You are required to choose TWO network security software tools and conduct a comparison of them. The two tools must satisfy the following criteria:

a. They must be of a similar type. Otherwise, a comparison would be unfair and of limited purpose.
b. They must be of a type listed on page 22. Other types are not acceptable unless explicitly agreed by the module leader.
c. They must be agreed with your module leader. The means of reaching this agreement are described below. The number of students comparing the same two tools will be limited to a maximum of 5, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Furthermore, you should ensure that there is no significant overlap between this coursework and the work that you are undertaking for your final year project. If you are in any doubt, please discuss your choice of tools with the module leader, prior to the deadline specified below.
d. You must be capable of demonstrating "Practical: Configuration of a network security tool under time-constrained, (20 minutes) laboratory conditions"your tools to your tutor(s) using the hardware/software available in room KD.2.15.

You must submit a report of NOT more than 2,000 words (excluding the assignment cover sheet, title page, screenshots and reference list) which contains the following:

1. A brief description of the two tools that you have chosen to compare.
2. A brief explanation of the criteria that you used to compare the two tools.
3. A brief summary of the outcome of the comparison based on the criteria that you have selected. The outcome should be presented in the form of a table with three columns; Column 1 - the evaluation criteria, Column 2 - an assessment of tool 1 against the criteria and Column 3

- an assessment of tool 2 against the criteria. Your summary should also include an overall assessment i.e. which of the two tools would you recommend and why.
4. A reference list indicating the sources of information that you have used i) to develop your understanding of the purpose and function of your chosen tools and ii) to select your evaluation criteria.

Please avoid the inclusion of large numbers of screenshots. Include only those that are necessary to illustrate the application of your evaluation criteria.

Both the submission and the assessment of this coursework will be entirely electronic. You should therefore submit your assignment via the Turnitin link on Moodle website for this module. You will NOT be able to submit a printed copy of your work to the ACE Reception.

You will receive assignment feedback via Turnitin. Details of how you can obtain your feedback will be provided shortly after the assignment deadline.

Assessment criteria

By Friday 7th November 2014, you need to have obtained your module leader's agreement to your chosen tools. You should post details of your proposed tools in the appropriate discussion forum on Moodle You should include with the details confirmation that there is no significant overlap between this coursework and your final year project. Your module leader will indicate, via Moodle, whether or not your choice is acceptable. You will not be able to change your choice after the above date so it is essential that you start your investigation/planning as soon as possible.