... to develop a structured approach to analysing
the component parts and overall interconnection
of networks, in an abstract way. This includes
the understanding of how data transfers from
one computer to another, over interconnected
networks.
learning outcomes
The aims of the module are:
L1
Outline the key elements of network infrastructures
and networking components.
L2
Develop an understanding of network
addressing, and how networks can
be subnetted.
L3
Understand the fundamentals of network
programming, and identify the key
elements of client/server and peer-to-peer
programming.
L4
Identify the key elements of router
configuration and routing protocols..
L5
Identify the main elements, and parameters
involved, in networks which have mobile
devices
module content
The areas covered are:
Network elements. Topologies,
networking elements (switches, routers, bridges,
and so on), firewalls, ARP, network infrastructure,
network modelling and analysis, Ethernet, ATM,
vLANs, tiered architectures, VPNs.
Network addressing.
IP format, IP addressing, routing, subnetting,
subnet design, subnet masks, classless addressing,
IPv6, NAT.
Transport protocols.
TCP; UDP; Three-way handshaking; WinSock;
Event-driven and object-oriented network programming;
client/server programming; peer-to-peer programming.
Academic material. The academic part of
the module will be delivered with an integrated
teaching pack. This will include notes, related
WWW material, presentation slides, lecture text,
tutorials, and exercises. All the material will
be also be available on-line. Laboratory material. This will involve an
integrated lab development, where students follow
set practical exercises.
The taught material will involve a mixture of traditional
teaching, with slides, animations, and lectures,
and a series of demonstrations of networking technology.
Students will be assessed using on-line assessments.
The main elements of the tests will be:
Tests will assess knowledge, analytical
skills and design skills.
On-line assessment results
will be scaled to a normal distribution with
an average mark of between 55% and 60%, with
a typical standard deviation. Students will
receive a graded mark in the form of A+ (100%),
A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C- (40%), D, E and
F (2.5%). The overall mark will be an average
of the three assessments.
Students who receive an overall mark of
less than 40%, will be allowed to take an
overall test which is a compilation of all
the material. A pass in this test will gain
a final mark of 40%.
Students will be informed of their performance
after each test.
