A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module.
Module Overview
Our society has changed considerably in recent years due to recent advances in Internet, terrestrial, mobile and satellite networks. A critical factor in the success of any organization today is its network security and privacy of communications. This module will start with an introduction to networking concepts such as Internet routing and transport protocols. Also it will provide an introduction to communication network security and related threats and security requirements. In addition, the module will provide a detailed presentation of security systems for Internet, wireless and satellite networks.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
None
Module Aims
Assist the students to fully appreciate the practical the security challenges for the next generation of communication networks and then advance their knowledge of Internet/ mobile/ satellite communications security. It will present to them real-life security problems accompanied by practical and applied solutions both in the Internet, mobile and satellite environments. This approach will help them realise the key factors in Internet and wireless communications and allow them to take part in the shaping of the future of wireless.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
Critically evaluate the emerging and recently introduced security technologies and thus get the ability to seek employment in advanced IT and engineering groups that specialise in security in the communications industry.
Contrast, analyse, design and manage communication systems security.
Propose and undertake research projects in the industry and enter an advanced research programme on this topic with the required background that will ensure success and strong performance.
Module Content
Introduction to networking and network security (Internet, wireless and satellite): background; network types and topologies; Network security threats, countermeasures and basics.Security concepts in cellular networks, GSM and GPRS and UMTS. Security issues for satellite networks. Digital TV conditional access (DVB-S) and way satellite systems security (DVB-RCS).
Internet Routing and Internetworking - The Internet Protocol (IP), Routers / Gateways, OSI and IP. Addressing. IP routing, Address Resolution Protocol, Multicast and QoS provisioning.
Internet Upper Layers and Applications - Transport Layer. Issues and services, Internet
protocols: TCP, UDP, RTP, OSI transport protocols. Internet applications: Telnet, FTP, SMTP, DNS, WWW
Internet Security (detailed) - Internet security architecture, key management and IPsec protocols and applications. AAA authentication/authorisation. Mobile IP security. Multicast security.
Lab work on Network security - Lab work and assessment on realising some of the security and key management systems studied in the course.
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Lectures: 10 weeks – 30 hours
Labs/Assignments: Communications System security lab work and testing (Compulsory, minimum mark 30%). Estimated time to complete work: 6 hrs.
Selected Texts/Journals
Cryptography and Network Security. Behouz Forouzan. 2007. McGraw Hill publishing. ISBN 978-0-07-287022-0.
Data Communications and Networking 4th edition. Behouz Forouzan. 2006. McGraw Hill publishing. ISBN 978-0-07-296775-3.
Other sources: IETF RFCs on Internet protocols and security: www.ietf.org
