Designing and Implementing a Network Management Course on Moodle for Metropolia University of Applied Science

Abstract

This thesis reviews the design and implementation of a Network Management course for the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and delivered via the Moodle platform. The curriculum is structured to introduce students to the introductory concepts of networking before getting into advanced topics like management standards, models, and protocols. Early lectures provide a primer on Networking Fundamentals and Network Operations, setting the stage for the exploration of Network Management Models including FCAPS, OSI, OAM&P, and ISO/IEC 10040.

The thesis details the instructional approach and curriculum provided in the Network Management course, emphasizing the essential protocols and architectures such as SNMP, CLI, Syslog, Netconf, RMON, and NetFlow/IPFIX. It elaborates on the methodologies used to impart information on various crucial components of Network Management, including monitoring, alerts, statistics, and security in diverse areas such as business, front-end, application, and server management.

Additionally, the thesis describes how students participate in laboratory exercises that involve the deployment of Syslog, NetFlow/IPFIX, NET-SNMP, and OpenNMS, alongside gaining practical experience with the Rocky Linux operating system. These hands-on labs approach is a key element in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills within the field of Network Management.

This thesis explores how the course meticulously prepares students to handle real-world challenges by applying theoretical knowledge to the practical networking.