Computer Communications and Networks (U03858)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 9 ? Acronym : INF-3-COMN

This is an introductory course on Computer Communications and Networks, focusing on fundamental concepts, principles and techniques. The course will introduce basic networking concepts, including: protocol, network architecture, reference models, layering, service, interface, multiplexing, switching and standards. An overview of digital communication from the perspective of computer networking will also be provided. Topics covered in this course include: Internet (TCP/IP) architecture and protocols, network applications, congestion/flow/error control, routing and internetworking, data link protocols, error detection and correction, channel allocation and multiple access protocols, communication media and selected topics in wireless and mobile networks. This course will also give hands-on experience in network programming using the socket API.

Entry Requirements

? Co-requisites : Successful completion of Year 2 of an Informatics Single or Combined Degree, or equivalent by permission of the School. Students are also assumed to have basic programming expertise on Unix-type systems (e.g., Linux). Basic knowledge of operating systems would be helpful.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Parallel and Distributed Computing, (School of Informatics, Schedule O)

Other subject areas

Computer Systems Organisation, (School of Informatics, Schedule O)

Net-Centric Computing, (School of Informatics, Schedule O)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
08/01/2008	16:10	17:00	Room G.11, William Robertson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	16:10	17:00	Central
Lecture	Friday	16:10	17:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, students should:

- Be able to explain key networking concepts, principles, design issues and techniques at all protocol layers.

- Be able to contrast between different types of networks (e.g., wide area networks vs. local area networks, wired vs. wireless) in terms of their characteristics and protocols used.

- Be able to describe the Internet architecture, salient features of TCP/IP protocols, and unique characteristics of Ethernet and Wireless LANs.

- Have obtained hands-on experience in programming applications and protocols using TCP/UDP sockets.