Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91895 about?

Accepted Answer

This standard is about building and setting up a computer network using advanced technical skills. Students plan, install, configure, test and troubleshoot a real network — including hardware like routers and switches, and software settings like IP addresses and protocols such as DHCP and DNS. They also have to think about the wider impacts of their network (e.g. privacy, security, usability) and make sure it actually meets the needs of the person or organisation using it. It is internally assessed, meaning your teacher marks it as a project during the year.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91895?

Accepted Answer

1. Set up and configure network hardware (e.g. routers, switches, NICs, printers) and the software that makes them work together 2. Configure advanced network settings such as IP addresses, subnetting, default gateways, DNS, and DHCP 3. Test the network systematically, diagnose problems, and fix errors that appear during setup 4. Investigate and document the purpose of each hardware and software component you chose 5. Explain relevant implications of your network — for example privacy, security, legal issues, usability, or sustainability 6. Show that your finished network actually meets what the end-user needs

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91895?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You use the right tools and procedures to install and configure a working network. You carry out a range of tests, find and fix setup errors, investigate the parts you used, and explain some relevant implications (e.g. privacy or health and safety). Merit: Everything at Achieved, plus you use what you learned from testing to actively improve the network. You explain in detail what each component does and why it matters, and you properly address the implications rather than just mentioning them. Excellence: Everything at Merit, plus your network accurately meets the end-user's requirements and you justify why you chose each hardware and software component — explaining why those choices were the best options for this situation.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91895?

Accepted Answer

1. Only mentioning implications (e.g. 'privacy is important') without explaining how they actually apply to the specific network being built — you need to address them, not just name them 2. Describing what hardware or software components are without explaining their purpose and function in the context of the network 3. Testing the network but not recording what the results showed or how those results led to changes or improvements 4. Justifications for component choices that are vague (e.g. 'I chose this router because it is good') rather than linked to the end-user's specific requirements 5. Not enough evidence that the final network genuinely meets the end-user's requirements — the connection between user needs and design decisions needs to be clearly shown

Network development

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