CAB440 Network and Systems Administration


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:CAB440
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:CAB222 or CAB303 or INB251
Coordinator:Vicky Liu | v.liu@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit builds on your existing knowledge of networks and systems administration. You will be introduced to technical knowledge and practical skills for managing network administration, including: (1) configuring addressing and routing with physical/virtual network devices, (2) installing/maintaining/troubleshooting network services on a Unix-like platform, and (3) preventing vulnerabilities/threats to network systems and proposing mitigation strategies to secure network infrastructure. CAB441 Network Security builds on this unit by extending your network administration skills to secure network application services.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Create and implement an IPv6 addressing scheme with physical network devices and simulator for a given scenario
  2. Configure required network services and diagnose/resolve misconfigurations
  3. Design network architecture and apply the use of appropriate security technologies in defending cyber attacks
  4. Demonstrate the ability to work in both independent and/or team environments while managing time and completing technical tasks in network administration.

Content

This unit provides the background needed for network administration and management practices and understand network security fundamentals. This unit includes the following topics:

  • IPv6 addressing and routing configuration
  • Application and service installation
  • User administration
  • Network file systems
  • Process and network service management
  • Secure network design and technology

Learning Approaches

Weekly lectures are conducted to address theoretical aspects of network administration and management, and to explain the technical content which forms the basis of the practical sessions. You are expected to consult reading material such as reference manuals and on-line documentation to enhance your understanding of the technical concepts introduced in this unit. Weekly practical exercises performed in a computer laboratory environment will allow you to gain experience in a variety of technical tasks required to be performed by Network Administrators, as well as develop essential problem-solving skills.  Weekly  laboratory practical exercises will enable you to perform technical tasks while tutoring staff are present to provide guidance. Weekly practical exercises will take, on average, up to eight hours to complete each week. You will be expected to put in the necessary additional number of hours in your own time each week to complete these practical exercises. You will also be expected to become accustomed to looking up relevant resources on your own initiative through reading and hands-on experimentation. This may include trial-and-error and investigation of ways of solving computer system and network problems. 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will have the opportunity to receive feedback on your learning through a variety of mechanisms, including:

  • Informal feedback during practical sessions from tutors.
  • Formative feedback through online quizzes
  • Peer feedback on assessments
  • Whole of class or individual review sessions
  • Practical assessment and theory examination by request.

You will receive feedback on your first assessment task prior to the submission of the next task.

Assessment

Overview

All assessment items contribute to your final grade.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Practical Assessment - IPv6 Addressing and Routing

This assessment is to evaluate acquired knowledge and skills in IPv6 addressing and routing configuration.

Weight: 25
Individual/Group: Either group or individual
Due (indicative): Mid semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 4

Assessment: Practical Assessment - Network/System Administration

This assessment is to evaluates required knowledge and skills in configuring and troubleshooting network/system services in Linux.   

Weight: 35
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Later Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2

Assessment: Final Exam

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

 



 

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Jason W. Eckert (2020), Linux+ and LPIC-1 Guide to Linux Certification- Fifth Edition, Cengage Learning Inc.

Mark Ciampa (2021), Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals - 7th Edition, Cengage Learning Inc.

Rick Graziani (2017), IPv6 Fundamentals: A Straightforward Approach to Understanding IPv6 - 2nd Edition, Cisco Systems Inc. 

Risk Assessment Statement

There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas.