SWE4202 Computing Infrastructure Assignment 1 and 2 Brief 2026 | University of Bolton

SWE4202 Assignment Brief

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Applications in this Assessment

Instructions

• Written assessments should be word-processed in Arial or Calibri Light font size 12.
  There should be double-spacing, and each page should be numbered.
• All work must be submitted on Canvas by the due date. Turnitin similarity score must not exceed 20%.
• The assignment must be in MS Word format which complies with academic standards and includes appropriate section headings.
• Reference sources must be cited in the text of the report and listed appropriately at the end in a reference list using Harvard referencing style.
• Late submission within 7 days after the expiry of the initial deadline is allowed but will incur a 10 marks deduction penalty. Any submission past this period will not be marked unless a formal submission extension has been authorised.

SWE4202 Assignment 1 

Learning Outcomes

LOI: Justify a network infrastructural strategy to support service requirements based on given brief, stated in Part 1.

L02: Apply networking principles and protocols to solve given problems, stated Part 2.

Company Overview

MediNet Health Services

Sector: Healthcare and Medical Technology

Headquarters: United Kingdom

Branch: United States (newly launched diagnostic clinic)

Business  Objective MediNet Health Services is a UK-based private healthcare organisation with a growing network of clinics and diagnostic centers. Their main office in London (with 45 administrative and IT staff) now oversees a newly established medical diagnostics branch in the United States (25 clinical and administrative staff). As part of its digital transformation, MediNet aims to implement a highly secure, reliable, and scalable network infrastructure to enable real-time data sharing between clinics, remote patient monitoring, centralized EMR (Electronic Medical Records) access, and secure video consultations.

Assignment Task

You have been contracted to design and implement a healthcare-grade network infrastructure for MediNet. This network should support the following different tasks:

Declaration: At the end of the assessment, you should also include a declaration of any software tools including Generative Al (GA’) applications that you used in developing and completing the

Minimum Secondary Research Requirements:

The reference list will contain between five and ten sources. As a minimum, the reference list should include one referred academic journal and three academic books.

Specific Assessment Criteria/Marking Scheme:

First class (70% and above): students will provide

• An excellent justification of the network infrastructure strategy identifying the various components using references.
• An excellent discussion of ways to implement an effective routing design for the company’s network, considering optimal routing protocols, network topology, and process management to ensure efficient data flow, scalability, and fault tolerance while using suitable references. An excellent network design and implementation in packet tracer showing interconnectivity, testing, and validation.

An excellent and insightful reflection on the overall process of completing the assessment.  A comprehensive and well-structured written report following the format of Introduction, Task (I…n), Personal Reflection, Conclusion, References and Appendix.

• Extensive research demonstrating use of a wide range of well selected secondary research sources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be excellent.
• Excellent participation in class activities

Deliverables: Technical Design and Implementation Report

Part I — Network Infrastructure Strategy (LOI)

Objective: Demonstrate understanding and justification of a simple, real-world network design.

You should:

1. Explain the networking needs Of MediNet Systems – including data sharing, email services, and secure internet access.
2. Discuss key concepts such as:

• Networking, Transmission type, and synchronous vs. asynchronous
• Different network topologies: star, bus, mesh, hybrid – identify which topology best fits the MediNet scenario (any two)
• Network architecture: client-server vs. peer-to-peer models, and why client-server architecture is preferred for organizations.

3. Propose an infrastructure strategy for MediNet (no implementation is required here):

• Suitable hardware (router, switches, servers, PCs).
• Logical design (LAN at each site and secure inter-site connection).
• Scalability and reliability (redundant connections, simple routing).

4. Justify your choices to design your network- how well you have met organizational needs (e.g., speed, cost, security, manageability).

Part 2 – Application of Networking Principles and Protocols (L02)

Objective: Apply key networking protocols to show understanding of data communication and network operation.

You should:

1. Describe and apply networking protocols relevant to your proposed design:

• Networking protocols (TCP/IP) – briefly explain layers and how they enable communication.
• Service protocols: DNS, DHCP, SMTP, IMAP, POP, SSH, TELNET. Explain any three.
• Communication protocols: FTP, SFTP, WWW, HTTP. Explain any three.
• Security protocols: OSPF, IPSec – how they ensure secure and efficient routing.

2. Explain routing principles:

• Difference between static and dynamic routing.
• Examples of routing protocols (OSPF, RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, BGP). Explain Any two.

3. Simulation:

• Based on Part I network design in, create a simulation in Cisco Packet Tracer showing interconnectivity between the two offices using a router, switch, and client devices.
• Demonstrate IP addressing, connectivity, and basic routing (e.g., RIP or OSPF). – Include screenshots and short explanations.

Deliverables: A practical implementation plan and a network setup in a simulated environment. Note: screenshots of the design/practical work should be included in the report with suitable discussion and supported with literature. The Cisco Packet Tracer file should be uploaded as a separate file on Canvas.

Part 3: Personal Reflection

Write a reflective summary addressing your planning and decision-making process; key challenges (e.g., compliance, critical system uptime, etc); and lessons learned particularly around secure design for healthcare systems (200-250 words).

SWE4202 Assignment 2

Learning Outcomes

L03: Formulate scripted solutions to automate operating system services.

L04: Implement practical solutions based on the client/server model to solve a given problem.

Assignment Instructions

Task 1: Operating System Automation with Python (30 Marks)

In this task, you will design and implement a simple Python automation script that performs basic operating system maintenance and monitoring.

The script should combine tasks related to file management and system performance tracking.

This task builds your ability to use Python scripting to automate common OS operations — a foundational skill for infrastructure and DevOps roles.

Scenario

Imagine you are part of a small IT team responsible for maintaining computers in a shared workspace.

You have been asked to create a script that can:

1. Create and organise folders for storing logs or backup files.
2. Copy or move system logs into a backup folder automatically.
3. Monitor system performance (CPU and RAM usage).
4. Save readings into a text log file for later review.
5. Provide a short summary on the console once the script finishes.

Requirements:

Your script should:

1. Use the modules os, shutil, psutil, and datetime.
2. Create a folder named SystemMaintenance (if it does not already exist).
3. Copy or move the file system_log.txt into that folder (if found).
4. Collect 5 samples of CPU and memory usage every 2 seconds.
5. Write each sample to a new file named maintenance_log.txt, including the date and time.

Deliverables:

You must submit:

1. Python Script File: system_automation.py (must run without errors in Thonny).
2. Evidence Screenshots: console output, maintenance_log.txt, and SystemMaintenance folder.
3. Short Written Explanation (z 850 words): step-by-step description, automation explanation, and reflection on what you learned.

Task 2: Reliable File Sharing for a Small Office (30 Marks)

This task focuses on understanding the client—server model and its importance in achieving reliability, availability, and data integrity.

You will research and propose a simple, real-world solution for a small office to share files safely and reliably.

The task will help you demonstrate your understanding of how centralised systems and cloud services can improve data access and security.

Scenario

A small office wants to make sure its employees can access and share documents safely without losing files when one computer goes down.

Currently, they use direct peer-to-peer sharing, which often results in file duplication, version errors, and data loss.

You have been asked to recommend a simple improvement using a client—server or cloud-based setup that enhances data integrity and availability.

Requirements:

You are required to research how a client—server setup could improve file sharing reliability. Your report should:

1. Explain how a central server can manage data for multiple client computers.
2. Discuss the benefits of data availability, reliability, and integrity in such systems.
3. Suggest one simple cloud-based solution (for example, Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox) that fits this model.
4. Identify one basic security measure (for example, authentication or encryption) to protect the shared data.
5. Include a simple labelled diagram showing how the system would work.

Deliverables

You must submit:

1. Research Report: approximately 850 words.
2. One labelled diagram showing the client—server/cloud architecture.
3. References in Harvard style for any external sources used.

Task 3: 15-Minute Technical Demonstration (25 Marks)

In this section, you are required to demonstrate your work for the Operating System Automation with Python of task 1 and the Reliable File Sharing for a Small office of task 2, demonstrating your understanding of the project, and its technical foundation.

The demonstration is expected to be clear, accurate and logically structured meeting the requirements of task I; the python code is functional and well written with comments meeting the requirement for task 2; and there is evidence ofstrong theoretical grounding from the explanation and responses to questions.

Deliverable: 15 minutes class demonstration of the work done in Task 1 and 2 above.

Declaration: At the end of the assessment you should also include a declaration of any software tools including Generative Al (GAI) applications that you used in developing and completing the assessment.

Minimum Secondary Research Requirements:

The reference list will contain between five and ten sources. As a minimum, the reference list should include one refereed academic journal and three academic books.

Specific Assessment Criteria/Marking Scheme:

First class (70% and above): students will provide

• Demonstrates an excellent understanding of automation and client—server principles. Python script and report are complete, fully functional, and clearly explained with well-structured evidence. The client—server proposal is highly relevant, showing clear understanding of reliability, integrity, availability, and security concepts. Outstanding organisation, structure, and presentation throughout.
• Excellent class engagement

Upper Second Class 2(1) (60-69%): students will provide

• Demonstrates a good understanding of both automation and client—server models. Python script performs all required tasks with minor errors. Explanation and reflection show independent thought and correct use of terminology. The research report is clear and well-supported with appropriate examples, demonstrating sound understanding of reliability and availability.
• A very good class engagement

Lower Second Class 2(2) (50-59%): students will provide

• Meets most task requirements and shows a satisfactory understanding of scripting and client—server principles. Python script may contain errors or lack explanation, but demonstrates basic logic and functionality. The research report is descriptive and lacks depth but shows general awareness of the required concepts. Structure and presentation are adequate.
• An acceptable class engagement

Third class (40-49%): students will provide

Work is incomplete or inaccurate, showing limited understanding of automation or client— server concepts. Python script does not run correctly or lacks explanation and evidence. The research report is vague, with minimal application of availability or reliability principles. Weak structure and poor referencing.