Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS
Code CKIT505
Coordinator Prof FP Coenen
Computer Science
Coenen@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

1. To provide a critical understanding of the theory and practice computer communications and networks. 

2. To provide students with the essential knowledge that they would require should they wish to take up a career in network administration/management.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) A critical understanding of the theory and practice of computer communications.

(LO2) A critical understanding of the protocols, services and utilities that permit Internet access.

(LO3) An understanding of the challenges and issues associated with multimedia networking and the mechanism that may be employed to address them.

(LO4) An understanding of the processes required to secure information travelling along communication links.

(LO5) An understanding of the primary duties of network administration/management and the tools that may be employed to support these duties.

(S1) Skills in using technology - Online communications skills

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

Syllabus
 

Week 1: Computer Network and the Internet
Internet; Protocol; Access Networks; Circuit Switching and Packet Switching; Protocol Layers; ISPs and Backbones.

Week 2: Application Layer
Network Applications; HTTP; FTP; SMTP; DNS; P2P; Socket Programming.

Week 3:  Transport Layer
Transport Layer services; UDP; TCP; Congestion Control.

Week 4: The Network Layer
Forwarding and Routing; Network Service Models; Routing; IP.

Week 5: The Link Layer: Links, Access Networks, and LANs
Link Layer; Error-Detection and Error Correction Techniques; Multiple Access Protocols; Switched LANs; Link Virtualisation; Data Center Networking.

Week 6: Wireless and Mobile Networks/Multimedia Networking
Wireless Links; 802.11; Cellular Internet Access; Mobile IP and Mobility; M ultimedia Networking Applications; Streaming Stored Video; VoIP; RTP; SIP.

Week 7: Security in Computer Networks
Network security; Cryptography; End-Point Authenti cation; Security; IPsec; VPNs.

Week 8: Network Management
Network Management; Internet Standard Management Framework; Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP); Security and Administration; ASN.1 .

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Virtual classroom hours (for online modules)
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Number of hours per week that students are expected to attend the virtual classroom so as to participate in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 8.75.

Teaching Method 2 - Non-classroom hours (for online modules)
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Number of hours per week that students are expected to devote to reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is 10.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           70

80

 150
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 0
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole Session  Weekly Discussion Qu    50       
Assessment 2 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole Session  Weekly Coursework As    50       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.