CS3201 Computer Networks

Part I

Course Duration: One Semester

Credit Units: 3

Level: B3

Medium of Instruction: English

Pre-requisites: Nil

Pre-cursors:
CS2112 Computer Organization & Assembly Language /or
CS2113 Computer Organization /or
CS2114 Computer Organization for Media /or
CS2115 Computer Organization /or equivalent

Equivalent Courses: Nil

Exclusive Courses: Nil

Part II

Course Aims:

This course aims to introduce some of the fundamental concepts in data communication and computer networks.  The framework of the course is the layered architecture, with the network dependent layers and the transport layer as the main focus. Examples will be drawn liberally from the Internet to illustrate abstract concepts so that students can understand how a computer network actually works.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

No.

CILOs

Weighting
(if applicable)

1.

describe the basic transmission technologies and their characteristics;
  

 

2.

apply the concepts of layer architecture in assessing the placement of network devices, protocols and services;
  

 

3.

compare and analyze the performance of basic error control and medium access control strategies in data link protocols;
  

 

4.

evaluate feasibility of LAN configurations;
  

 

5.

compare and contrast the switching techniques used in networks and specify the appropriate technology for supporting specific QoS requirements;
  

 

6.

explain the rationale and workings of the techniques used to solve routing, congestion, addressing and internetworking issues in packet switched networks;
  

 

7.

describe the main design issues of transport protocols and the mechanisms used to control traffic flow and congestion and provide robust data delivery.
  

 

Teaching and learning Activities (TLAs):
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

Teaching pattern:
Suggested lecture/tutorial/laboratory mix:  2 hrs. lecture; 1 hr. tutorial.

CILO No

TLAs

Hours/week
(if applicable)

CILO 1

to

CILO 7

The basic concepts will be covered in the lectures, which will include case studies of computer networks to help the students apply their knowledge to real-life problems.  The tutorials provide an opportunity for the students to discuss and deepen their understanding of material learned during the lecture.  A series of assignments, aimed at helping with the students' learning the concepts and techniques, will be given.  The assignment results will also serves as feedback so that the lecturer can pace the presentations accordingly.

 

Assessment Tasks/Activities:
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

CILO No

Type of assessment tasks/activities

Weighting
(if applicable)

Remarks

CILO 1
to
CILO 7

All the course ILOs are expected to be assessed using both coursework and examination.  In particular, ILOs 2-5 will be assessed using case studies in the coursework.
 

 

 

Grading of Student Achievement:

Examination duration: 2 hours
Percentage of coursework, examination, etc.: 30% CW; 70% Exam
Grading pattern: Standard (A+AA-…F)
For a student to pass the course, at least 30% of the maximum mark for the examination must be obtained.

Part III

Keyword Syllabus:

Data transmission.  Coding.  Modulation techniques.  Common network devices and configurations.  Layered network architecture:  The OSI and Internet TCP/IP reference models.  Data link layer: error control and flow control issues.  Sliding window protocols.  LANs and medium access protocols.  Network layer issues: addressing, routing, congestion and flow control.  Internetworking.  Transport layer issues.  Case study based on TCP/UDP and IP protocols.

Related Links
Department of Computer Science