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 2016-17 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

A critical understanding of the theory and practice of computer communications.

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 


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 Networki ng

Wireless Links; 802.11; Cellular Internet Access; Mobile IP and Mobility; Multimedia Networking Applications; Streaming Stored Video; VoIP; RTP; SIP.
 

Week 7: Security in Computer Networks

Network security; Cryptography; End-Point Authentication; 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

Virtual classroom hours (for online modules) -

Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 8.75.

Non-classroom hours (for online modules) -

Number of hours per week, per student expected for 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)           Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 8.75.
Number of hours per week, per student expected for reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is 10.
 
 
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
Coursework  Weekly Discussion Qu  Whole Session  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Coursework  Weekly Coursework As  Whole Session  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) 1) Due to nature of the on-line mode of instruction this work is not marked anonymously. 2) Students who fail the module have the opportunity to repeat the entire module, thus all failed assessments. 3) The "Standard UoL Penalty" for late submission that applies is the "Standard UoL Penalty" agreed with respect to online programmes offered in collaboration with Laureate Online Education. 

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: