Emerging Trends in Network Technologies: Critical Appraisal and Review

Current Trends in Network Technologies

As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit a Current Trends in Networking assignment. Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments.

Learning Outcomes:

After completing the module, you should be able to:

1. Apply a systematic understanding of current trends in networking to critically evaluate threats to network provision and compare solutions.

2. Compare existing and emergent networking technologies.

3. Apply appropriate network technologies in complex settings, providing alternative solutions, clear selections and justifications.

4. Critically evaluate relevant and credible sources for up to date information on network and data communications technologies.

5. Critically evaluate innovative solutions to complex and novel problems.

Your assignment should include: a title page containing your student number, the module name, the submission deadline and a word count; the appendices if relevant; and a reference list in Arden University (AU) Harvard format. You should address all the elements of the assignment task listed below. Please note that tutors will use the assessment criteria set out below in assessing your work.

The Internet has rapidly evolved over the past decade and has changed the way we communicate, conduct business and the way we live. The advancement in network technologies has been the key for the internet evolution. The emerging trends in network technologies such as the 5G and Software-Defined Networks and Internet of Things are expected to enable numerous innovative services and applications to blur the difference between physical and digital worlds.

In this context, write an industry style technical report critically appraising the advancements in wired and wireless broadband technologies and reviewing the current and emerging trends in network technologies that is transforming the society in a connected digital space. Your report should address various emerging network applications, challenges and opportunities for the service providers. Your report should answer the following questions below:

Q1. Critically evaluate the existing and emerging trend in wireless technology such as the 5G technology, highlight its technical capabilities, relative merits and demerits and deployment challenges. Compare your discussion with the ongoing advancements within the wired broadband technology space, particularly with Fibreto-Home. Use illustrations and appropriate academic references to support your discussion.

Q2. Critically appraise how cloud technology has influenced the way services and applications are delivered during the past decade. Particularly, discuss the technical capabilities and advantages that cloud technologies offer to service providers, while also commenting on the disadvantages of adopting cloud technologies. Use illustrations and appropriate academic references to support your discussion.

Critical Appraisal of Wired and Wireless Broadband Technologies

Q3. Critically discuss the impact of current and emerging short-range communication technologies such as RFID, Bluetooth, Zigbee and NFC on any one of your chosen application area. You may choose healthcare, banking services, smart homes etc. Use illustrations and appropriate academic references to support your discussion.

Q4. Critically compare any two technique or protocol or mechanism used to secure enterprise networks. Use illustrations and appropriate academic references to support your discussion.

Q5. Discuss data privacy concerns that arise due to digitizing existing systems. Identify the specific privacy-related concerns for businesses and discuss any counter-measure that exists.

An exceptional knowledge base exploring and analysing the discipline, its theory and any associated ethical considerations. The work demonstrates extraordinary independence of thought and originality. There is exceptional management of learning resources and a high degree of autonomy is demonstrated which goes above and beyond the brief. The work demonstrates intellectual originality and creativity. Writing is exceptionally well structured and accurately referenced throughout. Where appropriate, outstanding professional skills are demonstrated. The work is original and with some additional effort could be considered for internal publication.

An excellent information base within which the discipline is explored and analysed. There is considerable originality in the approach and the work demonstrates confidence and autonomy and extends to consider ethical issues. Learning resources have been managed with exceptional confidence and the work exceeds the assessment brief. Writing is exceptionally well structured and accurately referenced throughout. Where appropriate, an excellent level of professional skills are demonstrated and the work demonstrates a high level of intellectual and academic skills.

A very good knowledge base which explores and analyses the discipline, its theory and any associated ethical issues. There is evidence of some originality and independence of thought. A very good range of learning resources underpin the work and there is clear evidence of self-directed research. The work demonstrates the ability to analyse the subject and apply theory with good academic and intellectual skills. Academic writing skills are good, expression is accurate overall and the work is consistently referenced throughout.

A satisfactory understanding of the discipline which supports some analysis, evaluation and problem-solving within the discipline. There may be reference to some of the ethical considerations. The work shows a sound level of competence in managing basic sources and materials. Academic writing skills are good and accurate overall and the work is planned and structured with some thought. Professional skills are satisfactory (where appropriate). The work may lack originality but academic and intellectual skills are moving into the critical domain. The work is referenced throughout.

Basic level of performance in which there are some omissions in the understanding of the subject, its underpinning theory and ethical considerations. There is little evidence of independent thought and the work shows a basic use of sources and materials. Academic and intellectual skills are limited. The work may lack structure overall. There are some difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). There is an attempt to reference the work.

A limited piece of work in which there are clear gaps in understanding the subject, its underpinning theory and ethical considerations. The work shows a limited use of sources and materials. Academic and intellectual skills are weak and there are errors in expression and the work may lack structure overall. There are difficulties in developing professional skills (where appropriate). The work lacks original thought and is largely imitative.

A poor performance in which there are substantial gaps in knowledge and understanding, underpinning theory and ethical considerations. The work shows little evidence in the use of appropriate sources and materials. Academic writing skills are very weak and there are numerous errors in expression. The work lacks structure overall. Professional skills (where appropriate) are not developed. The work is imitative.