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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: COM2001 Module Title: COMPUTER NETWORKING
Module Provider: Computing Short Name: CS254
Level: HE2 Module Co-ordinator: PEEL RM Dr (Computing)
Number of credits: 10 Number of ECTS credits: 5
 
Module Availability

SPRING Semester

Assessment Pattern


Assessment Pattern

 

Unit(s) of Assessment

 
Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)

 

Lab Based Test (individual):

 

The laboratory assessment will test the practical skills of students to interpret and discuss the contents of network packets

 

50%

 

Examination (closed-book):
The exam will test knowledge across all of the technical topics in the syllabus

 

50%

 

Qualifying Condition(s) 

 

A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

 

 

 

 
Module Overview

 Computer networks are an essential part of almost all corporate computing facilities and even most domestic ones.  Interoperability is the key – all components must conform to the same hardware and packet specifications in order that they can be interconnected successfully.  This module introduces many of the TCP/IP and low-level transmission standards, as well as some higher-level application protocols.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites

None
Module Aims

Computer networks are an essential part of almost all corporate computing facilities and even most domestic ones.  Interoperability is the key – all components must conform to the same hardware and packet specifications in order that they can be interconnected successfully.  This module introduces many of the TCP/IP and low-level transmission standards, as well as some higher-level application protocols.
Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

 

·         appreciate how network protocols are layered and how they operate together to perform common communication functions;

 

·         Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the main protocols (TCP, IP, etc.);

 

·         Understand the main operational characteristics of Ethernet and wireless networks;

 

·         Be familiar with the use of the RFC protocol specifications;

 

·         Be familiar with the use of network analyser software;

 

·         Formulate arguments about network behaviour from an inspection of network packets.

 

 
Module Content

Module Content

 

The module content is divided into the following areas:

 

1.       Low-level communications – Ethernet, WiFi, ADSL

 

2.       The IP datagram protocol, the Address Resolution Protocol, PPP and DHCP

 

3.       The TCP protocol – flow control and retransmissions

 

4.       Interfaces to high-level languages such as Java and C

 

5.       Electronic mail and file transfer

 

6.       Web services – the HTTP protocol

 

7.       Network monitoring tools; ethical issues

 

8.       An introduction to network security issues

 

 

The course material will not be taught in the order listed above – the topics will be dovetailed together.

 

Methods of Teaching/Learning

There will be a two hours of lectures each week for 11 weeks.  Many of these lectures will contain live demonstrations.  Week 12 will be reserved for revision purposes.

 

 

The laboratory programme will use network packet traces to illustrate topics from the lectures.

 

 
Selected Texts/Journals

.

Recommended Reading (category B):

 

·         Computer Networking – Internet Protocols in Action; Jeanna Matthews; Wiley; ISBN 978-0-471-66186-3; 2005

 

·         Computer Networks ISE: A Systems Approach; Larry L. Peterson, Bruce S. Davie; Morgan Kaufmann; 4th edition; ISBN 978-0123740137; 2007

 

·         Computer Networks; Andrew S. Tanenbaum; Pearson Education; 4th edition; ISBN 978-0130384881; 2002

 

 

Other Resources:

 

All the Request for Comments (RFC) documents are widely available on the Internet.

 

 

 
Last Updated

25-09-09