Computer Communications and Networks (VS1) (U04283)

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

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

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U03858

? 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

Computer Science, (School of Informatics, Schedule O)

Other subject areas

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
25/09/2008	11:10	12:00	Lecture Theatre, Robson Building	Med+Vet

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	12:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	11:10	12:00	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.