Page 1 of 6
[1878]
Arden University © reserves all rights of copyright and all other intellectual property rights in the learning materials and this publication. No part of any of the learning materials or
this publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
COM6002
Current Trends in Networking
Case-Study Based Assignment
Date for Submission: Please refer to the timetable on ilearn
(The submission portal on ilearn will close at 14:00 UK time on the date
of submission)
Page 2 of 6
[1878]
Arden University © reserves all rights of copyright and all other intellectual property rights in the learning materials and this publication. No part of any of the learning materials or
this publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Assignment Brief
As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit a
Current Trends in Networking assignment. Please refer to your Student Handbook for
full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on
preparing and submitting assignments.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing the module you should be able to:
1) Apply a systematic understanding of current trends in networking to critically evaluate
threats to network provision and compare solutions.
2) Compare and contrast existing and emergent networking technologies.
3) Apply appropriate network technologies in complex settings, providing alternative
solutions, clear selections and justifications.
4) Critically evaluate relevant and credible sources for up to date information on network
and data communications technologies.
5) Critically evaluate innovative solutions to complex and novel problems.
Guidance
Your assignment should include: a title page containing your student number, the module
name, the submission deadline and the exact word count of your submitted document; the
appendices if relevant; and a reference list in Arden University (AU) Harvard system(s). You
should address all the elements of the assignment task listed below. Please note that tutors
will use the assessment criteria set out below in assessing your work.
You must not include your name in your submission because Arden University operates
anonymous marking, which means that markers should not be aware of the identity of the
student. However, please do not forget to include your STU number.
Maximum word count: 4,000 words
Please refer to the full word count policy which can be found in the Student Policies section here:
Arden University | Regulatory Framework
https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/about-arden/our-policies-standards
Page 3 of 6
[1878]
Arden University © reserves all rights of copyright and all other intellectual property rights in the learning materials and this publication. No part of any of the learning materials or
this publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Please note the following:
Students are required to indicate the exact word count on the title page of the
assessment.
The word count includes everything in the main body of the assessment (including in text
citations and references). The word count excludes numerical data in tables, figures,
diagrams, footnotes, reference list and appendices. ALL other printed words ARE
included in the word count.
Please note that exceeding the word count by over 10% will result in a 10-percentage point
deduction.
Page 4 of 6
[1878]
Arden University © reserves all rights of copyright and all other intellectual property rights in the learning materials and this publication. No part of any of the learning materials or
this publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Assignment Task
You are a technical consultant at a leading Internet Service Provider that caters to domestic
customers as well as small and large businesses. The past decade has witnessed
advancement in broadband technologies, the emergence of mobile communication
technologies and the evolution of routing and switching technologies. Consequently, there
has been a rise in new security concerns and advancements in network security mechanisms
and cryptography. The board of directors for the ISP are keen to make investments to
upgrade their infrastructure and diversify the services they are offering. You are part of a
team of experts who are working on a technical advisory report to the board of directors, to
aid them in making the right investment decision. You are responsible to address the
following questions with regards to the given case study.
1) Critically compare wireless and wired broadband technologies and highlight the relative
benefits and challenges. You may choose one wired broadband technology and one
wireless broadband technology for comparison. Use specific performance metrics in
addition to end-user quality of experience in support of your discussion.
(30 marks)
2) Evaluate how the Session Initiation Protocol enables value-added service such as
Voice and Video-Over IP. Particularly describe the technology and present the
opportunities and challenges offered by the protocol.
(20 marks)
3) Describe one the software defined networking(SDN) technology including its
architecture, features and deployment challenges.
(15 marks)
4) Critically discuss any specific digital broadcasting standard and its relevance in current
times.
(10 marks)
5) Evaluate the various threat and vulnerabilities targeting ISPs and list the network
security best practice that most ISPs should follow to counter the threats.
(15 marks)
6) Presentation, Language, Formatting and Referencing practice
(10 marks)
Page 5 of 6
[1878]
Arden University © reserves all rights of copyright and all other intellectual property rights in the learning materials and this publication. No part of any of the learning materials or
this publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Formative Feedback
You have the opportunity to submit your draft to receive formative feedback.
The feedback is designed to help you develop areas of your work and it helps you develop
your skills as an independent learner.
If you are a distance learning student, you should submit your work, by email, to your tutor, no
later than 2 weeks before the actual submission deadline. If you are a blended learning student,
your tutor will give you a deadline for formative feedback and further details.
Formative feedback will not be given to work submitted after the above date or the date specified
by your tutor – if a blended learning student.
Referencing Guidance
You MUST underpin your analysis and evaluation of the key issues with appropriate and
wide ranging academic research and ensure this is referenced using the Arden University
(AU) Harvard system(s)
Follow this link to find the referencing guides for your subject: Arden Library
Submission Guidance
Assignments submitted late will not be accepted and will be marked as a 0% fail.
Your assessment should be submitted as a single Word (MS Word) or PDF file. For more
information please see the “Submitting an Assignment – Guide” document available on the
A-Z key information on iLearn.
You must ensure that the submitted assignment is all your own work and that all sources
used are correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments which show evidence of
academic unfair practice. (See the Student Handbook which is available on the A-Z key
information on iLearn.)
https://library.arden.ac.uk/referencing-and-avoiding-plagiarism
Page 6 of 6
[1878]
Arden University © reserves all rights of copyright and all other intellectual property rights in the learning materials and this publication. No part of any of the learning materials or this publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme materials
please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Assessment Criteria: Level 6
Level 6 study represents the student’s increasing autonomy and independence in relation to their knowledge, understanding and skills. At Level 6, students are
expected to demonstrate problem solving skills in both practical and theoretical contexts. This should be supported by an understanding of appropriate theory,
creativity in expression and thought based on independent but informed judgments. Students should demonstrate the ability to seek out, invoke, analyse and
evaluate competing theories and claims to knowledge and work in a critically constructive manner. Work at this level is articulate, coherent and skilled.
Grade Mark Bands Generic Assessment Criteria
First
(1)
80%+
An exceptional knowledge base exploring and analysing the discipline, its theory and any associated ethical considerations. The work
demonstrates extraordinary independence of thought and originality. There is exceptional management of learning resources and a high
degree of autonomy is demonstrated which goes above and beyond the brief. The work demonstrates intellectual originality and creativity.
Writing is exceptionally well structured and accurately referenced throughout. Where appropriate, outstanding professional skills are
demonstrated. The work is original and with some additional effort could be considered for internal publication.
70-79%
An excellent information base within which the discipline is explored and analysed. There is considerable originality in the approach and the
work demonstrates confidence and autonomy and extends to consider ethical issues. Learning resources have been managed with
exceptional confidence and the work exceeds the assessment brief. Writing is exceptionally well structured and accurately referenced
throughout. Where appropriate, an excellent level of professional skills are demonstrated and the work demonstrates a high level of
intellectual and academic skills.
Upper
second
(2:1)
60-69%
A very good knowledge base which explores and analyses the discipline, its theory and any associated ethical issues. There is evidence of
some originality and independence of thought. A very good range of learning resources underpin the work and there is clear evidence of self-
directed research. The work demonstrates the ability to analyse the subject and apply theory with good academic and intellectual skills.
Academic writing skills are good, expression is accurate overall and the work is consistently referenced throughout.
Lower
second
(2:2)
50-59%
A satisfactory understanding of the discipline which supports some analysis, evaluation and problem-solving within the discipline. There may
be reference to some of the ethical considerations. The work shows a sound level of competence in managing basic sources and materials.
Academic writing skills are good and accurate overall and the work is planned and structured with some thought. Professional skills are
satisfactory (where appropriate). The work may lack originality but academic and intellectual skills are moving into the critical domain. The
work is referenced throughout.
Third
(3)
40-49%
Basic level of performance in which there are some omissions in the understanding of the subject, its underpinning theory and ethical
considerations. There is little evidence of independent thought and the work shows a basic use of sources and materials. Academic and
intellectual skills are limited. The work may lack structure overall. There are some difficulties in developing professional skills (where
appropriate). There is an attempt to reference the work.
Marginal
Fail
30-39%
A limited piece of work in which there are clear gaps in understanding the subject, its underpinning theory and ethical considerations. The
work shows a limited use of sources and materials. Academic and intellectual skills are weak and there are errors in expression and the work
may lack structure overall. There are difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). The work lacks original thought and is
largely imitative.
29% and below A poor performance in which there are substantial gaps in knowledge and understanding, underpinning theory and ethical considerations.
The work shows little evidence in the use of appropriate sources and materials. Academic writing skills are very weak and there are numerous
errors in expression. The work lacks structure overall. Professional skills (where appropriate) are not developed. The work is imitative.
