Module Details

Module Code: COMP6027
Title: Networking Fundamentals
Long Title: Networking Fundamentals
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of networking. On completion of this module the student will understand how protocols work together to achieve data communications and the lifecycle of a packet as it traverses a computer network. As part of this, a computer network, its architecture, protocol stacks and the process of data segmentation and encapsulation are introduced. In addition, the principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and sub-networking are explored with students building and configuring a basic network as well as utilising common network utilities.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Outline the architecture of a network and how the various components work together to achieve data communications.
LO2 Describe how protocols handle data communications in a network and verify through the use of network utilities.
LO3 Explain the role and function of the layers that form part of a specified protocol stack such as TCP/IP and how these layers work together to support applications such as the Web etc.
LO4 Calculate subnet masks and addresses to fulfil design requirements.
LO5 Build a simple network using routers and switches and perform basic configuration, verification and troubleshooting.
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).
12702 COMP6027 Networking Fundamentals
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.
12702 COMP6027 Networking Fundamentals
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
Introduction to Networks
Networks – history, architecture, function. Network architecture – hosts, clients, and servers. Network components – routers, switches, bridges. Network Types – LANs, MANs, WLANs and WANs. Internet, Ethernet, Extranet and Intranet.
Network Protocols & Communications
Communication fundamentals -rules, encoding/decoding principles, message formatting, segmentation and encapsulation. Protocols suites – TCP/IP, OSI reference model. Data transfer – data encapsulation and de-encapsulation.Tools, such as Packet Tracer and others to verify operation of communications.
Network Protocol Stack
Physical layer and network media. Data link Protocols – Logical Link Control and Media Access Control. Ethernet - CSMA/CD. Network Layer and routing principles. Transport Layer – TCP and UDP. ARP. ICMP. Application layer protocols and examples – DHCP, DNS, HTTP, SMTP etc
Addressing & Subnetting
IPv4/v6 addressing, gateways, binary, subnet masks, unicast/broadcast/multicast, public/private; representation, types; configuration, verification; ICMP. Designing an addressing scheme including address assignment. Variable Length Submit Masks (VLSM).
Network Configuration & Troubleshooting
Configuration and testing of a basic network (end user devices, switches and routers). Appropriate use of utilities and commands (ping, tracert, ipconfig, arp) to discover, verify and troubleshoot network configuration and performance.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
This assessment will evaluate the students knowledge on the basics of networking and the fundamentals of data communication in a network.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
This assessment will evaluate the students ongoing work in the lab using networking tools and equipment.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
In this exam the student will be expected to configure hosts in the network and establish basic communications between the hosts.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of Semester Formal Exam
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 Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Cisco Networking Academy. (2016), Introduction to Networks v6 Companion Guide, 1st. Cisco Press, [ISBN: 9781587133602].
  • Jim Kurose and Keith Ross. (2013), Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780132856201].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Al Anderson and Ryan Benedetti. (2009), Head First Networking, O' Reilly Media, [ISBN: 9780596521554].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 2 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 2 Mandatory
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 2 Mandatory
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KCOME_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Software Development 2 Mandatory