Unit 4 Networks

Task 8 Study Notes

Learn the network content as design decisions: every device, medium, topology, protocol and security control should solve a visible requirement in the case study.

Diagram guide Check with quizzes Practise scenarios

Design Routine

Use Requirements Before Components

1

List users and devices

2

Identify shared resources

3

Choose LAN and internet boundary

4

Draw topology and media

5

Justify security and protocols

property

Start With The Property

The floorplan is the design brief. A strong network design responds to rooms, users, devices and constraints in the selected house.

What to know

  • Choose a property with a clear, usable floorplan.
  • Record the listing source and date accessed.
  • Identify high-use spaces such as study, theatre, bedrooms, outdoor areas and garage.
  • State assumptions if scale, wall type or cabling pathways are unknown.

Example

A large home with a study, theatre room and outdoor alfresco area needs more careful access point placement than a small single-storey home.

Do this in the project

Complete the property source record before opening UniFi Design Center.

Avoid

  • Choosing a tiny or unclear floorplan
  • Using your own home
  • Skipping source citation
  • Designing before reading the floorplan

Model Question

Identify two property features that could affect network design.

A separate home office may need wired ethernet for reliable video calls, and an outdoor entertaining area may need an outdoor access point or carefully placed indoor AP for coverage.

unifi

Use UniFi Evidence Properly

UniFi evidence should prove placement and coverage decisions, not just decorate the submission.

What to know

  • Import or recreate the selected floorplan.
  • Place the network core in a sensible location.
  • Place access points based on coverage needs.
  • Use coverage or heatmap screenshots as evidence.
  • Explain limitations if scale or wall materials are estimated.

Example

A heatmap screenshot can support moving an AP closer to bedrooms or adding an outdoor AP near an alfresco area.

Do this in the project

Capture at least one device placement screenshot and one coverage/heatmap screenshot.

Avoid

  • Submitting only the real estate floorplan
  • Placing APs randomly
  • Ignoring scale assumptions
  • Using a heatmap with no written explanation

Model Question

Why is a UniFi heatmap not enough on its own?

It shows estimated wireless coverage, but it does not fully explain the logical topology, hardware functions, security decisions or design limitations.

topology

Topology Explains The Network

The floorplan shows where devices sit. The topology explains how they connect.

What to know

  • Show the internet/WAN outside the LAN.
  • Use modem/ONT, gateway/router/firewall and switch in a logical order.
  • Use a central switch or PoE switch for the wired star topology.
  • Connect APs and fixed devices back to the LAN.
  • Label ethernet, PoE, wireless and WAN where relevant.

Example

Internet/WAN -> modem/ONT -> gateway/router/firewall -> PoE switch -> access points, cameras, TV/media and home office devices.

Do this in the project

Write or draw a simple topology section beside the UniFi evidence.

Avoid

  • Treating the floorplan as the topology
  • Connecting every client directly to the internet
  • Leaving the switch out
  • Forgetting media labels

Model Question

Explain why a star topology suits a high value home network.

A star topology suits the home because fixed devices, access points and cameras can connect back to a central switch or PoE switch, making the network easier to manage, troubleshoot and expand.

hardware media

Hardware And Media Need Reasons

A premium network is not a shopping list. Every device and medium needs a function and a floorplan-based reason.

What to know

  • A modem/ONT connects to the ISP service.
  • A gateway/router directs traffic between LAN and WAN.
  • A firewall controls traffic and protects the network.
  • A PoE switch can connect and power APs or cameras.
  • Twisted pair ethernet suits fixed high-demand devices.
  • Wireless suits phones, tablets, laptops and guest devices.

Example

Using ethernet to the home office dock is justified because video calls and cloud work need reliability.

Do this in the project

For each device, write one function sentence and one property-specific reason.

Avoid

  • Adding premium devices with no reason
  • Calling SMTP a cable
  • Using satellite without a location reason
  • Forgetting NICs in client devices

Model Question

Recommend a transmission medium for wireless access points and justify it.

Twisted pair ethernet is suitable for access point backhaul because it gives reliable LAN connectivity and can provide PoE power from the switch.

segmentation security

Segment The Home Thoughtfully

High value home networks often need separation between family, guests, IoT, cameras and home office devices.

What to know

  • Guest devices should not access private household devices.
  • IoT devices may need restricted access because they can be less secure.
  • Camera networks should protect privacy.
  • Home office devices may need stronger security and reliable access.
  • Authentication, encryption and firewall rules should protect named risks.

Example

A guest network gives visitors internet access without exposing NAS, cameras, printers or home office devices.

Do this in the project

Name at least two network groups and explain why they are separated.

Avoid

  • One flat network with no security explanation
  • Saying firewall fixes everything
  • Listing security controls without linking them to household risks

Model Question

Justify one security method for the selected property.

Guest isolation should be used so visitor devices can access the internet without reaching private family devices, cameras, smart home controls or home office files.

protocols malware

Protocols And Malware Still Matter

The design task still assesses communication protocols and malware risks, even though the evidence is practical.

What to know

  • SMTP sends outgoing email.
  • IMAP syncs email across devices and suits home office use.
  • POP3 downloads email to one device and is less suitable for multi-device access.
  • Viruses attach to files or programs.
  • Worms spread across networks.
  • Trojans disguise themselves.
  • Spyware secretly collects information.

Example

Spyware on a family laptop could expose home office information or smart home credentials, so trusted software, updates and anti-malware matter.

Do this in the project

Use a short scenario-linked sentence for each protocol and malware response.

Avoid

  • Confusing protocols with media
  • Saying POP3 sends email
  • Listing malware names without risk or response

Model Question

Explain why IMAP suits a home office user.

IMAP suits a home office user because it keeps email available and synchronised across a laptop, phone and web browser.