vcc.ca
ITOP 2120: Advanced Networking
Effective date
January 2027
Department
IT Operations
School
Continuing Studies
Description
Students will learn how to design and operate scalable networks that support secure and efficient communication that shape today’s IT environments. In this course, students will configure VLANs and routing, apply network access controls, and troubleshoot multi‑layer connectivity issues using industry‑informed tools and methodologies. Students will also work with advanced routing behaviours and network documentation practices, laying the groundwork for work in enterprise-scale networking and related security domains.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
ITOP 1102.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Design and implement network segmentation following zero-trust principles, demonstrating functional network isolation and controlled connectivity.
- Configure routing protocols and cloud routing solutions to enable communication across multiple subnets.
- Apply network security policies using firewalls and segmentation techniques to enforce access controls and protect network resources.
- Describe routing protocols, network technologies, and remote connectivity options for an enterprise network.
- Configure, analyze, and optimize dynamic routing protocols (e.g., interior gateway protocols) in IPv4 and IPv6 environments, including single‑ and multi‑area designs, to ensure efficient route selection, scalability, and convergence.
- Implement advanced path‑selection and traffic‑engineering techniques, including route redistribution and policy‑based routing, to control traffic flow and influence routing behavior in multi‑network environments.
- Design and establish enterprise Internet connectivity for IPv4 and IPv6 networks, considering addressing, upstream routing integration, redundancy, and operational requirements.
- Produce clear and accurate network documentation, addressing schemes, configuration summaries, and change records, that reflect the network state.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is assessed through one or more of the following methods: challenge exam, student portfolio/products, demonstration/simulation, interview, project-based asessment, or through another assessment method that is aligned with the course learning outcomes.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 24
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12
Total Hours: 36
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12
Total Hours: 36
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include:
Knowledge checks
Lectures
Hands-on lab activities
Scenario-based activities
Demonstrations
Problem-based exercises
Discussion
Reflection
Knowledge checks
Lectures
Hands-on lab activities
Scenario-based activities
Demonstrations
Problem-based exercises
Discussion
Reflection
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Practicum |
45-60 |
Project involving multiple components related to network design, implementation, and/or troubleshooting an advanced network. |
|
Assignments |
40-55 |
Multiple hands-on lab exercises and/or assignments. |
Course topics
- Network Segmentation & Zero-Trust Principles Routing Protocols (e.g. EIGRP & OSPF) Network Security Policies & Access Controls Route Redistribution & Path Control Enterprise Internet Connectivity (IPv4 & IPv6) Advanced Routing Configuration & Troubleshooting
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.