Assessment 2
Information and Rubric
| Subject Code | NTW201 |
| Subject Name | Scalable IP Networks |
| Assessment Number and Title | Assessment 2a: Network Planning and Design for a Multi-Campus Institution. Assessment 2b: 8-10 PPT slides, 5-10 minutes face-to-face in class invigilated presentation |
| Networking Tool | Packet Tracer |
| Assessment Type | Group Assignment |
| Length / Duration | 2000 words +/- 10% |
| Weighting % | Total: 30% Assessment 2a: 20% Assessment 2b: 10% |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Purpose of the assessment (with the learning outcome Mapping) | Purpose of this assessment is to enable students to research, analyse, and design a theoretical scalable IP network for Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA). This task serves as the first stage of Assessment 3, where students will practically configure and test the network using Cisco Packet Tracer. Through this assessment, students will gain an understanding of subnetting, routing, and network design principles necessary for implementing a reliable and scalable multi-campus network. |
| Due Date | • Report and PPT submission: Week 7- Sunday at 23:59 • In class Invigilated Face-to-Face Presentation: Week 8 During class. |
| Submission Guidelines | • All work must be submitted on Moodle by the due date along with a completed Assignment Cover Page. • The report must include clear headings and subheadings for all requirements mentioned below in the assessment description and instructions. • Assignment must be in MS Word format 1.5 spacing, 12-pt, Times New Roman (Body) font, and 2 cm margins on all four sides of your page with appropriate section headings. • Reference sources must be cited in the text of the report and listed appropriately at the end in a reference list using APA referencing style. |
| Mode | • Group Assessment Report • Face-to-Face In class Invigilated Presentation |
| Format | • Microsoft Word, Pdf • Microsoft Power Point |
| Late submission | • Late report submission penalty may be applied (10% per late day) |
| Academic Misconduct | • Academic Misconduct is a serious offense. Depending on the seriousness of the case, penalties can vary from a written warning, zero mark, half mark deduction to exclusion from the course or rescinding the degree. All the assessment with similarity index > 25% and AI detection > 40% will be reported. |
Assessment Description
Purpose of this assessment is to enable students to research, analyse, and design a theoretical scalable IP network for Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA). This task serves as the first stage of Assessment 3, where students will practically configure and test the network using Cisco Packet Tracer. Through this assessment, students will gain an understanding of subnetting, routing, and network design principles necessary for implementing a reliable and scalable multi-campus network.
Students are required to research and develop a conceptual network design proposal for PIA, which operates across three campuses, Sydney, Melbourne, and Geelong. Each campus includes multiple departments that must be interconnected through a single scalable network infrastructure, the task focuses on planning and theoretical design rather than configuration.
Students must use a Class C IP address range and apply Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM) to efficiently divide the network among the campuses and their departments. Sydney campus may function as the core network hub hosting shared services, while Melbourne and Geelong act as remote sites connected via routed links. Proposed design should demonstrate understanding of IPv4 addressing, subnetting, routing concepts, and hierarchical network models.
Students should also identify suitable networking devices such as routers, switches, PCs and explain the role of Cisco Packet Tracer in testing and validation. The assessment emphasizes theoretical justification, scalability, and logical structure. The conceptual design will later be implemented in Assessment 3 using Cisco Packet Tracer. Following are the host requirement of each campus:
- Sydney Campus: Administration- 10 users, IT Support- 25 users, Lab- 40 users
- Melbourne Campus: Administration- 8 users, IT Support- 20 users, Lab- 30 users
- Geelong Campus: Administration- 6 users, IT Support- 15 users, Lab- 25 users
Network must be designed using Class C IP address with VLSM to efficiently allocate IP addresses. Each campus should include routers and switches for connectivity, and OSPF should be used as the dynamic routing protocol to enable seamless communication among campuses. Students must design the network to support scalability, security, and redundancy while minimizing IP wastage.
Assessment Structure
Summary Report should begin with a short summary explaining the purpose and scope of the assessment. It should describe how the theoretical network design will form the foundation for the practical implementation in Assessment 3.
Table of Contents
- List all sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers.
1. Introduction This section should explain the importance of scalable networks in modern organizations and introduce IPv4 addressing, subnetting, and OSPF routing. It should also highlight their role in ensuring efficient and reliable communication across multiple campuses.
2. Network Design Concepts and Theories Students should discuss subnetting and VLSM as techniques for efficient IP address allocation. The section should also explain why OSPF is suitable for scalable campus networks and outline the benefits of hierarchical network design.
3. Device and Tool Selection This section should identify the networking devices and tools appropriate for the proposed design. Students should justify their choices and explain how Cisco Packet Tracer supports simulation and validation.
4. Proposed Network Design Plan Students should present a conceptual network topology for the three campuses, showing how departments will connect. The section should include a theoretical subnetting plan using IPv4 address from the Class C and describe how OSPF will manage routing and inter-campus communication.