IP Based Communication Networks
EEB_7_883
http://eent3.lsbu.ac.uk/staff/baoyb/IPBCN/
Faculty of Engineering, Science and the Built Environment
2013-2014
Level 7 (Postgraduate)
IP Based Communication Networks
Module Guide
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
Module Details....................................................................................................... 2
Short Description ................................................................................................... 2
Aims of the Module ................................................................................................ 2
Learning Outcomes ................................................................................................ 2
4.1
Knowledge and Understanding ............................................................................................................ 2
4.2
Intellectual Skills ............................................................................................................................... 3
4.3
Practical Skills ................................................................................................................................... 3
4.4
Transferable Skills ............................................................................................................................. 3
5.
6.
7.
Assessment of the Module ....................................................................................... 3
Feedback ............................................................................................................... 3
Introduction to Studying the Module ........................................................................ 4
7.1
Overview of the Main Content ............................................................................................................ 4
7.2
Overview of Types of Classes ............................................................................................................. 4
7.3
Importance of Student Self-Managed Learning Time ............................................................................ 4
7.4
Employability .................................................................................................................................... 4
8.
9.
10.
The Programme of Teaching, Learning and Assessment ............................................. 5
STUDENT EVALUATION .................................................................................... 7
Learning Resources ................................................................................................ 7
10.1 Core Materials ................................................................................................................................... 7
10.2 Optional Materials ............................................................................................................................. 7
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IP Based Communication Networks
1.
Module Guide
MODULE DETAILS
Module Title:
Module Level:
Module Reference Number:
Credit Value:
Student Study Hours:
Contact Hours:
Private Study Hours:
Pre-requisite Learning (If applicable):
Co-requisite Modules (If applicable):
Course(s):
Year and Semester
Module Coordinator:
UC Contact Details (Tel, Email, Room)
Teaching Team & Contact Details
(If applicable):
Subject Area:
Summary of Assessment Method:
2.
IP Based Communication Networks
7
EEB_7_883
20
200
48
152
Bachelors degree in a relevant subject
None
MSc TeCNE/CSN/EDS
2013-2014, Semester 1
Ya Bao
020 78157588, baoyb@lsbu.ac.uk T701
Vincent Siyau,
020 7815 7507, siyaum@lsbu.ac.uk T710
Electronics
Exam(70%) + Coursework(30%)
SHORT DESCRIPTION
This module provides a broad understanding of the principles of data communications
and networks. It covers standard layered protocol architecture and each layer of the
TCP/IP model. Many topics will be included: network protocols and standards, date
rate and line coding, Data link layer design issues, MAC protocols, Ethernet,
VLANs,IP addressing, Rrouting algorithms, TCP and TCP congestion control, WWW ,
FTP, network security and VPN.
3.
AIMS OF THE MODULE



4.
to provide students with a practical understanding of all the relevant terminologies,
concepts, protocols and other information necessary to make you literate in data
communications and computer networking.
To enable students to understand the use of networks and their interconnections.
To teach students skills in network simulation and network performance analysis
according to sound engineering principles.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
4.1
Knowledge and Understanding
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IP Based Communication Networks





4.2

Module Guide
Prescribed ISO reference and Internet models
Understand the TCP/IP and their latest developments
Know network components used in LAN & WAN,
Explain fundamentals and technologies of physical, data-link, network,
transport and application layers
Understand the functions and architectures of LAN and WAN , VLAN and
VPN
Intellectual Skills
Apply knowledge of networks to evaluate their effectiveness in specific
applications

4.3

Employ general principles of engineering design and practice
Practical Skills
Plan and implement telecommunications and computer networks engineering
projects.

4.4
Use engineering IT tools, including network simulation packages.
Transferable Skills
 Analytical skills and laboratory experimentation skills.
 Teamwork in laboratory environment.
5.
ASSESSMENT OF THE MODULE
There will be a 2-hour written examination worth 70%, a laboratory course work worth
30% of the total module marks. You MUST submit your course work to the IPBCN
Blackboard site before the deadline and keep the soft copy of your report. Late
submission will be penalized in accordance with the University regulation.
6.
FEEDBACK
Feedback will normally be given to students 15 working days after the submission
deadline of an assignment.
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IP Based Communication Networks
7.
Module Guide
INTRODUCTION TO STUDYING THE MODULE
7.1
Overview of the Main Content
This module discusses both the principles and practice of computer networking.
The main content is structured according to the layer reference model of
networks. It is ended with network security which has aspects that relate to all
layers.
7.2
Overview of Types of Classes
These can be classified into three main activities as follows:
7.3

Lectures which will be at the rate of 2 hour per week. Lectures will cover
all the main aspects of the subject matter in the module. You will be given
website based handouts to either accompany the module textbook or to
complement it when necessary. You are encouraged to find out more about
each topic covered for deeper understanding, and to consult your lecturer
for more information.

Tutorials which will be at the rate of 1 hour per week. You will be given a
website based tutorial sheet when it is due. Prepare for the tutorial prior to
the session to ensure that you know how to apply the principles given in the
lecture to practical problems.

Laboratory each being for two hours, will be held 6 times during the
semester. Experiment guidance will be provided. Students are required to
analyse the performance of their own designed networks.
Importance of Student Self-Managed Learning Time
As in every module, students are expected to carry out 152 hours of
independent study throughout the duration of the module. This time should be
used to complete the workshop exercises if necessary. The teaching team can
support student apply a free student licence of the essential software package
installed in his/her home PC.
7.4
Employability
There are diverse employment opportunities in communication field. As an
introductory module, it provides a broad understanding of the principles of data
communications and networks. You could work for an equipment
manufacturer, network infrastructure provider or a service provider, carrying
out research, or working on the design and development projects, or production
of land or undersea communication systems, data networks, computer
communication networks, optical fibre and microwave communications,
wireless and mobile communications, cellular mobile networks or satellite
systems.
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IP Based Communication Networks
8.
Module Guide
THE PROGRAMME OF TEACHING, LEARNING
AND ASSESSMENT
This module consists of 8 broad areas of study:
1. Principles and concepts of computer networks
This part is concerned with the underlying technology of Data and Computer
Communications. The concept protocol architectures are discussed. It deals with
the two most important protocol architectures: OSI model and TCP/IP.
Learning outcome:

Gain an understanding of the concept of data communication.

Define and explain the terms protocol and protocol architecture.

Know critiques of the OSI model and TCP/IP model.
1 Week
2. The physical layer
The lowest layer defines the mechanical, electrical, and timing interfaces to the
network. Some kinds of transmission media will be covered. Fixed telephone and
cable TV system will be discussed as examples.
Learning outcome:

Know about theoretical basis of data communication.

Define twisted pair, fibre optics and radio transmission.

Gain an understanding of the principle and structure of PSTN.

Define and explain the principle of modem, ADSL and cable modem.
1 week
3. The Data link layer
This study deals with the algorithms for achieving reliable, efficient
communication between two adjacent machines at the data link layer.
Learning outcome:

Know about framing, error detection and correction.

Define SW-ARQ, sliding window ARQ and hybrid ARQ.
1.5 Weeks
4. The MAC sublayer
The MAC sublayer is especially important in LANs, many of which use a multiaccess channel as the basis for communication. The central theme of this chapter is
how to allocate a single broadcast channel among competing users.
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IP Based Communication Networks
Module Guide
Learning outcome:

Understand the needs of MAC sublayer.

Define multiple access protocols: ALOHA, Pure ALOHA, Slotted ALOHA,
CSMA, CSMA/CD and collision-free protocols.
1 Week
5. Ethernet, Connecting devices and Virtual LANs
Ethernet and network devices which operate in the physical and data link layers.
Learning outcome:
 Understand physical, MAC and LLC of Ethernet,
 Know classic, switched, fast, Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet
 Understand how network devices are used to create backbone networks.
 Understand Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN).
1.5 Weeks
6. The Network Layer (Design and Considerations)
The network layer is concerned with getting packets from the source all the way to
the destination. In this part, we will study routing, congestion control and
internetworking issues.
Learning outcome:
 Understanding of network-layer functionalities
 Understanding label switching and datagram routing
 Static and Dynamic Addresses, DCHP.
 Concepts of Subnetting and Supernetting
 Understanding of IP routing protocols and
 Basic routing algorithms (RIP, OSPF, BGP, DVR, LSR, Dijkstra’s, etc)
 Hierarchical addressing structure and route summarization
 Private addresses and NAT protocols,
 Internet-Protocol version 6, IPv6 versus IPv4
3 Weeks
7. The Transport Layer
The Transport Layer is the heart of the whole protocol hierarchy. Its task is to
provide reliable, cost-effective data transport from the source machine to the
destination machine, independently of the physical network or networks currently
in use. In this part, we will study the transport layer in detail, including its services,
design, protocols, and performance.
Learning outcome:
 Understanding transport-layer functionalities
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IP Based Communication Networks
Module Guide
 Understanding of the difference between UDP and TCP.
 Understanding issues with transport protocol design, port address
 Understanding TCP flow and congestion control, congestion issues
 Understanding of Quality of Service in Transport layers
2 Weeks
8. Network Services and Responsibility
Some real network applications, e.g. Email, World Wide Web and basic file
transfer will be studied in this part. Basic security, security measures and issues in
communications, emails and web applications will be covered.
Learning outcome:
 Understanding application-layer functionalities
 Understanding WWW (DNS, FTP, HTTP protocols)
 Network threats, risk of intrusion, methods of attacks
 Security Policy and Measures, firewalls, IDS, IPS
 Security consideration on wireless-LAN
1 Week
9.
STUDENT EVALUATION
The analysis indicates that most of our students were satisfied with our teaching.
There are no high negative responses on most items on the questionnaire. The
analysis appears to suggest that the contents and the assessments of this module
should be appropriate for students.
10. LEARNING RESOURCES
10.1 Core Materials


Andrew S. Tanenbaum, “Computer Networks”, 5/E, Prentice-Hall, 2011.
Introduction to Data Communications and Networking 4/E, by B. Forouzan,
Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 2007.
10.2 Optional Materials

Data and Computer Communications 9/E, by W. Stalling, Publisher:
Prentice-Hall, 2011.
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