BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING HONOURS
DEGREE IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING
TCL3106 – Communication Network Design
Course Outline 2020
LECTURER: Mr. K Motsi
Kudakwashe.Motsi@telone.co.zw +263 783573950
1.0. Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of the concepts and
fundamentals of data communication and computer networks.
2.0. Course content
1. Introduction to
Communication Network
Design
2. Types of Network Design
3. Top Down Network
Design Approach
4. Business Justification
Definition
Overview of Communication Networks and Network
Design
Types of Communication Networks
Network Design Tools
Classification based on Geographical size
Classification based on Technology used
Network State based Classification
Greenfield Network Design
Incremental network design
Virtual network design
Overview of Top-Down Network Design Approach and
PPDIOO method
Characteristics of the Structured Network Design Process
Conceptual Model
Logical Model
Physical Model
Implementation, Testing, Tuning and Documentation
Understanding the customer’s business and business
objectives
Business goals of network
Business Constraints
Organizational Policies and Politics
Budget and Staffing Constraints
Scheduling
Market Forecasting on network demands
5. Network Systems Design
Process
6. A layered view of
networks and design
Design and replacement of legacy telecoms networks
System requirements gathering
Systems analysis and network modeling
System design and implementation
System performance and evaluation
Network Performance parameters and Quality of Service
Network Requirements
Network Signaling and Operation
Network Management
Network Support Systems and Associated Architectures
Network Security Design
3.0 Continuous assessment


2 assignments
3 tests
4.0 References
Berkowitz,H.C. (1999) Designing addressing architectures for routing and switching. U.S.A.:
Macmillan Technical Pub.
Tittel,E.,Johnson, D.,(2011). Guide to Networking Essentials Course Technology (latest
international edition).
Forouzan Behrouz A. (2005) Data communications and networking 3e Forouzan
Kurose James F. and Ross Keth W.(2000) Computer Networking A Top-down Approach
Featuring the Internet Third Edition
TCL 3106
COMMUNICATION NETWORK DESIGN
Purpose
Instructional Objectives
At the end of the course, the learner will be able to
1 Build an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computer networking.
2 Understand and explain Data Communications System and its components. 3.
Identify the different types of network topologies and protocols.
3 Enumerate the layers of the OSI model and TCP/IP. Explain the function(s) of each
layer
4 Identify the different types of network devices and their functions within a network
5 Understand and building the skills of subnetting and routing mechanisms
Familiarity with the basic protocols of computer networks, and how they can be used
to assist in network design and implementation
6
Session
1
Description of Topic
Unit 1. Introduction to Communication
Network Design
Overview of Communication Networks and
Network Design
Contact
hours
4
Reference
2
1,2
Types of Communication Networks
Network Design Tools
Unit 2. Types of Network Design
2
1,2
3
Classification based on Geographical size,
Technology used, Network State based
Classification and Greenfield Network Design
2
1,2
4
Incremental, Virtual, Top-Down Network Design
Approach and PPDIOO method
Characteristics of the Structured Network Design
Process
Unit 3. Top Down Network Design Approach
2
1,2
Conceptual and Logical Model
Physical Model
Implementation, Testing, Tuning and
Documentation
Unit 4. Business Justification
2
3
7
Understanding the customer’s business and
business objectives, goals of network and business
Constraints
2
1,2
8
Organizational Policies and Politics, Budget and
Staffing Constraints and Scheduling
2
1,2
9
Market Forecasting on network demands, Design
and replacement of legacy telecoms networks
2
1,2
Unit 5. Network Systems Design Process
6
System requirements gathering, analysis and
network modeling
2
2
5
6
10
4
5
1,2
1,2
6
1,2
11
8
9
System design and implementation
System performance and evaluation
Network Performance parameters and Quality of
Service
Unit 6. A layered view of networks and design
Network Requirements, Signaling and Operation
Network Management
Network Support Systems and Associated
Architectures and network Security Design
4
1,2
4
2
1,2
2
1,2
Total contact hours
30
Reference text
1
Tittel,E.,Johnson, D.,(2011). Guide to Networking Essentials Course
Technology (latest international edition).
2
Berkowitz,H.C. (1999) Designing addressing architectures for routing and
switching. U.S.A.: Macmillan Technical Pub.
Course nature
Theory
Assessment Method (Weightage 100%)
InAssessment Test I Test II
Presentations
Assignment Total
semester tool
5%
5%
10%
25%
Weightage 5%
Final Exam Weightage 75%