction to computer network · 2 hours
Define computer network and networking concepts.. Explore the benefits of computer networks.. Identify network application areas.. Understand key issues in computer network design..
- Week 2Module 1: BASIC NETWORKING CONCEPTS
Unit 3: Networking hardware · 3 hours
Identify and explain networking hardware components.. Outline basic network configurations.. Understand the functions of file servers, workstations, and network interface cards.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 3Module 1: BASIC NETWORKING CONCEPTS
Unit 4: Network operating system · 3 hours
Explain the purpose of a network operating system (NOS).. Describe the functions of a NOS.. Differentiate between peer-to-peer and client-server NOS.. Explore examples of network operating systems..
- Week 4Module 2: NETWORK TOPOLOGIES, PROTOCOLS AND CONFIGURATION
Unit 1: Network topologies · 3 hours
Understand network topology concepts.. Describe geometric representations of computer networks.. Explain the merits and demerits of various network topologies.. Learn how to choose the right topology..
- Week 5Module 2: NETWORK TOPOLOGIES, PROTOCOLS AND CONFIGURATION
Unit 2: Network protocols · 3 hours
Understand network protocols and their key elements.. Analyze networking requirements.. Compare and contrast CSMA and CSMA/CD.. Explore popular protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP..
- Week 6Module 2: NETWORK TOPOLOGIES, PROTOCOLS AND CONFIGURATION
Unit 3: Network Configuration · 3 hours
Learn how to configure a network.. Understand peer-to-peer and client-server network models.. Follow configuration steps for both models.. Configure IP addresses and subnet masks..
- Week 7Module 3: OSI AND TCP/IP MODELS
Unit 1: Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model (OSI Model) · 3 hours
Understand the seven layers of the OSI model.. Describe the functions of each layer.. Explore the characteristics of the OSI model.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 8Module 3: OSI AND TCP/IP MODELS
Unit 2: Interaction between OSI model layers protocols · 3 hours
Describe the interaction between OSI model layers protocols.. Explain communications among the OSI layers.. Discuss the benefits of the OSI model.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 9Module 3: OSI AND TCP/IP MODELS
Unit 3: Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model · 3 hours
Understand the workings of the TCP/IP model.. Distinguish between the OSI model and the TCP/IP model.. Explain the functions of the four layers of the TCP/IP model.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 10Module 4: TYPES OF NETWORK, TRANSMISSION MEDIA, ADDRESSING AND TROBLESHOOTING
Unit 1: Local Area Network (LAN) · 3 hours
Understand the concept of local area networks (LANs).. Discuss the major characteristics of LANs.. Describe various components of LANs.. Understand LAN topologies..
- Week 11Module 4: TYPES OF NETWORK, TRANSMISSION MEDIA, ADDRESSING AND TROBLESHOOTING
Unit 2: Metropolitan Area Network( MAN) and Wide Area Network(WAN) · 3 hours
Understand the concepts of metropolitan area networks (MANs) and wide area networks (WANs).. Discuss the major characteristics of MANs and WANs.. Understand MAN and WAN topologies.. Explore MAN protocols and technologies..
- Week 12Module 4: TYPES OF NETWORK, TRANSMISSION MEDIA, ADDRESSING AND TROBLESHOOTING
Unit 3: Transmission media · 3 hours
Explore various transmission media available for transferring information.. Understand the characteristics of different media.. Learn about network cabling, including UTP, STP, coaxial, and fiber optic cables.. Explore wireless LANs..
- Week 13Module 4: TYPES OF NETWORK, TRANSMISSION MEDIA, ADDRESSING AND TROBLESHOOTING
Unit 4: Addressing · 3 hours
Explain the basics of network addressing.. Describe standard networking addresses.. Explain variations on standard networking addresses.. Describe the role of addresses in a network..
Unit 5: Basic Network Troubleshooting · 3 hours
Explain how basic network troubleshooting can be performed.. Identify common network problems and their solutions.. Review network connections, adapter functionality, and protocol settings.. Understand the use of ping and tracert commands..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed notes for each OSI layer, focusing on protocols and functions
- Practice subnetting and IP addressing problems from Unit 4 weekly
- Review network troubleshooting steps from Unit 5 and simulate common issues
- Create concept maps linking Modules 2 and 3 network models and protocols
- Focus on key differences between TCP/IP and OSI models, especially layer functions
Questions students ask about this course
What is CIT722 about?
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to computer networks, covering fundamental concepts, architectures, and protocols. It explores network topologies, transmission media, and addressing techniques. Students will learn about the OSI and TCP/IP models, network configuration, and basic troubleshooting methods. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and manage computer networks effectively.
How many units does CIT722 have?
CIT722, Computer Networks, has 15 units across 4 modules, over 124 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CIT722?
CIT722 carries 3 credit units, at 700 level in Sciences.
Is CIT722 hard?
CIT722 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CIT722 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is CIT722 assessed?
CIT722 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What do I need before starting CIT722?
Basic computer literacy Familiarity with operating systems
What can I do with CIT722?
Network Administrator, Network Engineer, IT Support Specialist and System Administrator.