CS5222 Computer Networks and Internets

Part I

Course Duration: One semester
Credit Units: 3
Level: P5
Medium of Instruction: English
Prerequisites: Nil
Precursors: Nil
Equivalent Courses: Nil
Exclusive Courses: Nil

Part II

Course Aims:
The aims of this course is to (i) introduce the fundamental concepts of computer networks using the TCP/IP Model as a framework; (ii) develop understanding in the structure, operation, and application protocols of the Internet.  Specifically this course

(i)introduces the concept of layered architecture in computer networks and the structure of the TCP/IP model;
(ii)covers the design issues in providing reliable transport of data in the lower protocol layers and the services provided in the higher layers;
(iii)examines the characteristics, technologies and current standards in local area networks;
(iv)covers the main protocol elements of the TCP/IP protocol suit;

(v)

examines the structure, naming and routing aspects of the Internet;
(vi)examines some of the main Internet application protocols.

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

No.

CILOs

Weighting
(if applicable)

1.

Able to identify the fundamental technologies for the hardware and software of the internet.

 

2.

Understand the conceptual and implementation aspects of network applications and its use in most of the application layer protocols such as HTTP, SMTP and FTP.

 

3.

Study the implementation details on both reliable and unreliable services that can be provided by the transport layer protocol.

 

4.

Identify the underlying principles of routing algorithms and its related protocols being applied to the Internet.

 

5.

Describe the services, principle and specific protocol provided in Local area network.

 

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 5

Lectures to introduce the basic concepts, design considerations and methodologies illustrated with case examples.

2 hours of lecture per week

CLO 1 to CILO 5

Tutorial sessions used for discussions and given problems related to the lecture topics.

1 hour tutorial per week

CILO 2

Various protocols will be demonstrated using software protocol analyzer.

 

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)

   Examination duration:  2 hours
   Percentage of coursework, examination, etc.:  30% CW; 70% Exam

CILO No

Type of assessment tasks/activities

Weighting
(if applicable)

Remarks

CILO 1 to CILO 5

Tutorials with short questions and assignments.

 

 

CILO 1 to CILO 5

Examination.

 

 

CILO 1 to CILO 3

Mid-term quiz.

 

 

Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations
Grading pattern: Standard (A+, A, A-…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:

Network architecture: layered architecture, service and protocols; Data transport services and protocols: elements of protocols, service specification; Local Area Networks: LAN topologies, medium access methods: CSMA/CD; LAN performance, access delays, throughput; LAN standards; Wide-area networks, network technologies, circuit, packet, cell switching; Routing algorithms, Internetworking, IP, routing in Internet, mobile IP; Transport layer issues: connection management, multiplexing, quality of service. TCP/UDP protocol suite; Congestion and flow control schemes; Socket communication, client-server communications; Domain name system; Application protocols, HTTP, SMTP, POP, SNTP.

Syllabus

1.Computer Network and the internet
2.Application Layer – HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS
3.Transport Layer – Multiplexing and Demultiplexing, UDP, TCP
4.Network Layer – Virtual Circuit and Datagram network, Router, Routing Algorithms
5.Link Layer – Error detection and correction techniques, Multple Access Protocol

Related Links
Department of Computer Science