Network Design and Administration

1. Network resources

Networks: introduction, role, purpose, benefits, shared data, shared resources, implications for security and administration

Networking approaches: peer-to-peer, client-server computing, centralised computing, server based (purpose, file and print server, application server, database, mail and fax servers, directory services)

Local area networks (LAN): topologies, types, common variants (hubs, star-bus, star- ring), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802 definitions (Ethernet, Token Ring, Apple Talk, ArcNet) and their components, features, cabling and comparison (cost, reliability, speed, future needs, advantages, disadvantages), IEEE 802 modifications (logical link control, media access control), selection Network access: CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA, token passing and demand priority, data packets (role, structure, components, origin, contents and formation.

2. Network planning

Network organisation: domains (features, benefits, organisation, eg domain controllers, single and multiple domains); directory services, eg Windows 2000, Novell Netware, benefits of directory services, workgroups, logon to computer, logon to network domain, create user accounts, adding computers to domain

Requirements definition: representation of user needs, requirements specification

Analysis and design: analysis of alternative approaches, production of costing report and design solution for new or upgraded system

Implementation and testing: network implementation schedule, user training needs,
network security issues

3. Routine network administration

Routine tasks: users, groups, printers, security, network events and resources, system integrity, backup and restore, server applications, disks, scheduling tasks

Use administrative tools: control panels, set system properties, view system information, view and log events, manage system tasks (applications, processes and performance), monitor system performance, manage printers, manage shared folders or directories, manage disk operation, eg disk cleanup and defragmentation, backup and restore, manage security (local users and groups, network directory users and computers, local and domain security policy), set network and dial-up connections, monitor network traffic, configure server, add application software and use application tools, use third party tools, use management console, troubleshooting (accessing help, features to search help, bookmarking help favourites)

4. Network security and printing

Administering security: overview (user accounts, groups, permissions), user accounts (local user defined and built-in, administrator, guest, use NOS tools to administer), domain user accounts (user defined and built-in, administrator, guest, use NOS tools to administer), group accounts (local computer and domain controller, common user rights and built-in group rights, permissions (define, objects, file permissions, folder or directory permissions, shared folder or directory permissions, printers, create and verify different permissions using NOS tools)

Configure network printing: configuring a print server, print queue and printers, accessing the print server and performing basic printing tasks. Performing print services management