SECR1213 - Network Communications

     For Task 1, I contributed to discussing the general idea for the floor plan of the building. Then, I also did the floor plan sketching with the members. Before sketching, I discussed with the members on the best software to use for floor sketching. After we are done with the sketching, I did some corrections to the sketching so it will fulfil the client's requirement according to the case study. For Task 2, we had to do a preliminary analysis. So, I contributed to coming up with three questions and the answer for each question. Following Task 2 is Task 3 where we had to do the project setup. My contribution to Task 3 was discussing the list of devices. I also made sure that the devices we chose are aligned with the requirement and budget provided. For Task 4 we had to determine the cable and connection. In this task, I helped in identifying the number of connections, switch ports, and patch cords for the labs. In Task 5, we had to come up with an IP address. So, using the network address given, I came up with the IP address for the switch, access point, and PCs in general-purpose lab 2. Task 6 is where we are required to compile the whole project in a single report. In this task, I contributed to coming up with the abstract and introduction of the report.

     My group members are Ayesha Imelda, Wan Norazira, and Carmen Tey Ye Yao. For Task 1, the three of them contributed to coming up with the floor plan of the building and the software needed for sketching. Then, Azira helped me in doing the corrections so that the floor plan fulfils the client’s requirements. Ayesha and Carmen finalised the report for this task. For Task 2, Carmen and Azira came up with questions and answers while Ayesha did the feasibility answer and reasoning. In Task 3, they all came up with a list of devices needed. Ayesha and Carmen helped in aligning them according to the requirement and budget while Azira helped in completing the report and summarising the major differences. Following that, in Task 4, Ayesha and Azira determined the number of connections, switch ports, and patch cords for the IoT lab, and video conferencing room respectively. Carmen contributed to determining the types and lengths of cables for all labs and rooms. For Task 5, they all helped in coming up with IP addresses for the switch, access points, and PCs in labs and rooms. Lastly, in Task 6, Ayesha did the reflections for Task 4 and Task 5. Then, she came up with a conclusion and listed down the members’ responsibilities. Azira contributed to doing the project background while Carmen did the reflections for Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3. Then, she also combined the reports of Task 1 until Task 5.

     When it comes to working as a group, I am someone who likes to actually do the work as a group. It means, doing the whole thing together at the same time rather than splitting the tasks and proceeding to work alone. I won’t deny that splitting tasks can help in reducing individual workload. However, I will have to come up with solutions and answers on my own without consulting anyone which is considered as hard given that it is group work. Hence, I prefer sitting together with my group members and finishing the work at three meetings at least.

     I have learned quite new things from working as a group on this project. One of them is, I discovered how crucial time management is. When it comes to individual projects or assignments, I can push back on doing them as much as I want, or I can do them as early as I want, it’s really up to me. But for group work, it is a strict no-no. I have to do the work in the given time with my group members because it won’t only affect my marks, but also my group members.

     This project alone managed to give me an idea of how to come up with a network. I got to know the procedures and methods needed to complete a network project. From Task 1 until Task 5, I have learned a lot. Personally, I struggled a bit on Task 4, where we had to do the cable and connections. I believe it is one of the major tasks and not only me but I think my group members felt the same. It was quite hard to identify the devices and connections and I couldn't even begin to comprehend how difficult it would be if this

     Personally, I do not have many comments or suggestions on this project. I believe my group members and I gave our best effort. However, if I do have to state them, the main thing would be the number of discussions we had as a group. I would say the number of meetings we had is too few. I believe if we met and discussed more, we would have a way deeper understanding of the project which would definitely improve the likelihood that we could do better. Therefore, I would suggest doing more meetings and discussions for this project.