FACULTY OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 64ET2405

UNIT TITLE Computer Networks

UNIT CODE NUMBER 64ET2405

HOME PROGRAMME BSc Hons Network in Engineering & Technology

HOME DEPARTMENT Engineering and Technology

SUBJECT AREA G420 Networks and Communications

UNIT LEADER(S) Stewart Cusworth, Brian Hall

CREDIT VALUE 20 CREDITS AT LEVEL: 2

AMOUNT OF STUDENT EFFORT (HOURS)

200 CLASS CONTACT TIME (HOURS)

72

UNIT STATUS CORE OPTION, MANDATORY CORE

PRE-REQUISITES 64ET1405 Introduction to Electrical & Network Principles

CO-REQUISITES None

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to: • Explain the fundamental layered structure of a communication

network. • Explain the operation and use of different communication devices

and protocols. • Discuss types and structure of different communication networks. • Analyse the performance of communication networks.

CURRICULUM OUTLINE

The following key themes are indicative (the weightings are equal) • Introduction to communication networks: evolution of networks,

basic network terminology and structure. • Communication standards: general principles, the role of standards

organisations, ISO, ITU-T, IEEE, IAB. • The OSI model:, general principle of layered communications, the

seven layer structure, concept of fragmentation and re-assembly. • Multiplexing formats and application areas: FDMA – broadcast TV

and radio, TDMA – land line telephone network, WDMA – high speed optical fibre datalinks, CDMA – wireless networks.

• Data networking concepts: basic performance issues, role of network modelling and simulation.

• Data Link Layer considerations, framing format, access strategies • Local Area Networks: Review of network topologies; Ethernet

operation; interconnection hardware including bridges, switches and routers.

• Peer to peer and to client/server configurations. • Operating system requirements and considerations including static

and dynamic IP addresses, domains and workgroups • Introduction to Wide Area Networks: need for and development of

protocols; circuit switched and packet switched networks • Addressing issues including administration of IP addresses, DHCP,

TCP/IP considerations, masking, domain name services. • Routing techniques and considerations, RIP and OSPF, algorithms

for shortest path, minimum costs.

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FACULTY OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 64ET2405

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

The theoretical / information content of the course will be delivered in large-group lectures. The lectures are complemented by on line WebCT material and laboratory sessions which will be used to: • Reinforce lecture material with practical investigations

ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Summative Assessment: • 24 hours of computer laboratory assignments (N.B. aspects of this

will be supported by WebCT) (40%). • A 3 hour exam (60%)

The laboratory assignments will develop the students understanding of practical networking operation through • simulation and measurement • the practical installation of a small network

The skills element of the learning outcomes will have been assessed in assignment work and is not included in the exam. Formative assessment: this will be supported by WebCT material.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR UNIT/ELEMENTS OF ASSESSMENT

For the laboratory assignments: • Careful recording of experimental results • Identify and analyse key network performance issues. • Ability to summarise and draw conclusions

For the formal examination : • Correct and comprehensive answer to the question.

INDICATIVE STUDENT LEARNING RESOURCES

Stallings W, Data and Computer Communications, 7th Ed, Prentice-Hall, 2004. Halsall F, Multimedia Communications, Addison-Wesley 2001. Kurose & Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down approach featuring the Internet, 2nd Ed, Addison-Wesley 2003. Tanenbaum A, Computer Networks, 4th Ed, Prentice-Hall 2003.

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