Communication and Networking Technologies - 2024 entry

Communications and networking technologies are rapidly evolving, and have revolutionised the ways in which we socialise, and network in business. This module gives you the chance to gain in-depth knowledge of these technologies, and the ways in which they are used. You will learn all about protocols - the set of rules and instructions that computers and other devices follow when they communicate with each other across a network. Furthermore, you will gain invaluable practical experience, using the Internet as a tool to assist on your own project, in which you will conduct a risk analysis, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact that viruses can have on computer networks. You will also get the chance to see computer applications and protocols in action, when lecturers give demonstrations, using real life examples. 

 

The aim of this module is to equip you with the underlying theory and knowledge that underpins the fields of communications engineering and computer networking. You will learn about the nature and purpose of key telecommunication and networking principles, and apply these principles to addressing typical telecommunications and networking problems. You will demonstrate what you have learnt by critically evaluating a specified communication system, and providing an appropriate technical solution to a problem associated with that system.

 

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below.

 

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

 

1 Understand the characteristics of various transmission and networking technologies and the main factors that affect their performance;

 

2 Apply a working knowledge of a number of different protocols, the network standards to which devices must comply to ensure they can work together, and hardware and software components; (C1, M1, C2, M2)

 

3 Apply knowledge of the design and operation of a number of telephone and Internet networks and systems; (C2, M2

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

 

4 grasp the theoretical principles underlying communication systems and networks through application and problem solving;

 

5 apply and critically evaluate literature and other sources to solve a complex networking problem taking into consideration societal impact and security risks; (C4, M4, C10, M10)

 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

 

6 work with other students in small groups to complete a project. (C16, M16)

 

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

 

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading list for this module:

 

Stallings, W, Computer Networking with Internet Protocols and Technology, Prentice Hall (2004)  978-0131410985  

 

Kurose and Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet, 6th ed., Addison Wesley (2013) 000-0-321-26976-4     

 

Tanenbaum, A., Computer Networks, 5th ed., Prentice Hall, (2010)   000-0-130-38488-7