Unit information: Networks and Protocols (M) in 2012/13

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Unit name Networks and Protocols (M)
Unit code EENGM4200
Credit points 10
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Mike Barton
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Faculty Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The aim is to show the principles and practice of communications protocol operation in typical networks. The content is orientated towards a layered model of communication between systems, demonstrating the problems arising from errors in transmission, propagation delays, local resource use and equipment configaration together with typical solutions. The importance of standards as a means of ensuring coherance and consistency is emphasised and examples are given from the Internet and digital telephony systems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Having completed this unit, students will be able to:

  • List the layers of the ISO and TCP/IP models for communication systems;
  • Describe the functions of each layer;
  • Describe the properties of major algorithms and protocols used in
  • Communications networks;
  • Evaluate the performance of existing and proposed protocols;
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of current and proposed protocols.

Assessment Information

Name: Protocol Performance

Type: full report

% of final mark: 10

Description: Results of laboratory work

Name: Protocol Performance

Type: Blackboard

% of final mark: 10

Description: Numerical coursework

Name: Terminal Exam

Type: Exam

% of final mark: 80

Description: 2 hour written paper

Reading and References

  • Halsall, F., Computer Networking and the Internet, 5th edition, Addison Wesley, 2005, ISBN 0-321-26358-8 Background
  • Tanenbaum, A.S., Computer Networks, 4th edition, 2002, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-066102-3

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