This module focuses on the principles of communication via a network. Topics will include:
Communication and architecture design
LAN, WAN, and VLAN networks
OSI, and TCP/IP
Transmission mechanisms
Wiring and wireless
Signals and noise
Network components
Addressing, and IP routing
Other topics will address - UDP and TCP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP, Mail, TFTP, BOOTP, HDLC, Telnet/SSH, FTP, SNMP, STP, and HTTP

Final Exam: Module Learning Outcome 1, 2, 3
Lab Work Evaluation: Module Learning Outcome 3, 4

As this is a heavily practical discipline, the content will be delivered over 30 hours of lectures and practical sessions. This will support the underlying knowledge and skills required to complete the module, and will be facilitated with booklets, course texts, and the Internet. Group discussions will also take place in these sessions.

1. Explain how networking components work and how they can be put together to implement a system.
2. Explain and critically evaluate layered protocols (including OSI and TCP/IP), LAN and WAN standards, hardware and software components.
3. Critically compare and evaluate LAN and WAN technology and architectures.
4. Design, implement and investigate networks using appropriate simulation software, internetworking tools and technology in multi-protocol environments.

Blackboard to access the lecture slides, tutorials, assessments submission etc.

Specialist networking laboratories with Cisco equipment

PC with Linux or Windows Operating System (OS)

Network simulation software

Kurose, J. and Ross, K. 2016. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. 7th Ed. Pearson. ISBN-10: 8131790541

Tanenbaum, A. and Wetherall, D. 2013. Computer Networks. 5th Ed - International Ed). Pearson. ASIN: B00M8PG5BS

Aboelela, E. 2011. Network Simulation Experiment Manual. 3rd Ed. Morgan Kaufmann. ASIN: B019L5LB8Y

EFREI student

In studying this module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts e.g. LAN, WAN, OSI/TCP networking model, Transmission mechanisms/media, network design, wireless networks, IP addressing, TCP and UDP communications, network management and troubleshooting etc. Upon successful completion of the module, you should have become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices, can manage and troubleshoot network issues.