Prerequisite Modules
Description
Network Fundamentals builds upon the
student's understanding of computer communications and introduces the
student to the higher layers of the ISO OSI and TCP/IP reference
models. It examines the connectivity and interaction between computers
in a networked environment. The student is introduced to the concepts
of switching networks and from there an investigation of a variety of
network topologies is undertaken. This provides the basis for
introducing internetworking and the associated technologies.
Essentially the course extends from basic computer interconnectivity
at a local level through to interconnectivity at a global level. At
each level the concepts and standards behind the predominant
technologies are examined.
Aims
The aim of the module is to provide
students with an appreciation of; circuit and packet switched
networks, Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN)
technologies including wired and wireless networks, network
interconnection with repeaters, bridges, and switches, internetworking
architecture and associated communication protocols and protocol
suites.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this
module, the student will be able to:
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Describe the concepts behind
switching networks
-
Describe and evaluate the
predominant LAN and WAN technologies
-
Describe network extendibility and
interconnection technologies
-
Describe the components associated
with internetworking architectures
-
Describe and evaluate routing
concepts and techniques
-
Describe protocol addressing,
error handling and congestion control on an internetwork
-
Describe the functionality
associated with the upper layers (above the Physical and Data Link
layers) of the ISO OSI and TCP/IP Reference Models
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lectures, self-study, labs,
tutorials, and any combination of discussion, case study,
problem-solving exercises, readings, seminars, and computer-based
learning.
Content
Introduction
Switching Networks
-
Circuit switching concepts,
operation and routing
-
Packet switching concepts,
operation and routing
LAN and WAN
-
Concepts, topologies and operation
-
Protocol architecture
-
Medium Access Control techniques
-
Extending and interconnecting LANs
-
Wireless technologies
-
Addressing
Internetworking
-
Universal interconnection
-
Architecture components
-
Protocol addressing
-
Datagram encapsulation and
fragmentation
-
Congestion control and error
handling
-
The TCP/IP internet protocol suite
-
Internet application programs
-
The ISO OSI and TCP/IP models in
context
Assessment
The methods of assessment to be used
to measure the learning objectives stated above are written
examination and continuous assessment including one or more of
assignment, essay, problem-solving exercise, oral presentation, and
class or lab tests.
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Continuous Assessment: 30%
-
Examination: 70%
Recommended
Reading
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Data and Computer Communications,
7th edition. William Stallings. Prentice Hall ISBN 0-13-100681-9,
2004
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Computer Networks, 4th edition,
Andrew Tanenbaum. Prentice Hall ISBN: 0130661023, 2002
-
Internetworking With TCP/IP Volume
1: Principles Protocols, and Architecture, 5th edition, Prentice
Hall, ISBN 0-13-187671-6, 2006
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Computer Networks and Internets,
4th Edition, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-143351-2, 2004
-
Data communications, computer
networks and open systems, Fred Halsall, Addison Wesley, UK, 1995,
0-201-422-93-X.
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For more information contact
Ciarán O'Leary
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