Task 8: High Value Domestic Network Design Project
Task 8 is the final Unit 4 project. Students select a house listing from realestate.com.au, use the floorplan as the basis for a high value domestic network design, and produce a professional network design package using UniFi Design Center.
The task is practical, but it assesses Computer Science networking knowledge. Students must show that the design is technically justified, not just visually polished.
Assessment Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Year 12 Computer Science General |
| Unit | Unit 4 |
| Assessment type | Project |
| Weighting | 10% |
| Raw mark total | 40 marks |
| Timing | Term 3 Week 10 |
| Scheduled window | Monday 21 September to Friday 25 September 2026 |
Syllabus Focus
The project assesses Unit 4 networks and communications content:
- router, switch, firewall, modem, network interface card, wireless access point and bridge
- protocols, digital, analogue and ethernet
- PAN, LAN and WAN
- client-server and peer-to-peer network technologies
- star network topology
- diagrammatic representation of PAN, LAN and WAN topologies
- twisted pair, fibre optic, satellite, cellular and wireless transmission media
- POP3, IMAP and SMTP
- authentication, encryption and firewalls
- viruses, worms, trojans and spyware
- network diagram conventions for PAN and LAN, shown through UniFi floorplan evidence and a labelled logical topology
Project Scenario
Students act as a network designer for a high value domestic property. The client wants a reliable whole-home network that supports:
- fast and reliable internet access across the home
- strong Wi-Fi coverage in living areas, bedrooms, study spaces and outdoor entertaining areas where relevant
- wired connections for fixed high-demand devices
- smart home and Internet of Things devices
- home office use, video conferencing and cloud services
- guest internet access
- strong security for personal information, cameras, smart devices and home office data
- a professional design that could be explained to a non-technical client
Students choose a house from realestate.com.au that includes a usable floorplan. They import or recreate the floorplan in UniFi Design Center, place suitable network equipment, show coverage evidence, and justify the final design.
Student Evidence
Students submit:
- a property and floorplan source record
- requirements analysis for the selected house
- UniFi Design Center evidence showing the floorplan, device placement and coverage simulation
- a logical network topology explanation using appropriate network diagram conventions
- hardware and transmission-media recommendations
- protocol, security and malware-risk responses
- final written justification and submission checklist
Conditions
- The task is completed individually.
- Class time may include teacher-directed skill building, checkpoints and clarification.
- Students may use class notes, teacher-provided templates, realestate.com.au listings and UniFi Design Center.
- Students must submit their own final network design and written justification.
- Students must acknowledge the realestate.com.au listing and any external sources used.
- Floorplans are used for private classroom assessment evidence only. Students must not republish the real estate listing or floorplan publicly.
Mark Allocation
| Criterion | Marks |
|---|---|
| Property selection and requirements analysis | 6 |
| UniFi floorplan design and logical topology | 12 |
| Hardware, network type and transmission-media decisions | 8 |
| Protocols, security and malware response | 8 |
| Justification, communication and submission quality | 6 |
| Total | 40 |
Command Words
| Command word | In this task |
|---|---|
| Select | Choose a suitable house listing and floorplan for the design task. |
| Recommend | Select a suitable network option and state what should be used. |
| Design | Create a practical network solution for the selected property. |
| Draw | Create a clear labelled network diagram or topology representation using the required conventions. |
| Justify | Give reasons that support a network design decision. |
| Explain | Make clear how or why a device, protocol, medium or protection method is suitable. |
| Identify | Recognise and name relevant network components, users, spaces or risks. |