Discussion Boards (DB) are a key component of online learning. They foster active participation of learners and dialog with fellow learners and instructors. Graduate­level courses
require learners to create original posts to course DBs and to engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the course. Original posts and responses
should be substantive, and if references are made to the works of others, APA guidelines for in­text citations and references apply.
Minimum Weekly DB Expectations
Post an original and thoughtful Main Post to the DB prompt.
Respond to at least 2 other posts from learners and/or the instructor (Response Posts).
The first contribution (Main Post or Response Post) must be posted before midnight (Central time) on Friday of each week.
Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week.
For DB assignment prompts with a Part One and Part Two, Part One should be addressed in the first week of the unit with a Main Post and minimum of 2 Response
Posts, and Part Two should be addressed in the second week of the unit with a Main Post and a minimum of 2 Response Posts.
More on DBs
At the end of each unit, DB participation is assessed based on level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion. DBs allow learners to learn through
sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content. Because it is not possible to engage in two­way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB are
accepted after the end of the unit. Learners must demonstrate an appropriate depth of understanding of course content to receive credit for having submitted substantive posts.
Typically, this is achieved with 3–4 strong paragraphs for Main Posts and 2–3 strong paragraphs for Response Posts.
Think about and describe a scenario whereby you are the individual responsible for the design of a network for a large organization. This network would entail connectivity between
sites in the US, Europe, Africa and Japan as well as within regions. Specify the remote­access and WAN technologies you would employ. Explain how you would choose the
necessary topology, routers, switches, media, etc. Discuss reasons for choosing those technologies and explain the organizational requirements that would be addressed.
The following grading rubric will be used for this assignment.
In your own words, post a substantive response to the Discussion Board question(s) and comment on other postings. Your response should address the DB
question(s) and move the conversation forward. You will be graded on the quality of your postings, including mastery of the concept as well as critical thinking.
If asked for your opinion, do not simply state that it is a good or bad idea; elaborate on your reasons and argument. Include enough detail to substantiate your
thinking as well as your position on the questions or comments.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.
Reading Assignment
Oppenheimer, chapters 1 ­ 3, 11­12
Assignment Objectives
Define the function and implementation of network devices.
Describe the advantages, disadvantages, scalability issues, and applicability of standard network topologies.
Determine the appropriate context for using various network media.
Develop a network design document based on the analysis of appropriate data.
Explain how various network standards apply to different areas of networking.