MASSEY UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SCIENCES
Paper Outline 2011
Paper Number and Title: 159.334 Computer Networks
Credits value:
15
Semester: 1
Campus: Albany
Mode: Internal
Calendar Prescription: A layered approach to data communications and the Internet protocols.
Pre- and Co-requisites: To take this course the student must have passed 159.102 and 159.101, since
elementary programming knowledge is assumed. It will be helpful, although not mandatory, to have also
completed 159.234.
Restrictions: None
E-Learning Category: N/A
Paper Coordinator: Dr. Napoleon Reyes, IIMS, QA2.56, extension 9512, n.h.reyes@massey.ac.nz
Other Contributing Staff: N/A
Aim:
A top-down approach is used in this paper. The course begins with the application layer and works towards
the physical layer. The students should benefit from this approach because they usually have already some
experience with the applications, and the explanations related to the other layers are presented in inverse
order. It is also beneficial to motivate students to search and learn in depth from the start.
Students are expected to have intermediate programming skills in C (or C++) language. All the assignments are
based on simple programming tasks to experiment with certain network concepts. After taking this paper, students
should be capable of understanding and learning new and emerging technologies in the field of computer
networks.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion a student will be able to:
1. Understand the basic Computer Network concepts, different protocols and related acronyms.
2. Relate computer network techniques, services and products to each other.
3. Apply concepts and principles to network design and management using the current standards.
4. Understand professional and ethical issues arising from communications systems and their application,
especially concerning internet security.
5. Write low-level network programs using sockets.
Assessment:
The marks for this paper will be divided as follows:
Assignment 1 10% of the available marks
Assignment 2 15% of the available marks
Assignment 3 15% of the available marks
Final Exam 60% of the available marks
Requirements to Successfully Complete the Paper:
At least 50% of the sum of the three assignments and the final exam.
Learning Programme and Schedule:
1 – Introduction: Definition of networks, history, standardization, protocols.
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2 - The application layer: Principles, HTTP, FTP, Mail (SMTP, POP etc), DNS, socket programming.
3 - The transport layer: Elements of transport protocols (reliability,multiplexing/de-multiplexing, congestion
control), Internet transport protocols (TCP, UDP), performance issues.
4 - The network layer: Addressing, routing, network layer in the Internet (IP)
5 - The data link layer: Error detection and correction, hubs bridges and switches, IEEE 802.
6 - The physical layer: Data communication theories.
7 - Network security: Concepts, cryptography principles, authentication, integrity, firewalls
Timetable:
Lectures:
Monday 11:00-12:00 QB2, Tuesday 9:00-10:00 QB2,
Friday 11:00-12:00 QB5
Textbook and Recommended Reading:
Kurose, J.F. And Ross, K. W., Computer Networking: a Top Down Approach, Addison Wesley, 5th edition
(2010) ISBN-10: 0-13-136548-7.
Data communications and networking / Behrouz A. Forouzan
Conditions for Aegrotat Pass and Impaired Performance:
If you are prevented by illness, injury or serious crisis from attending an examination (or completing an
element of assessment by the due date), or if you consider that your performance has been seriously
impaired by such circumstances, you may apply for aegrotat or impaired performance consideration. You
must apply on the form available from the Examinations Office, the Student Health Service or the Student
Counseling Service.
To qualify for an aegrotat pass on the final examination, you must have attempted at least 40% of the total
formal assessment and your performance must be well above the minimum pass standard, so that the
examiners can be confident that you would have passed the paper if you had completed the final
examination. You may also apply for aegrotat consideration for other compulsory assessment elements (such
as Semester Tests) that occur at a fixed time and place if you are prevented by illness, injury or a serious
crisis from attending.
Plagiarism:
Massey University, College of Sciences, has taken a firm stance on plagiarism and any form of cheating.
Plagiarism is the copying or paraphrasing of another person’s work, whether published or unpublished,
without clearly acknowledging it. It includes copying the work of other students. Plagiarism will be
penalized; it is likely to lead to loss of marks for that item of assessment and may lead to an automatic
failing grade for the paper and/or exclusion from re-enrollment at the University.
Grievance Procedures:
A student who claims that he/she has sustained academic disadvantage as a result of the actions of a
University staff member should use the University Grievance Procedures. Students, whenever practicable,
should in the first instance approach the University staff member concerned. If the grievance is unresolved
with the staff member concerned, the student should then contact the College of Sciences office on his/her
campus for further information on the procedures, or read the procedures in the University Calendar.
Paper Coordinator:
Dr. Napoleon Reyes
Date: 08/02/2011
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