Module Details

Module Code: COMP6029
Title: Network Systems
Long Title: Network Systems
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. It uses the OSI and TCP layered models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, transport, network, data link, and physical layers. The principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced. This module also offers an introduction to the architecture and operation of routers, routing protocols and the principles of routing.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model and the communication process between different layers.
LO2 Discuss Ethernet LAN technologies.
LO3 Analyze the operations and features of the network layer protocols and services.
LO4 Apply IP subnetting by calculating subnet masks and addresses to fulfill given requirements.
LO5 Configure & troubleshoot routing protocols on industry standard routers.
LO6 Identify the characteristics of distance vector routing protocols.
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).
18047 COMP6029 Network Systems
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
Network models
Layered approach, OSI, network protocols.
Application Layer
Application layer protocols, applications and services supporting communications.
Transport Layer
Roles of the transport layer, communicating with low overhead (UDP), communicating with reliability (TCP), reassembling, managing data loss.
Network Layer & Routing
Roles of the network layer; dividing devices into groups; communications between networks.
Internet Protocol v4
Internet Protocol v4, Addresses for different purposes, overview of IPv6, subnetting, network layer testing.
Data Link Layer
Data link layer, Media Access Control, addressing and framing.
Physical Layer
Physical layer, signalling, media.
Ethernet
Ethernet media, layers – MAC technology, MAC addressing, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), shared versus dedicated Ethernet.
IP Subnetting
Routing based on IP address; calculating IPv4 subnet masks; VLSM; designing an IPv4 addressing scheme; IPv6 address assignment
Routing and Packet Forwarding
Router configuration, routing table, path determination and switching functions.
Dynamic Routing
Classifying dynamic routing protocols, metrics, administrative distances.
Distance Vector Routing Protocol
Network discovery, routing table maintenance, routing loops, routing table structure, routing table lookup process, classful routing behaviour, classless routing behaviour, equal cost load balancing.
RIPv1
RIPv1 configuration, verification and troubleshooting, automatic summarisation, default route and RIPv1.
IPv6 and RIPng
IPv6 addressing; RIPng configuration, verification and troubleshooting.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Weekly lab reports summarising & analysing the work carried out in assigned networking labs.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 4,5,6
Assessment Description
A skills based assignment that requires the design & implementation of a network infrastructure.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,6
Assessment Description
A research report assessing the students knowledge of network communications, switching or routing.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Directed study to support labs/lectures/tutorials. 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 Directed study to support labs/lectures/tutorials. 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. (2020), Introduction to Networks Companion Guide (CCNAv7), 1st. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780136633662].
  • Jim Kurose and Keith Ross. (2020), Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 8th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780135928615].
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_KCMSD_8 Higher Diploma in Science in Cloud & Mobile Software Development 1 Mandatory
CR_KCLCO_8 Higher Diploma in Science in Cloud Computing 1 Mandatory