| Title: | Networking Fundamentals |
|---|
| Long Title: | Networking Fundamentals |
|---|
| Field of Study: |
Computer Science
|
| Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 ) |
| Next Review Date: |
November 2021 |
| Module Coordinator: |
Sean McSweeney |
| Module Author: |
Donna OShea |
| Module Description: |
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of networking. On completion of this module the student will understand how protocols work together to achieve data communications and the lifecycle of a packet as it traverses a computer network. As part of this, a computer network, its architecture, protocol stacks and the process of data segmentation and encapsulation are introduced. In addition, the principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and sub-networking are explored with students building and configuring a basic network as well as utilising common network utilities. |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
| LO1 |
Outline the architecture of a network and how the various components work together to achieve data communications. |
| LO2 |
Describe how protocols handle data communications in a network and verify through the use of network utilities. |
| LO3 |
Explain the role and function of the layers that form part of a specified protocol stack such as TCP/IP and how these layers work together to support applications such as the Web etc. |
| LO4 |
Calculate subnet masks and addresses to fulfil design requirements. |
| LO5 |
Build a simple network using routers and switches and perform basic configuration, verification and troubleshooting. |
| Pre-requisite learning |
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).
|
| 12702 |
COMP6027 |
Networking Fundamentals |
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 |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
|
Introduction to Networks
Networks – history, architecture, function. Network architecture – hosts, clients, and servers. Network components – routers, switches, bridges. Network Types – LANs, MANs, WLANs and WANs. Internet, Ethernet, Extranet and Intranet.
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Network Protocols & Communications
Communication fundamentals -rules, encoding/decoding principles, message formatting, segmentation and encapsulation. Protocols suites – TCP/IP, OSI reference model. Data transfer – data encapsulation and de-encapsulation.Tools, such as Packet Tracer and others to verify operation of communications.
|
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Network Protocol Stack
Physical layer and network media. Data link Protocols – Logical Link Control and Media Access Control. Ethernet - CSMA/CD. Network Layer and routing principles. Transport Layer – TCP and UDP. ARP. ICMP. Application layer protocols and examples – DHCP, DNS, HTTP, SMTP etc
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Addressing & Subnetting
IPv4/v6 addressing, gateways, binary, subnet masks, unicast/broadcast/multicast, public/private; representation, types; configuration, verification; ICMP. Designing an addressing scheme including address assignment. Variable Length Submit Masks (VLSM).
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Network Configuration & Troubleshooting
Configuration and testing of a basic network (end user devices, switches and routers). Appropriate use of utilities and commands (ping, tracert, ipconfig, arp) to discover, verify and troubleshoot network configuration and performance.
|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
|---|
| Course Work | 50.00% |
| End of Module Formal Examination | 50.00% |
| Course Work |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Short Answer Questions |
This assessment will evaluate the students knowledge on the basics of networking and the fundamentals of data communication in a network. |
1,3 |
10.0 |
Week 6 |
| Other |
This assessment will evaluate the students ongoing work in the lab using networking tools and equipment. |
1,2,3,5 |
10.0 |
Every Week |
| Practical/Skills Evaluation |
In this exam the student will be expected to configure hosts in the network and establish basic communications between the hosts. |
5 |
30.0 |
Week 12 |
| End of Module Formal Examination |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Formal Exam |
End of Semester Formal Exam |
1,2,3,4,5 |
50.0 |
End-of-Semester |
| 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 institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Lab |
Lab supporting content delivered in class. |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Independent study. |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
4.00 |
| Workload: Part Time |
| Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Lab |
Lab supporting content delivered in class. |
2.0 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Independent Study. |
3.0 |
Every Week |
3.00 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
4.00 |
Module Resources
| Recommended Book Resources |
|---|
- Cisco Networking Academy 2016, Introduction to Networks v6 Companion Guide, 1st Ed., Cisco Press [ISBN: 9781587133602]
- Jim Kurose and Keith Ross 2013, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6th Ed., Pearson [ISBN: 9780132856201]
| | 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 |
|---|
- Online Curriculum: Module support material is available
on-line for registered students
- Netlab: Virtual Environment
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Module Delivered in
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