ST5064CEM Networking Assignment Brief 2026 | Coventry University

ST5064CEM Assignment Brief

Scenario

You have been appointed as a Junior Network Security Engineer at SecureNet Technologies, an organization specializing in designing secure and scalable enterprise networks. SecureNet has been contracted to design a new corporate network infrastructure for a company with a head office and two remote branch offices.

The organization requires a highly available, secure, and well-monitored network that supports departmental segmentation, secure inter-branch communication, centralized services, and future expansion. All designs and configurations must be implemented and demonstrated using Cisco Packet Tracer.

Project Objectives:

1. Design a three-tier enterprise network architecture
2. Implement routing, switching, security, and monitoring services
3. Deploy a Cisco ASA firewall with DMZ
4. Ensure secure wired and wireless access
5. Configure core network services such as NTP, SNMP, SMTP, FTP, Syslog, and DHCP
6. Apply best practices in network security, reliability, and scalability

Part A – Network Architecture  Routing (30%)

In this part, students are required to design an enterprise network using the three-tier network architecture model, consisting of the Core Layer, Distribution Layer, and Access Layer. The report should clearly describe the role and function of each layer within an enterprise network environment and identify the appropriate networking devices used at each layer, such as routers, multilayer switches, and access switches. Students must also select a suitable run or communication protocol for inter-tier communication, for example TCP/IP-based communication or routing protocol behavior and justify their choice. Additionally, the report should explain how the selected protocol enhances network performance, redundancy, and scalability.

The network design includes multiple routers and subnets. Students are required to explain the purpose of the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) and describe the step-by-step configuration of RIPv2 using Packet Tracer. The limitations of RIP in large-scale networks must also be identified. Furthermore, students should evaluate Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) by comparing it with RIP and discussing advantages such as convergence speed and scalability. Based on the network design, students must justify whether EIGRP is suitable for this project.

The role of a default route in enterprise networks must be explained, along with important configuration considerations and placement within the network. Students should also evaluate the suitability of Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) by explaining key concepts such as areas, cost, and router ID, and discussing OSPF’s scalability for enterprise environments. Finally, an introduction to Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is required, including its purpose, potential use in enterprise or ISP connectivity, and a justification of whether BGP is necessary for this project.

Part B – Switching, VPN  Layer 2 Technologies (20%)

This part focuses on Layer 2 network design within the three-tier architecture. Students must implement VLANs for departmental traffic segregation, 802.1Q trunking for inter-switch VLAN communication, and access ports for end-device connectivity. Loop prevention using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), link aggregation and redundancy through EtherChannel, and default gateway resilience using redundancy gateway protocols (HSRP/GLBP concepts) must be included in the design. Additionally, students should configure DHCP for dynamic IP addressing, VTP for VLAN management, and BPDU Guard for protection against rogue switches. For each technology, the purpose, configuration steps, and benefits must be clearly explained.

Students are also required to design a site-to-site VPN between the Head Office and Branch Office using Packet Tracer-supported technologies. The design must specify the VPN type used (IPsec), identify the devices involved, outline the key configuration steps, and explain the benefits of VPNs for secure inter-branch communication.

Part C – Security, Services  Monitoring (30%)

In this part, students must deploy a Cisco ASA firewall at the Head Office clearly defined inside, outside, and DMZ zones. The design should include services hosted in the DMZ and provide explanations of firewall rules, access control lists (ACLs), NAT configuration, security levels, and the benefits of implementing a DMZ in an enterprise environment.

Students must also configure and explain essential network services using Packet Tracer, including NTP for time synchronization, SNMP for network monitoring, Syslog for centralized logging, SMTP and POP3 for email services, and FTP for file transfer. In addition, a secure wireless network must be designed for guest users using a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). This design should include a separate guest VLAN, internet-only access, and authentication using a AAA server. Students must explain the WLC configuration steps, SSID security settings, and the benefits of segregating guest traffic. Finally, centralized monitoring and authentication should be implemented using Syslog, SNMP, and an authentication server, along with a discussion of associated security challenges and their impact on network performance and reliability.

Part D – Governance, Trends  Documentation (20%)

This part addresses governance, emerging technologies, and documentation quality. Students must explain network security risks, compliance requirements, legal and social implications of networking, and their importance for modern organizations. Emerging networking technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), network virtualization, and cloud networking should be discussed, including their influence on three-tier architecture design, scalability, and network management.

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