This module extends the student's understanding of the internal architecture of a computer and examines the interaction between standalone computers and between computers and communications systems. It introduces the student to the various layers of the ISO OSI and TCP/IP reference models, the concepts of switching networks and a variety of network topologies. This provides the basis for introducing internetworking and the associated technologies. Essentially the course extends from basic computer interconnectivity at a local level through to interconnectivity at a global level. At each level the concepts and standards behind the predominant technologies are examined.
The aims of this module are to:
- Provide students with an understanding of transmission signals, transmission media and their characteristics, system and signal bandwidth, channel capacity, data encoding techniques, communication system interfaces and the problems associated with computer-to-computer communications and how they are addressed.
Provide students with an understanding of circuit and packet switched networks, Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies including wired and wireless networks, network interconnection with repeaters, bridges, and switches, internetworking architecture and associated communication protocols and protocol suites.
Transmission Signals and Systems
- Signalling concepts
- Bandwidth concepts
- The relationship between bandwidth and data rates
Transmission Media
- Characteristics of guided and unguided transmission media
- Transmission impairments and how they are addressed
- Channel Capacity
Data encoding
- Digital and analogue signals and systems
- Digital and analogue encoding techniques
Synchronous/Asynchronous Transmission
- Timing problems
- Framing
Data Link Tasks
- Flow Control techniques
- Error Detection and Error Control techniques
- Predominant data link protocols
Communication Systems architecture
- Multiplexing concepts
- Carrier systems
- Communication system building blocks
- System interface concepts and standards
- Fixed and wireless communications systems
Switching Networks
- Circuit switching concepts, operation and routing
- Packet switching concepts, operation and routing
LAN and WAN
- Concepts, topologies and operation
- Protocol architecture
- Medium Access Control techniques
- Extending and interconnecting LANs
- Wireless technologies
- Addressing
Internetworking
- Universal interconnection
- Architecture components
- Protocol addressing
- Datagram encapsulation and fragmentation
- Congestion control and error handling
- The TCP/IP internet protocol suite
- Internet application programs
The ISO OSI and TCP/IP models in context
This module can be delivered either through standard delivery or blended delivery.
In standard delivery this module is delivered through a series of lectures with associated practical assignments.
In blended delivery this module is delivered through a series of live and recorded lectures with associated laboratory work and practical assignments.
Both blended and standard delivery have the same overall number of teaching and self-directed learning hours.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |