Module Details

Module Code: CTEC8003
Title: Networks
Long Title: Computer and Communication Networks
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2019/20 ( January 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5232 - Communication Technologies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module evaluates the principles, design, analysis and testing of computer and communication networks, both wired and wireless. These will be based on and using industry standard networks, tools and applications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe in detail commercial network architectures, their protocol models and operational principles.
LO2 Outline the operation of local area network standards, wired and wireless, and the commercial drivers behind these standards.
LO3 Evaluate the operation of selected metropolitan and wide area network standards, wired and wireless, and select appropriate configurations for particular applications.
LO4 Outline the main concepts in internetworking and routing; analyse the operation of associated internet protocols, wired and wireless.
LO5 Design, test, monitor and analyse a computer network.
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
Introduction to Computer and Communication Networks
Types of networks, network topologies, network protocol models and concepts, standardisation and standards bodies. Case study of commercial drivers to a standard development.
Networking Pinciples
Physical network interfaces, multiplexing, medium access control, link control and reliable communication, switching, routing, congestion and traffic control, network operations and management.
Local Area Networks
Fixed and wireless LAN topologies and architectures, physical layer interface standards, LAN standards, wired and wireless.
Metropolitan and Wide Area Networks
Fixed and wireless MAN/WAN systems and standards, wide area computer networks, mobile communication systems, e.g. 4G, 5G.
Internet Protocols
Internetworking concepts, IP, TCP/UDP, application layer protocols, routing on the Internet, mobile internet protocols, virtual LANs.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Lab-based programming with a series of exercises, tasks and written reports/assignments based on the applications of the topics covered in class, i.e. (a) implement and document an Ethernet based network using commercial routers and switches, identifying the mapping to layered network models, (b) exercise and report on shared Media Access Protocols used across wired and wireless networks, (c) group presentation on 4G/5G technologies and their respective benefits, (d) report/presentation on the commericial roll-out of new networking standards, (e) exercise and report on capturing, analysing and decomposing network traffic across wired and wireless networks using commercial industry tools.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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 Theory incl worked examples Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab work based on various exercises and review assignments Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes, resources, preparation for assessment deliverables. 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 Theory incl worked examples Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact Lab work based on various exercises and review assignments Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes, resources, preparation for assessment deliverables. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Behrouz A Forouzan. (2013), Data Communciations and Networking, 5th ed.. McGraw-Hill Education, [ISBN: 978-007337622].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross. (2016), Computer Networking. A Top-Down Approach, 7th. Pearson, [ISBN: 978-013359414].
  • William Stallings. (2013), Data and Computer Communications, 10th ed.. Pearson, [ISBN: 978-013350648].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 8 Mandatory