How to Pass COS2626: A Distinction Strategy (Computer Networks)

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How to Pass COS2626 with a Distinction: A Survival Guide for UNISA Students

Module: COS2626 (Computer Networks I)
Difficulty Rating: 7/10
Prescribed Textbook: Data Communication and Computer Networks: A Business User’s Approach (Jill West, 9th Edition)

Introduction

If you are reading this, you are likely tackling COS2626: Computer Networks. This module is essential for anyone wanting to understand how the internet actually works—from IP addresses to how data travels through cables.

However, if you look closely at your Tutorial Letter 101 for this semester, you will notice something terrifying about the marks: It is a Continuous Assessment module.

Here is my breakdown of how to handle the unique pressure of COS2626 and walk away with a distinction.

The “100% Year Mark” Trap

According to the latest assessment breakdown (2025), there is no “safety net” final exam that counts for 80%. Instead, your semester mark is built up of four assessments:

  • Assessment 1: 30%
  • Assessment 2: 30%
  • Assessment 3: 30%
  • Assessment 4: 10%

What this means for you:
You cannot afford to “skip” an assignment. In other modules, missing Assignment 1 just means losing 10% of your year mark. In COS2626, missing Assessment 1 means the highest mark you can possibly get is 70%. You have to treat every single assignment like a mini-exam.

What is COS2626 About? (The Syllabus)

Unlike COS2614 (which is about coding), this module is theoretical and conceptual. You will be learning about the OSI Model and the TCP/IP stack.

The prescribed textbook (Data Communication and Computer Networks by Jill West) takes a “Business User’s Approach.” This means it is less about complex electrical engineering math and more about practical implementation:

  • How do businesses set up LANs?
  • What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
  • How does Subnetting work?

The 3 Concepts You Must Master

If you want to pass the quizzes and assignments, focus 80% of your energy on these three topics:

1. The OSI 7-Layer Model

You need to memorize the 7 layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application).

  • Study Tip: Don’t just memorize the names. Memorize what happens at each layer. (e.g., “Routers work at Layer 3, Switches work at Layer 2”).

2. Subnetting (The Math Part)

This is the only part of the module that requires calculation. You will be given an IP address (e.g., 192.168.10.0/24) and asked to break it into 4 subnets.

  • Warning: This usually appears in the big 30% assessments. If you can’t do subnetting, you will likely fail that assessment.
  • Tip: Watch YouTube videos on “CIDR Notation” and “Binary Subnetting.”

3. Network Security

Since the book has a “Business Approach,” security is huge. Focus on firewalls, VPNs, and the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

My Top Tips for the Assignments

1. Buy the Textbook (Or get the PDF)
You cannot pass this module without Jill West’s 9th Edition. The quizzes are often “open book” style, but they ask very specific questions found in the case studies inside the textbook chapters.

2. The “Assessment 4” Trap
Assessment 4 is only worth 10%, so students often ignore it. Do not do this. That 10% is the difference between a 68% (pass) and a 78% (distinction). It is usually a quicker quiz/portfolio, so grab those easy marks.

3. Use the Diagram Tools
Assignments might ask you to draw a network topology. Don’t draw it by hand and scan it. Use a free tool like Draw.io to make professional network diagrams. It looks better and markers appreciate the effort.

Conclusion

COS2626 is not about writing code; it’s about understanding the “plumbing” of the internet. Because of the 30/30/30 structure, consistent effort wins here. Don’t cram at the end—work steadily every week.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: This is a personal study guide. Always refer to your official Tutorial Letter 101 on myModules for the exact dates and rules for the current semester.

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