Module Details

Module Code: INFO6031
Title: Business Data Communications
Long Title: Business Data Communications
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4820 - Information Systems
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the fundamental principles of Computer Networking and the Business Applications that use networking technology.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the concepts of business data communications.
LO2 Describe the core technologies used for computer networking.
LO3 Describe the main business applications that rely on computer networks.
LO4 Use and apply practical skills in configuring computer networks and analyszng network traffic.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Data Communications Concepts
Modes of Transmission. Circuits & Channels. Bandwidth. Noise. Compression. Analog Signals. Digital Signals. Modulation. Modems. Multiplexing.
Models & Standards
Network Standards. The OSI Model. The TCP/IP Model. Message Standards & Protocols.
Physical Media
Binary Data Representation. Binary Encoding. ASCII. Signaling. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Propagation. Optical Fibre Transmission. Radio Propagation.
Ethernet & LANs.
Local Area Networks (LAN). Ethernet Overview. Ethernet Physical Layer Standards. Ethernet Data Link Layer Standards. The MAC Layer. Frame Organisation. Switch Operation. Multi-Switch Ethernet LAN Operation. Switch Purchasing Decisions. Hub Operation. Network Bridging. Repeaters.
WANs
Wide Area Networks (WANs). Leased Line Services. Public Switched Data Networks (PSDN). Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) over the Internet and IP Carrier Networks.
TCP/IP Internetworking
IP Addresses, Router Operation, The Internet Protocol (IP), IP Version 4 (IPv4), IP Version 6 (IPv6), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Address Resolution Protocol (ARP). Domain Name System (DNS). Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Port Numbers and Sockets in TCP and UDP.
Networked Applications in Business
Application Architectures, Terminal-Host System, Peer-to-Peer Networks, Client/Server Computing, E-Mail, HTML and HTTP, FTP, Telnet, E-Commerce
Practical Network Configuration & Implementation
IP Configuration. IP Routing and DNS. Creating a DHCP Infrastructure. Managing Software Updates. Managing Files & Printers. Basic Router and Switch Configuration. Network Packet Analyser Tools. Web Server Configuration.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Short Answer Questions on the Theory and Concepts of Data Communications.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
In-Class Lab Assignments on Network Configuration, Web Server Setup and Network Traffic Analysis.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on the theory and concepts of Business Data Communications Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Labs covering practical networking applications. Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study to meet learning outcomes of module. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on the theory and concepts of Business Data Communications Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Labs covering practical networking applications Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study to meet learning outcomes of module Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Raymond R Panko, Julia Panko. (2014), Business Data Networks and Security, 10th Edition. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 9780133544015].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jerry FitzGerald. (2014), Business Data Communications and Networking, 12th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 9781118891681].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BBISY_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Information Systems 2 Mandatory