Upcoming Programs
Network Engineer Program Focus HTC
Brief Program Description
The advent of modern data communication networks has impacted almost every aspect of human life in general and businesses in particular. Computer networks not only have played a key role in the functioning of a business but also have enhanced the ways of doing it in terms of greater efficiency and effectiveness, improved communication, and increased productivity. However, to achieve these business goals and provide a competitive edge in the market, it requires seamless, secure, and reliable set-up, management, and maintenance of a company’s computer network, which further demands technical skills and competence. Hence, there is a dire need for network engineering professionals to design, configure, manage, and maintain a computer network securely, and efficiently.
The Network Engineer program is designed to provide students with the foundational concepts and working knowledge of securely running and maintaining an IT infrastructure. More specifically, the program will equip students with an extensive set of essential skills and knowledge required for monitoring, maintaining, upgrading, and securing an IT infrastructure including computer hardware and software, networking devices, and cloud-based system. Through this program, students will learn how to plan, design, manage, troubleshoot, expand, and optimize today’s most advanced computer networks seamlessly and efficiently and provide technical support to end-users experiencing network problems. Furthermore, students will also gain skills and competence to set up Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) using Cisco devices including routers and switches in both Windows and Linux environments. The program will also help students prepare for certification examinations including CCNA, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. The completion of the in-class courses is followed by a six-week practicum to allow students to gain real-world hands-on experience in the field of computer network design and maintenance. This will further allow students to demonstrate their talent in resolving real-world networking issues in an IT infrastructure leading to a rise in career chances and potential.
Career Occupation
This industry-leading cybersecurity program will qualify graduates for careers including:
- Network Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Computer Network Technician
- Network Specialist
- Network Associate
- Network Professional
Admission Requirements
The students must meet the following criteria to be accepted into the Network Engineer program:
- Minimum Grade 12 or equivalent qualification or Mature Student Status*.
- If English is not the student’s first language, they are required to have an IELTS level 6.0 OR equivalent (in the case of other testing standards) score to be admitted to the program. If upon starting the program, their language proficiency proves to be significantly lower than the criteria mentioned, they will be required to take the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course at Focus College before being able to continue with their program studies.
*(19 years of age upon starting the program and qualify the college’s admission test)
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the program, the successful students will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Understand the foundations of local and wide area networks including the Internet, its design principles, and networking protocols
- Configure, install, and upgrade computer hardware, network hardware including routers and switches, operating systems, and application software
- Create, monitor, and maintain system permissions, user accounts, and other users’ privileges
- Provide troubleshooting and technical support to end-users experiencing problems related to hardware, software, networks, and other privileges
- Configure and interconnect the components of a wired and wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) to establish the network infrastructure
- Implement security design principles and apply security policies used in modern operating systems to protect the privacy and security of computer systems, software, hardware, and computer networks
- Design and implement both a Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) using Cisco routers and switches in both Windows and Linux environments
- Implement IP addressing and routing in LAN and WAN
- Analyse and monitor network traffic for optimal performance and efficiency of a computer network
- Evaluate the performance and efficiency of and troubleshoot computer networks, operating systems, and application software
Method(s) of Evaluation
In the Network Engineer program, learners will be assessed through both formative and summative methods and a blend of continuous Unit assessment and Graded Unit assessments. Each course (unit) has an assessment that the candidate is required to pass. The allocation of grades awarded are as follows:
- Grade A – Student has achieved 70% or above marks
- Grade B – Student has achieved marks between 60% and 69%
- Grade C – Student has achieved marks between 50% and 59%
F (Fail) – Student has achieved less than 50% marks
Completion Requirements
To graduate, a student must meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of all courses with a minimum 50% (C grade) in each course
- Successful completion of the Practicum
- Successful completion of all assignments and tasks required in the Career and Professional Skills course
Program Duration
Duration of the program is 52 weeks (full-time), and the total instructional hours are 1,056.
Homework Hours
Approximately 10-15 hours/week of homework is required from students to be successful in this fast-paced and intensive program.
Delivery Method(s)
The program is delivered through the following delivery models:
- In-class instruction
- Distance education
- Combined delivery (both in-class and distance)
Required course materials
Various textbooks/reference books and other online educational materials will be provided. Please see the course outline forms for individual course books/materials.
Program Organization
The following table shows the titles of the courses in this program in the order they are provided, and the hours of instruction allotted to each course.
| Title of Course/Work Experience Component * | Number of Hours* |
| Computer Systems Fundamentals | 48 |
| PC Maintenance: Hardware | 48 |
| PC Maintenance: Software | 48 |
| Introduction to Computer Network | 48 |
| Essentials of Cloud Computing | 48 |
| Windows Client OS Configuration | 48 |
| Windows Devices Configuration | 48 |
| Windows Server Configuration | 48 |
| Linux Essentials and Shell Scripting | 48 |
| Windows PowerShell | 48 |
| Internet Protocols Fundamentals | 48 |
| Cisco Networking: Routing and Switching | 48 |
| Networking with Windows Server | 48 |
| Securing Windows Server | 48 |
| Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 48 |
| Identity Management with Windows Server | 48 |
| Virtualization and Cloud Technology | 48 |
| LAN and WAN Technologies | 48 |
| IP Connectivity and Routing | 48 |
| IP Services | 48 |
| Communication Skills | 48 |
| Career Development Planning | 48 |
| Practicum: Full-time (Six Weeks) | 240 |
