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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.
Elements
Networks and Protocols
- Introduction and Definition of Terms: Types of network - LANs, MANs, WANs, Wireless Networks. Software issues - protocols and their hierarchies, interfaces, connection-oriented vs connectionless services. OSI reference model, TCP/IP
reference model, Examples of services.
- Data Link Layer (specifically Logical link Control Sublayer): Services provided. Framing, error control, flow control. Stop-and wait protocol. Go-back-N protocol. Examples of data-link protocols - HDLC, Internet, ATM.
- Medium-access Control Sub-layer: Need for MAC and its place in the reference models. Multiple-access protocols - ALOHA, carrier sense protocols, collision-free protocols, wireless LAN protocols, digital cellular radio protocols. IEEE 802 family of protocols. Bridges - 802 family, transparent bridges. High-speed LANs – Fast Ethernet.
- Network Layer: Services provided. Virtual circuits vs datagrams. Routing algorithms - shortest path, flooding, flow-based, distance vector, link state, hierarchical, broadcast, multicast. Congestion control. The Internet view of the Network Layer.
- Transport Layer: Services provided. Functions – addressing, establishing
and releasing connections, flow control, multiplexing, recovery. The Internet view of the Transport Layer. Performance issues.
Laboratory work
Exploration of the performance of a data-link layer protocol by means of a simulator.
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.
Teaching Information
Combination of lectures and laboratory sessions
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
