Task 1.1: Hardware, Software, and Operating System Recommendations (20 Marks) Greenfield Council requires appropriate computer hardware, peripherals, operating systems, and essential software for various areas of the Digital Learning Hu

This assessment should take you no longer than 2.5 hours and can be completed at any point during the 24-hour window. Please ensure you give yourself adequate time to upload your completed paper to the assessment portal.

This TCA consists of 3 parts

• Part 1 covers Computer Hardware, Software, and Operating Systems and is worth 20 marks
• Part 2 covers Networks, Models & Infrastructure and is worth 30 marks
• Part 3 covers Security Threats, Protection and Compliance and is worth 50 marks

You should attempt ALL parts.  You must appropriately reference any material that you use to support your answers.

Assignment instructions:

Scenario: Greenfield Digital Learning Hub

Greenfield Council is establishing a new digital learning hub within a public library. This hub will aid residents in accessing computers, online services, digital skills workshops, and community events. The council prioritizes technology that is reliable, accessible, and secure, as the facility will serve staff, volunteers, learners, and visitors.

The new hub comprises:

• Service Desk Area: 8 staff desktop computers designated for library accounts, bookings, membership records, and printing support.
• Self-Service Zone: 6 touchscreen kiosks available for checking library accounts, booking rooms, scanning membership cards, and printing queue tickets.
• Digital Media Classroom: 18 learner PCs equipped with headsets, webcams, and accessibility software for workshops, online forms, and video-editing activities.
• Community Wi-Fi: A secure staff Wi-Fi network alongside a separate guest Wi-Fi network for visitors using their personal devices.
• Network and Server Cabinet: A locked cabinet housing a firewall/router, switches, wireless controller, a small file server, backup storage, and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
• Connected Building Devices: CCTV cameras, door access readers, smart lighting sensors, and a digital noticeboard.

You are required to answer the tasks in the following sections within the context of the scenario mentioned above.

Part 1: Computer Hardware, Software, and Operating Systems (20 Marks) 

Task 1.1: Hardware, Software, and Operating System Recommendations (20 Marks)

Greenfield Council requires appropriate computer hardware, peripherals, operating systems, and essential software for various areas of the Digital Learning Hub. Your recommendations must ensure reliable public access, secure staff operations, accessibility, and ease of maintenance.

Complete the table below. For each area, recommend suitable hardware or peripheral equipment, an appropriate operating system, and any key software needed. Additionally, provide an explanation for your choices, detailing their suitability for the Greenfield Digital Learning Hub scenario.

Table 1.1 (Expand as needed)

Your response should include:

• Suitable hardware or peripherals for each area, such as desktops, touchscreen kiosks, headsets, webcams, accessibility devices, UPS units, file servers, or backup storage.
• A suitable operating system choice for staff desktops, learner PCs, and public kiosks.
• A brief explanation of key software or system features, such as office software, accessibility tools, kiosk mode, antivirus, backup software, or user account controls.
• Clear reasons demonstrating how your choices support reliability, accessibility, security, and ease of use in the hub.

(20 Marks)

(LO1)

Part 2: Networks, Models & Infrastructure (30 marks)

Task 2.1 Design an improved network (20 marks)

Create a clear labelled diagram using Packet Tracer or another suitable tool. The diagram does not need to be technically complex, but it must show separation between different types of users and devices.

• Include the Internet, firewall/router, core switch, access switches, wireless access points, file server/backup storage and the main user areas.

• Show at least four separated network areas: Staff, Learner/Classroom, Guest Wi-Fi, Servers, and Building Devices/IoT.

• Add simple labels or network names. IP ranges are optional but may strengthen the answer.

• Write a short explanation of how traffic should be controlled. For example, guests should reach the Internet but not staff records. A few clear sentences are sufficient.

• Justify the placement of the firewall/router, switches, wireless access points and server/backup storage.

Task 2.2 Network Communication (10 marks)

Choose one device from your network design and explain how it communicates with another device on the network. In your answer, identify and explain the role of one networking standard and three protocols that enable this communication.

Marks are awarded for clarity, segmentation, device placement, security awareness and explanation. A simple, accurate diagram is better than a complicated diagram with unclear labels.

(30 Marks)

(LO2)

Part 3: Security Threats, Protection and Compliance (50 marks)

Task 3.1: Complete a focused security risk register (20 marks)

Identify two security threats that are realistic for the Greenfield Digital Learning Hub. Complete the table below. You may choose threats such as phishing, ransomware, weak guest Wi-Fi controls, malware on public PCs, lost/stolen devices, insecure IoT devices, unauthorised access to staff records, or data leakage from printing.

For higher marks, avoid one-word answers. Explain the route of attack, the likely harm and a control that fits the scenario.

Task 3.2: Create a defence-in-depth checklist and compliance note (30 marks) 

Create a practical security checklist for Greenfield. Your checklist must include two controls for each layer below and a short explanation of why the controls are needed.

• Physical security: for example locked cabinet, controlled staff areas, asset tagging, CCTV placement, secure disposal bins.
• Network security: for example firewall rules, Wi-Fi encryption, guest isolation, patching network devices, monitoring logs.
• Endpoint and application security: for example managed updates, antivirus/EDR, kiosk restrictions, browser controls, account permissions, backups.
• People and procedures: for example staff training, acceptable use rules for visitors, incident reporting, password/MFA guidance, volunteer onboarding.

Task 3.2: Defence-in-depth checklist and compliance note

Finish with a short compliance note of 80-90 words explaining Greenfield Council’s responsibility for protecting personal data, staff accounts, visitor privacy and incident reporting. Refer to relevant data protection principles in general terms; detailed legal discussion is not required.

 (50 Marks)

(LO3) End of questions

Essential assignment resources 

For further guidance on the TCA assessment please click on this link:

https://vimeo.com/398870288/2283356462

Learning outcomes (LO)

By completing this assessment, you will have shown and be assessed on three  learning outcomes:

LO 1: Describe the typical functions of computer hardware, software, and modern operating systems.

LO 2: Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of computer networking standards and protocols.

LO 3: Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of common security risks and threats to computer hardware, software, and networks and individual and organisational responsibility for mitigating these risks.

You will be graded based on how well you meet these learning outcomes. Your marker will use a rubric to grade your work, and you can find this on the “My Assessment” tab on the module iLearn page.

Guidelines and policies

You can find links to more useful information about the assignment and university policies below.

for short–term extensions

Click here to view guidance on how to apply for extenuating circumstances

Please click here for link to academic skills team support