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Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2

As a Cisco Networking Academy Support Centre, The Open University offers the Cisco Certified Networking Associate – Routing and Switching version 7 curriculum that provides the foundational knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to configure a larger scale LAN/WAN using Cisco equipment. As part of your studies, you’ll complete CCNA 3 Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation and IoT (Internet of Things) Security and gain hands-on experience of configuring networks at a compulsory day school.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code
TM357
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
30
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
OU SCQF FHEQ
3 10 6
Study method
Distance Learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements
See Entry requirements

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What you will study

The full Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum consists of four parts, sometimes referred to as CCNA 1–3. This module covers CCNA 3–along with IoT Security.1

Part 1: Enterprise Networks, Security and Automation (CCNA 3)
This part describes the architecture, components and operations of routers and switches in a small network. You’ll learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this part, you’ll be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1 and RIPv2; single-area and multi-area OSPF; virtual LANs; and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

Part 2: Networking for the Internet of Things
This part introduces you to the main concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT) and how it puts software as a main component of a networking infrastructure. Completing this unit will allow you to configure a small network with IoT devices (e.g. in a smart home) and to implement some rules of interaction between those devices.

Part 3: IoT Security
Following on from Part 2 and linked to Part 1 of this module. IoT security explores the challenges and opportunities faced by Network Engineers when deploying and managing smart technologies. You will explore challenges with home automation, smart cities and industrial automation solutions within the context of the Internet of Things. Topics will include a range of IoT security solutions and how blockchain supports the deployment of secure devices.

Each part consists of a number of chapters. Most chapters have an online exam, and each of the two parts has an online final exam.

You will learn

This module will:

  • make you understand to a greater level of detail, the concepts and algorithms underlying switching and routing protocols
  • provide you with further practical skills for implementing switching and routing protocols in real-world scenarios
  • make you aware of best practices for securing LAN (Local Area Networks) and WAN (Wide Area Networks)
  • teach you the fundamental and systematic processes for troubleshooting larger networks
  • introduce you to the main concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT) and their associated security challenges and practices
  • provide you with an opportunity to go on and gain an industry-recognised qualification (CCNA Routing and Switching certification).

Vocational relevance

You’ll learn both theory and practical elements of network addressing and management, router configuration, switch management and securing a local area network.

In addition, this module will thoroughly prepare you for the industry-standard CCNA R+S examination.

You must make your own arrangements to sit the CCNAR+S – there are exam centres all over the world.

Professional recognition

Those within the networking technician and engineering discipline consider Cisco certification professional recognition and personal accreditation. CCENT certification is an invaluable entry accreditation for the network engineering profession.

Outside the UK

This module is available outside the UK; however, unless you must study this course as part of your OU qualification, do not choose it if you will be unable to travel to the day schools. Students resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland might prefer to study for Cisco certification at a local academy.

Synchronous tutorials and communications could be difficult to deliver to students outside UK due to time differences. If you can’t attend the synchronous tutorials or make synchronous communications, you’ll have to use asynchronous alternative methods, such as watching recorded tutorials and emailing questions.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll have a named tutor who will support your studies and mark and comment on your assignment work; you can also seek academic advice and guidance from them. Your tutor will offer support through email, telephone and online forum discussions. Additionally, there will be face-to-face and online tutorials. We will advertise tutorials before the module starts; TM357 tutors will take them, but depending on the tutorial, not necessarily your own named tutor.

Assessment

You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.

You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).

Residential school

The day school is a practical experience with Cisco Networking technologies and a Cisco assessment at the end. Your work during the day school will be linked to the end-of-module assessment. You must satisfactorily attend a day school to pass this course and gain the completion certificates from Cisco.

We’ll hold the day schools at specific venues on Saturdays (and some Sundays) near the end of the module. We’ll offer a choice of dates – usually over two different weekends at each venue.

The cost of day schools is included in the module fee, but you must make your own travel arrangements.

In exceptional circumstances, we can provide an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE). Exceptional circumstances include students who are registered disabled; the carer of a registered disabled person; members of HM Forces (or their dependants) serving abroad; or HM Government employees (or their dependants) working abroad. We will consider other applications for the ALE on an individual basis.

COVID-19

It may be necessary to cancel the day school. Should that happen, we’ll replace the day school and associated ALE with an online alternative. This will include arrangements to take the CCNA2 Switching, Wireless and Routing Essentials online exam. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity of any changes to the planned day schools.

Future availability

Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2020.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2024.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

    Course work includes:

    2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
    End-of-module assessment
    Embedded residential school


    Entry requirements

    There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.

    However, as this is an OU level 3 module, you'll need a good knowledge of the subject area obtained through any of the following:

    • OU level 1 study
    • equivalent work at another university
    • experience as an IT professional
    • Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257) or Cisco networking (CCNA) (T216) – discontinued
    • Cisco NetAcad Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2).

    Preparatory work

    Introduction to computing and information technology 1  (TM111) and Introduction to computing and information technology 2  (TM112) would give you the required familiarity with the basic computing.

    We will assume you’ve studied Cisco Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2), so strongly recommend you’ve passed one of the following:

    • OU module Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
    • discontinued OU module Cisco networking (CCNA) (T216)
    • Cisco Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2) from somewhere else.

    When you register on TM357, we’ll send you details of a free course – Packet Tracer 101. This short (2-hour) course offers you:

    • some familiarisation with the Packet Tracer Network simulation software used on the module
    • exposure to some basic networking principles and practices
    • the opportunity to reflect on networking being a potential pathway and career choice; and the opportunity to consider the demands of the Cisco modules.

    Register

    Start End Fee
    - - -

    No current presentation - see Future availability
    This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2024.

    Additional Costs

    Study costs

    There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

    If your income is not more than £25,000 or you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

    Ways to pay for this module

    Open University Student Budget Account

    The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

    You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

    • Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
    • Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

    Joint loan applications

    If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

    As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

    Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).  

    Employer sponsorship

    Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

    More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. 

    • Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
    • You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

    Credit/debit card

    You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module. 

    We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron. 

    Mixed payments

    We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).


    Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and therefore the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fees and funding information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2021. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees. 

    This information was provided on 30/11/2020.

    What's included

    • Access to the Cisco study materials, and additional supplementary material, via the website
    • One practical day school.

    Computing requirements

    A computing device with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Any modern browser will be suitable for most computer activities. Functionality may be limited on mobile devices.

    Any additional software will be provided, or is generally freely available. However, some activities may have more specific requirements. For this reason, you will need to be able to install and run additional software on a device that meets the requirements below.

    A desktop or laptop computer with either an up-to-date version of Windows or macOS.

    The screen of the device must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.

    To join in the spoken conversation in our online rooms we recommend a headset (headphones or earphones with an integrated microphone).

    Our Skills for OU study website has further information including computing skills for study, computer security, acquiring a computer and Microsoft software offers for students.

    If you have a disability

    The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM357 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

    If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Disability support website to find out more about what we offer.