FACULTY OF INFORMATICS & DESIGN

Diploma in Information &

Communication Technology

Communication Network Foundations I:

CNF152S

SUBJECT GUIDE: 2023

COURSE CODE: CNF152S

NQF LEVEL: 5

PREREQUISITE SUBJECTS: PREREQUISISTE SUBJECTS:

COURSE CODE: CNF152S
NQF LEVEL: 5

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 3
2. GENERAL .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Contact Information ..................................................................................................................................... 3 
2.2 Class Times and Venues ................................................................................................................................ 4 
2.3 Learner Management System (LMS) ............................................................................................................ 4 
3. STUDY MATERIALS ............................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Prescribed Textbook ..................................................................................................................................... 4 
3.2 Recommended Readings .............................................................................................................................. 4 
3.3 Websites ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 
4. MODULE CREDITS ............................................................................................................................................. 4
4.1 Planning of Time Allocation for Learning Activities ...................................................................................... 4 
5. ETHICAL CONDUCT.......................................................................................................................................... 4
5.1 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................ 4 
5.2 Class attendance and participation .............................................................................................................. 4 
5.4  Plagiarism ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 
6. ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
6.1 Assessment policy and regulations ............................................................................................................... 5 
6.2 Assessment Opportunities: Administration .................................................................................................. 5 
7. SUBJECT SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 7
7.1 Purpose of the Subject.................................................................................................................................. 7 
7.2 Subject Structure .......................................................................................................................................... 7 
7.2.1 Subject Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 7 
7.2.2 Subject Breakdown Schedule ................................................................................................................... 8 
7.3 Articulation with other subjects in the programme ................................................................................... 13 
7.4 Learning presumed to be in place .............................................................................................................. 13 
7.5 Critical Cross‐field Outcomes ...................................................................................................................... 13 
8. STUDY UNITS/STUDY THEMES .......................................................................................................................... 14
8.1 Study Units .................................................................................................................................................. 14 
8.2 Assessment Opportunities and Assessment strategy ................................................................................. 14 
8.3 Subject Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria ............................................................................ 14 
8.4 Self‐study Activities .................................................................................................................................... 14 
9. STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................................... 15

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

ORGANISATIONAL COMPONENT

1. INTRODUCTION
This subject Communication Networks Foundations is an NQF level 5 subject which presents the
fundamental concepts to communication networks and includes the principles and practice of
computer networking. Knowing how to install, configure, and troubleshoot a computer network is a
highly marketable and exciting skill. This course first introduces the fundamental building blocks that
form a modern network, such as protocols, media, topologies, and hardware. It then provides in depth
coverage of the most important concepts in contemporary networking, such as TCP/IP, Ethernet,
wireless transmission, virtual networks, security, and troubleshooting. After completing this course and
completing the exercises, you will be prepared to select the best network design, hardware, and
software for your environment. You will also have the skills to build a network from scratch and
maintain, upgrade, troubleshoot, and manage an existing network.

2. GENERAL
2.1 Contact Information

TELEPHONE
DESIGNATION NAME LOCATION E-MAIL ADDRESS
NUMBER

Subject Co-ordinator Mr. W. Hendricks Engineering 2.27B (021) 460-3778 hendricksw@cput.ac.za

Lecturers

Domain Coordinator

Head of Department B. Kabaso Engineering 2.30 (021) 460-3713 kabasob@cput.ac.za

Administrative
Assistant

Support Technician I. Saliem Engineering 1.28 (021) 460-3031 saliemi@cput.ac.za

Support Technician

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

2.2 Class Times and Venues

As published on http://myclassroom.cput.ac.za and notice boards. The subject consists of two practical
and two theory periods per week.

2.3 Learner Management System (LMS)

https://myclassroom.cput.ac.za/: Blackboard used for general communications and announcements,
posting of course material, assignment and announcements. It is the responsibility of the learner to check
Blackboard regularly.

3. STUDY MATERIALS
3.1 Prescribed Textbook

Network + Guide to Networks West | Dean | Andrews 8th Edition

3.2 Recommended Readings

3.3 Websites

https://myclassroom.cput.ac.za/

4. MODULE CREDITS
This module has 0.167 credits on NQF level 5. Please refer to the Faculty prospectus on
http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/informaticsdesign/prospectus for further information.

4.1 Planning of Time Allocation for Learning Activities

There are 200 notional hours allocated to this module. These notional hours comprise of 60 hours (30%)
for contact time and the remainder will be self-study and other tasks, assignments, and tests.

METHOD % OF YOUR LEARNING TIME

Seminars / Practical’s (face-to-face, limited interaction or technologically mediated) 30%

Independent self-study of standard texts and references and specially prepared 20%
materials (study guides, books, journals, using online tutorials etc.)

Independent self-study, time needed to prepare for assessment (e.g. tests/exams) 25%

Student learning groups (working with your peers for group assignments) 25%

5. ETHICAL CONDUCT
5.1 Roles and Responsibilities
Kindly refer to CPUT’s Policy Docs and Student Guidelines:
https://www.cput.ac.za/storage/study_at_cput/Student_Rules%20_Regulations_2018.pdf 

5.2 Class attendance and participation

Kindly refer to page 18 of CPUT’s General Handbook Academic and Student Rules and Regulations:

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

https://www.cput.ac.za/storage/study_at_cput/Student_Rules%20_Regulations_2018.pdf 

5.3 Grievance procedures

Kindly refer to page 61 of CPUT’s General Handbook Academic and Student Rules and Regulations:
https://www.cput.ac.za/storage/study_at_cput/Student_Rules%20_Regulations_2018.pdf 

5.4 Plagiarism
Kindly refer to page 30 of CPUT’s General Handbook Academic and Student Rules and Regulations:
https://www.cput.ac.za/storage/study_at_cput/Student_Rules%20_Regulations_2018.pdf 

*NB: An amended version of the General Handbook will be emailed to you during the first term.

6. ASSESSMENT
6.1 Assessment policy and regulations
Assessments are a combination of Blackboard online tests, class tests, term exams, quizzes, projects and
assignments.

Test queries: Last day for any queries regarding a test is one week after the test was discussed in class.
Thereafter the test mark cannot be changed.

Absence from a test: If you are absent from a test, a valid medical certificate must be given to your
lecturer (via the Secretary) within one week after the test was written. You must also inform your lecturer
on the day of the test that you are ill.

Due dates must be strictly adhered to. NO late submissions are allowed for any subject in this Diploma.

Assignments are administered via Blackboard.

6.2 Assessment Opportunities: Administration

There will be some forms of assessment per term which all contribute towards the final term mark. There will
be a sick test in June for the first semester formal assessments and a sick test in November for the second
semester formal assessments.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1ST TERM 2ND TERM 3RD 4TH TERM
TERM

Assessment Weight 15% 30% 30% 25%

Marks allocation towards term

100% 100% 100% 100%
mark

Nature of assessment 3 tests Physical June 2 Tests = 15% 1 Physical

= 15% exam = 15% 1 Assignment = 15% Exam = 25%

3 tests = 15%

Will assessment be included

in this term? Yes Yes Yes Yes

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 STUDY COMPONENT

7. SUBJECT SPECIFICATIONS
7.1 Purpose of the Subject
The focus of Communication foundations 1 is the knowledge and skills required to design and implement basic home and small business networks. After
successfully completing this subject you will be able to do the following:

7.2 Subject Structure

7.2.1 Subject Outcomes

SUBJECT
DESCRIPTION
OUTCOMES

SO1 Understand the fundamental concepts of networking

SO2 Develop an understanding of network protocols and ports used.

SO3 Develop an understanding of IP connectivity

SO4 Develop an understanding of how wireless networking works..

SO5 Understand the concepts of Cloud computing and visualization

SO6 Develop an understanding of network design and subnetting.

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

7.2.2 Subject Breakdown Schedule

TERM 1

STUDY UNIT 1: APPLIED NETWORKING

SUBJECT TEACHING ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT TASK

THEMES/SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES & CRITERIA
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
Introduction to Networking| CHAPTER 1

Understand the user needs to select network components such as routers, switches, Wi-Fi devices and laptops.
Apply the procedures to configure network devices and protocols and ports
SO1 Identify types of applications and protocols used on a network
Describe various networking hardware devices and the most common physical topologies
Describe the seven layers of the OSI model
Describe the seven-step troubleshooting

Addressing on Networks| CHAPTER 3

Describe the five layers of the TCP/IP model

Explain the purpose of ports and sockets, and identify the ports of several common network protocols
SO2
Describe domain names and the name resolution process
Using command-line tools solve and troubleshoot problems with network addresses.

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

TEST TERM 1 =15%

RECESS

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

TERM 2

STUDY UNIT 3: NETWORKING STANDARDS AND THE OSI MODEL

SUBJECT TEACHING ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT TASK

THEMES/SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES & CRITERIA
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
Network Protocols and Routing| CHAPTER 4
SO3
Describe the functions of core TCP/IP protocols
Identify how each protocol’s information is formatted in a TCP/IP message
Explain how routers manage internetwork communications
Compare various TCP/IP utilities for network discovery and troubleshooting

VACATION

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

TERM 3: INTER, INTRANETWORKING DEVICES AND WIRELESS NETWORKING

STUDY UNIT 4: INTERNETWORKING DEVICES AND WIRELESS NETWORKS

SUBJECT TEACHING ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT TASK

THEMES/SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES & CRITERIA
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
Wireless Networking| CHAPTER 6

Compare wireless radio transmissions

Identify how a wireless signal travels from source to destination.
SO4 Explain how to setup a wireless router and secure the network

Virtualization and Cloud Computing| CHAPTER 7

SO5 Describe and explain visualization technologies, including how virtual machines connect with a network and how networking infrastructure devices can be
virtualized.
Describe cloud computing categories and models, and discuss concerns regarding cloud connectivity and security

RECESS

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

TERM 4: DEVELOP AND UNDERSTANDING OF NEWORK DESIGN AND SUBNETTING

Subnets and VLANs | Chapter 8

Explain the purposes of network segmentation

SO6 Using Ip addressing schemes implement subnets within a network.
Explain how VLANs work and how they’re used

TEST 4 = 25%

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 DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: Communication Network Foundations (CNF152S)

Formative assessment(s):
This shall be undertaken mainly through assignments, online exercises, and in-class tests to provide feedback to students,
skill assessment in labs.
Assessments will take place continually throughout the term(s) to evaluate your progress throughout the subject.
You may be required to complete some assessments online on Myclassroom. The following guidelines may apply:

• You may be required to write an online assessment directly on Myclassroom. You will need to log in at a specified time to
attempt the assessment. Once the allocated time expires, the assessment will no longer be available to complete.
• Time limits should be checked before commencing assessments.
• Ensure that your internet connection is stable.
• In some cases, assessments will not be available indefinitely and will be available for only a day or two.

It is the students’ responsibility to retrieve their assessment feedback and verify their marks on the day they are released.
No adjustment of marks will be entertained beyond one week after marks were released.

Online Test(s)
There will be eight online tests. The tests will be completed individually. The students are expected to apply the
knowledge they have learnt from this subject. The tests will contribute towards the final mark.

If an assessment is missed because of illness, a doctor’s note must be presented within 7 calendar days of the missed
assessment to the IT department secretary or online via the CRIMS ticket system https://enquiries.cput.ac.za/

Summative Assessment(s)
There will be one online assessment for this subject. The assessment will be completed individually. The students are
expected to apply the knowledge they have learnt from this module.

The online assessment will be timed.

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7.3 Articulation with other subjects in the programme
This subject is linked to concepts taught in Information Systems II.

7.4 Learning presumed to be in place

There is NO pre-requisite for this subject.

7.5 Critical Cross-field Outcomes

CRITICAL
CROSS-FIELD DESCRIPTION
OUTCOMES

Demonstrate knowledge and competency of specific technical concepts and practices that define the ICT
CCFO1
discipline and industry,

CCFO2 Communicate effectively within the ICT discipline and recipient disciplines,

CCFO3 Act professionally and ethically in delivering ICT services and products,

CCFO4 Apply ICT solutions towards improving business and social environments,

CCFO5 Produce software programming solutions appropriate to the field of specialisation,

CCFO6 Solve problems through creative and innovative implementation of ICT solutions,

CCFO7 Demonstrate defined project management skills,

CCFO8 Demonstrate knowledge of Information Security concepts as a salient component of ICT service provision,

CCFO9 Collaborate effectively in project teams to accomplish specific goals,

Engage in the effective delivery of an integrated capstone project and associated portfolio of evidence,
CCFO10 featuring - knowledge, competencies, critical cross-field, and attitudinal skills; and techniques specific to the
specialisation, and

CCFO11 Demonstrate knowledge of best practices and performance standards in the area of specialisation.

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8. STUDY UNITS/STUDY THEMES

8.1 Study Units
Refer to 7.2.2 Subject Breakdown Structure.

8.2 Assessment Opportunities and Assessment strategy

Refer to 6.2 Assessment Opportunities: Administration for the linkages. Furthermore, a comprehensive
rubric will be published on Blackboard for each assignment and project work.

8.3 Subject Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria

Refer to 7.2.2 Subject Breakdown Structure for the linkages. Furthermore, a comprehensive rubric will be
published on Blackboard for each assignment and project work.

8.4 Self-study Activities

Network+: Guide to Networks, exercises and quiz

Cisco Network Essentials, chapter tests and quiz

ICT Fundamentals for ITSM, exercises and quiz

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9. STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
2023
DIPICTA: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Communication Networks Foundations1

ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THE SUBJECT GUIDE AND UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENT

Please read the following statement and complete the spaces that follow. Make a copy of this page for
your own reference. Hand-in this original page during the next class session.

I have read the subject guide of Communication Networks Foundations 1 and understand the information
and my responsibilities as a learner for this subject. I am also aware that the Subject Guide may be revised
due to unforeseen circumstances and it remains my responsibility to adhere to the most recent guide.

Name & Surname: ………………………………………….…………

(Print)

Student Number: …………………………………

Contact number: ……………………… (home/res) Contact number: ................................. (cell)

Signature: ……………………… Date: ………………………

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