R009: Exploring computer hardware and networks (2012)

Learning outcome 1: Be able to select computer system devices and platforms

Learners must be taught how to:

Select core computer components to meet the requirements of computer systems, i.e. the features of:

Select and use specialist input devices in flexible ways (e.g. voice activated systems, multi-touch gestures, fingerprint utility) make use of assistive technology (e.g. eye-tracking and 'sip and puff' input devices) to provide access for displabled users.
Select and use different computer platforms (e.g. games consoles, mobile phones, kindle, tablet and embedded systems according to their properties.

Learners must be taught:

Network topolgies in a modern context (e.g. extended star in a typical wired LAN, hierarchical (e.g. complex LAN), cell topology in a wireless LAN or mobile telehony network, cloud topology, grid toplogy.
The advantages and disadvantages of different toplogies (e.g. redundant links as in a cloud or grid, or central points of failure such as in a hierarchical topology).
The components and features of LANs and WANs.
The role of computers in network communication, i.e.:

The need for a network ID and host ID.
The role of an IP address and its purpose in network communication.
The need for a physical address and to be able to recognise a MAC address.
The role of the network ID in determining how the router forwards packets.
Commonly encountered standards and types of cable (e.g. cat 5, 6 and 7 UTP, fibre optic, 802.11g and 802.11n, 3G, 4G.
Network bandwidth and throughput.
Security considerations associated with networks.

Learners must be taught how to:

Plan a network to meet requirements by selecting hardware components, network devices, network type, considering bandwidth, security and cost implications.

Learners must be taught how to:

Recognise hardware and network problems (e.g. an unsuccessful PING netween two hosts, fault indicator LED on a printer etc.).
Check network configuration infomation using IPCONFIG.
Capture packets in real time to analyse network communcation events and protocols, verify network communication using TRACERT.
Identify and solve simple hardware and network problems (e.g. faulty network cables, a printer has run out of paper, IP address conflict, incorrect WEP key).