Study information

Communication and Networking Technologies - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLECommunication and Networking Technologies CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENG2017 MODULE CONVENERDr Rupam Das (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 weeks 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

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. 

AIMS - intentions of the module
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.
 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
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)
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Basic Telecommunication Principles:

- inter-link communication;

- electrical signals;

- analogue and digital modulation;

- pulse code modulation;

- asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL);

- Bluetooth.
 

Introduction to the Internet:

- the 5 layer Internet protocol stack;

- the key functions and protocols of the application layer;

- Domain Name System (DNS), FTP and Email (SMTP & POP3);

- multimedia streaming over the Internet;

- TCP and UDP transport protocols;

- the IP protocol;

- Ethernet LANS.
 

Introduction to Telephony:

- analogue telephony networks, integrated digital networks, next generation networks;

- overview of GSM mobile networks: mobile phone system, base station subsystem, network switching subsystem and operation and maintenance subsystem.
 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 30 Guided Independent Study 120 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 22 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 8 Tutorials
Guided independent study 120 Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam – closed book 70 2 hours  1 – 4 (MC 1, 2) Written (verbal upon request)
Coursework – TMA 1 Problem Sheet 10 6 hours 1 – 4 (MC 1, 2) Written and verbal
Coursework – TMA 3 Network Simulation and Design 20 8 A4 sides (max) 1 – 6 (MC 1, 2, 4, 10, 16) Written and verbal

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above Written exam (100% - 2 hours) 1 – 5 (MC 1, 2, 4, 10) Referral/Deferral Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
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%.
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
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  
 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 2 (NQF level 5) AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 21st March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 28th February 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Telecommunications; Internet; multimedia; Ethernet; mobile phones.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.