COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
ELE4NET
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students study network architecture (the OSI 7 layer model and TCP/IP protocol architecture), serial communication standards, termination of signal lines, the data link layer (HDLC and LAPB), the network or packet layer in X.25, routing techniques in computer communication networks, least cost algorithms for routing, flow control, error control, local area networks and wide area networks.
School: School Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Song Wang
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 4 - UG/Hons/1st Yr PG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: ELE3CMN or ELE5FCM or Admission into SMTNE or SMELE or LMEM
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Data and computer communications | Prescribed | Stallings, W 2011 | 9TH EDN, PRENTICE HALL |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe various layers within network architectures
- Activities:
- Lectures 1 and 2 are on the layered structure of the OSI model and TCP/IP architecture.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Describe serial communication standards and peer-to-peer communications
- Activities:
- Lectures 3, 5, 6 are on data transmission, signal encoding and digital data communication techniques.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
03. Explain fundamental principles and measure performance requirements in protocol and network design
- Activities:
- Lectures 4, 7 are signal encoding and multiplexing. Labs 1 and 2 and Assignments 1 and 2 have tasks about protocol and network design principles and performance requirements.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
04. Explain routing algorithms and important protocols
- Activities:
- Lectures 9,11,12 are on routing techniques and algorithms as well as internet and transport protocols. Assignment 3 requires students to apply different routing algorithms to determine least-cost paths.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
05. Describe various types of WANs and LANs
- Activities:
- Lectures 8, 10 are on circuit and packet switching networks and LAN architecture
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
06. Evaluate and analyse different network topologies and routing configurations
- Activities:
- Labs 3 and 4 requires students to construct and analyse a number of network scenarios with routers.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Song Wang
Class requirements
Tutorial
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| laboratory work | 20 | 02, 04, 06 | |
| one 2-hour examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Assignments | In order to pass the unit, students must obtain an overall pass grade, pass the examination and pass the practical work. | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |