Advanced Diploma in Computer Networking

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is generally multi- and interdisciplinary in nature and serve to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in the Computer Networking discipline and profession. This qualification seeks to enable working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in an area of specialisation. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts in order to undertake professional or highly skilled work. The qualification will enable Information Technologists to continue with their studies with the aim to do research and study to higher qualifications such as a Master's and Doctoral qualification.

The qualification makes provision for qualifying learners with equivalent qualifications who are working in the business and industry who wish to continue with further research and study to higher and postgraduate qualifications.

Rationale

The National Development Plan 2030 states that South Africa can benefit from rapid growth in developing countries that leads to increased demand for commodities and the expansion of consumer markets. At the same time, these trends pose challenges for middle-income countries because of greater competition in manufacturing and certain IT-enabled services.

The world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. It is vitally important that the institutions adjust its current qualifications accordingly, to ensure that learners are trained in these cutting-edge technologies. There is a need for developers that can analyse a problem, suggest and develop a software solution.

Furthermore, there is a high demand, both nationally and internationally, for qualified Information Technology (IT) Experts. Today, every business makes use of network specialists - a statement that is confirmed by the Scarce Skills List of the Department of Labor (DoL), as well as the Industry Advisory Board. Quality IT professionals are also included in the list of critical skills shortages contained in the National Development Plan 2030. This qualification will address this critical skills shortage.

The qualification will articulate vertically to the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Networking. The qualification is also designed to deepen the learner's knowledge, skills and understanding about Information Technology at strategic level and research related approaches, strategies and methodologies is required where appropriate preparation takes placed in a more structured course-work driven qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

To facilitate and promote access to the qualification, learners will also be selected based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Selection of such learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. A functional system for RPL is in place. RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The learners are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology RPL Committee for assessment. The institution's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement for this qualification is

• A 360 Credits Diploma in Computer Networking.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7, totalling 138 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 66 Credits

• Wireless Networks, 18 Credits.
• Research Methodology - Network Project, 30 Credits.
• Infrastructure Design, 18 Credits.

Electives Modules: 72 Credits (Choose 4)

• Information Security,18 Credits.
• Database Systems,18 Credits.
• Operating Systems,18 Credits.
• Network Convergence,18 Credits.
• Computer Servers' Administration,18 Credit.

1. Apply appropriate techniques and strategies to perform a security risk assessment.
2. Design and construct modern database systems for business problems, through the understanding and practical application of end user's requirements.
3. Understand the underlying concepts of the 802.11 standard and the methodologies for completing a successful wireless network installation.
4. Apply advanced techniques in the planning, scheduling, controlling and monitoring of a Network solution project. Identify, design, develop and implement a network solution for a complex business problem applying new technologies, software paradigms and platforms.
5. Demonstrate adequate understanding of fundamental principles and functions of an operating system and install, configure and administer an operating system or components to support an organisation's Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.
6. Design a routed and switched network infrastructures and services involving Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and broadband access for businesses and organisations. Designing basic campus, data centre, security, voice, and wireless networks.
7. Control computer network traffic in order to optimise or guarantee performance, improve latency, and increase usable bandwidth by delaying packets that meet certain criteria; convergence (voice, video, data) that provides insight into the latest technology of video and data over wireless networks.
8. Run a highly efficient and modern data centre, with expertise in identity management, systems management, virtualisation, storage, directory services and networking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain the importance of information security and the management.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Risk management.
• Discuss Security Technology, in terms of firewalls and VPNs Demonstrate an understanding of intrusion detection, access control, and other security tools that includes cryptography.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and describe Server Technologies to access data stored in a Database are identified and described.
• Identify and describe Relational Structures are identified and described.
• Define and describe Relational Structures.
• Use Client Tools effectively to access a Relational Database.
• Use Server Technologies effectively to access data stored in a Database.
• Utilise Logical and Physical database models, to design, develop and implement databases for specific user requirements.
• Identify appropriate types of models for various categories of business-related problems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of using advance SQL commands to create and modify a database.
• Use Advance Structured Query Language (SQL) commands to analyse data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and describe Basic Wireless LAN Concepts.
• Identify and describe Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 Security concepts.
• Demonstrate an understanding and the use of Wireless Networks Tools is demonstrated.
• Use Wireless LAN concepts and understanding to configure, monitor and troubleshoot basic network tasks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop detailed work breakdown structures and baseline schedules for a Network project using examples provided, demonstrating that relevant knowledge and skills were applied.
• Investigate, select and apply appropriate project monitoring strategies and techniques, to examples provided, in order to demonstrate understanding of the control and monitor of a Network project.
• Produce progress report documents according to agreed parameters and timeframes.
• Demonstrate an understanding and using of the current modelling language.
• Identify, design, develop and implement an intuitive, effective and efficient software solution for a complex business problem through the application of industry specific technologies, accepted software paradigms and known platforms.
• Demonstrate an understanding and application of software project management concepts, such as effective time management, feasibility studies (economic, operational and technical), teamwork etc. with the aim to ensure that performance requirements and deliverables are met.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Discuss the necessary operating system components and functions.
• Prepare a Computer for use as a server.
• Install an operating system and validate the installation as successful.
• Make a distinction between server and client services.
• Demonstrate Configuring and Testing for validity of, Common network services (TCP/IP), print, file, DHCP, DNS, FTP, HTTP, mail, SNMP and telnet.
• Explain the benefits of using scripts to automate operating systems tasks.
• Describe virtualization advantages and issues.
• Demonstrate Installation of two virtual machines on a system, using a current virtualization software.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate an understanding of enterprise data centre design fundamentals, technology trends, and challenges facing the data centre.
• Demonstrate an understanding of virtualisation technologies and services that unify network, storage, compute, and virtualisation platforms.
• Use data centre access layer, aggregation layer, and core layer design concepts in order to design aspects of the multilayer architecture.
• Show an understanding of virtualisation in ordered to compare the main types of virtualization and provide several examples.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate an understanding of converged networks.
• Use security, voice, video and wireless concepts in order to design a converged network.
• Use converged networks concepts and understanding to troubleshoot converged networks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Identify Server Software suitable for a modern data centre of a Business or Industry.
• Demonstrate installation of Server Software and configuring the Server.
• Design and implement Server infrastructure.

Integrated Assessment

Provision is made for integrated assessment in its entirety. The underpinning principle for the achievement of integrated assessment is ensuring that all work and assessments are directed at enabling learners to commence with situations and required decisions in an end-user support environment. Both formative and summative forms of assessment practices are accommodated.

Furthermore, as the qualification is practice-oriented, the theory acquired is put into practice. This synergy between theory and practice are achieved via:

• Addressing a number of outcomes together.
• Clustering a number of assessment criteria together.
• Promoting and raising awareness of the connections and relationships between the knowledge, processes and skills inside the different modules.
• Using a combination of several different assessment methods, instruments and tools to achieve outcome(s).

Finally, work done in the module Research Project will specifically integrate all outcomes of the programme, by means of learners submitting a mini dissertation on research done.