Communication architecture and network protocol layering.
Network hardware - local area networks and wide area networks with consideration of alternative methods and newer communication technologies such as ISDN, ATM, wireless and cellular networking technology, and satellite networks.
LAN Topologies (e.g. bus, ring, star), LAN standards (e.g. IEEE802.x series).
Network Protocols - hierarchical protocol layer models. The ISO OSI model (layers 1-7). General concepts of routing, flow control and error recovery.
Internetworking - principal concepts and architecture of heterogeneous networks and internetworking protocols such as ARP, HTTP, ICMP, IP, TCP and UDP.
WAN technologies and services (e.g. leased lines, ISDN, Frame Relay)
Application-layer software (e.g. e-mail, FTP, Web browsers and Web servers)
Network management (e.g. network management categories, SNMP, MIB, RMON)

Standard network laboratory facilities.
Network simulation software such as Opent or Packet Tracer.

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

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

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

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how Networking Appliances function, and how to combine them to implement a system.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

2. Explain and evaluate layered protocols (including the OSI model and TCP/IP), LAN AND WAN Standards, Hardware and Software components.
(ANALYSIS)

3. Critically compare and evaluate LAN and WAN technologies and architectures.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ANALYSIS)

4. Design, implement and investigate networks using appropriate simulation software, internetworking tools and technology in multi-protocol environments.
(APPLICATION, ENQUIRY)

Lectures 13 hours (1 hour per week), tutorial/practicals 26 hours (2 hours per week), and directed reading and research. The practicals will go through exercises that will help students to understand and give practical application to the lecture material.

Lectures 24 hours, tutorials/practicals 12 hours

An EXAM length 2 HOURS weighted at 60%. A COURSEWORK weighted at 40%.

Examination assessing learning outcomes 1 and 4, 2 hours weighted at 60%.

Project assessing learning outcomes 2 and 3 - Report on a networking case study using network simulation software such as Riverbed Opnet or Packet Tracer, equivalent to 1500 words, weighted at 40%