Investigation and Implementation of Network System Services in Debian Linux or Ubuntu

Pass Mark Requirement for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Modules

1. For undergraduate modules, a score of 40% or above represents a pass mark.

2. For postgraduate modules, a score of 50% or above represents a pass mark.

3. For work submitted up to 5 working days late marked is capped to a bare pass (40% for undergraduate and 50% for postgraduate).

4. For work submitted more than 5 working days a mark of zero will be awarded for the assignment.

Successful students will typically …

have a knowledge and understanding of:

• the issues involved in the design, realisation/administration and management of a networked computing environment. Successful students will typically …

• be able to design, install and support a local area network based on established user requirements.

This is the first coursework given in this module. You are to answer the following assignment and submit for assessment. This coursework is worth 30% of the overall mark for the module. Some parts of the coursework will require research beyond the material discussed in the course. This is intended and is part of the assessment.

In this coursework, you will study and investigate some of the network system services provided by Debian Linux or Ubuntu using relevant protocol(s) and mechanisms. This will include designing a suitable network using part of the facilities in the E250 & E251 labs. You are expected to set up and configure your network to deliver network services as follows:

a. Installing and configuring a DHCP server

b. Installing and configuring a DNS server

c. Setting up a real host and virtual hosts

d. Client/server configuration and interactions

e. Implementing Quality of Service (QoS)

f. Securing SSH

g. Configuring the iptables firewall

h. Testing and evaluation the designed network and implemented services. It is expected that your proposed network is designed using part of the existing network infrastructure in lab E250 and E251 as seen below:

Your report should attempt to provide a clear design of the implemented network, and unambiguous statement of the Linux network services implemented. This should include a summarised review of the network services, protocol(s), mechanism(s), and tools in the implemented network.

In your report, the network service(s) through your implemented network architecture should be evaluated in terms of its operations, techniques, settings, security provisions etc. This is to allow you to propose the necessary mechanisms and solutions to meet the service needs. These efforts will highlight the good practices and findings about the service and consider various technical reports and relevant documents. You will need to study and specify the requirement details and evaluation of tools in terms of meeting the necessary services requirements.

The final outcomes and practical results are intended to provide any necessary justifications to ensure a reliable and secure delivery of the network services. You will need to produce a professional technical report. Typically, your report might be organized (but not necessarily to be) as follows:

1. abstract

2. introduction

3. background information, literature review, scope and limitations

4. main body including the diagram of the proposed and implemented network

5. experimental work and analysis

6. testing and evaluation