EE3900 Computer Networks

Course Aims and Objectives:

Aims

This course introduces some fundamental concepts in data communications and computer networks. The framework of this course is the layered architecture, the lower layers are focused, i.e. data communications and local area networks. Some case studies will be introduced in the course in order to bring out the practical aspects of computer networking.

Objectives

Upon completion, students should be able to:

(i)          understand the basic data communication technologies and characteristics; (ii)        understand the layer architecture for computer networks;(iii)      understand the main link access protocols used in local area networks and their performance characteristics;(iv)       understand basic protocols and error control techniques;

(v)         understand the main design issues of network protocols used in wide area networks.

Units:  4

Level:  B3

Medium of Instruction: English

Syllabus:

Introduction to Computer Networks (1 lecture)

Data communication networks, layered architecture model, ISO OSI reference model, TCP/IP reference model, overview.

The Electrical Interface (2 lecture)

Transmission media (twisted pair, coaxial cable, optical fiber, wireless media), basic theory and laws (Fourier, Shannon, Nyquist), signal types (modulation, modem).

Data Transmission (3 lectures)

Data transmission basics (Character set, communication modes, transmission modes, data link control), asynchronous transmission, synchronous transmission, error detection methods, multiplexers.

Protocol Basic (2 lecture)

Error control, automatic repeat request (ARQ), Go-Back-N, selective repeat, flow control.

Data Link Control Protocols (2 lecture)

Character-oriented protocols, bit-oriented protocols.

Local Area Networks (LANs) (3 lectures)

LAN characteristics, wired LAN, wireless LAN, ALOHA, Ethernet, Token Ring.

High-Speed and Bridged LANs (2 lecture)

Ethernet switching, fast Ethernet, FDDI, bridges, transparent bridges, source routing bridges.

Wide Area Networks (WANs) (2 lecture)

WAN characteristics, circuit switched data networks, packet switched data networks, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs).

Network layer (2 lecture)

Network layer design issues, routing algorithms, Internet Protocol (IP).

Transport and Application Protocols (3 lectures)

The transport services, connection set-up, flow control, congestion control, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), network applications (DNS, network security, SNMP, email, ftp, WWW, multimedia). 

The teaching approach used will provide a balance between conceptual knowledge through lectures, analytical abilities through analysis and discussions, and solidifying the students programming abilities through practical software development in the laboratory.  Exercises and tutorial questions are integrated in the lecture sessions.

Teaching Pattern:

Duration of course: 1 semester

Offered in:                 Semester B

Current mix of lecture/tutorial/laboratory: 9 weeks of double 2-hour lecture

                        4 weeks of single 2-hour lecture 

            4 weeks of 3-hour laboratory

        Exercises and tutorial questions are integrated in the lecture sessions.

Assessment Pattern:

Examination duration: 2 hours, at the end of the semester

Percentage of coursework, examination, etc.:   30% CW;    70% Exam 

For a student to pass the course, at least 30% of the maximum mark for the examination must be obtained, and a laboratory attendance of at least 75% recorded. 

Coursework should be based on several different exercises distributed over the period of the semester; examples include homework assignments, short test, mini projects and presentations.

Pre-requisites: Nil

Pre-cursor: EE2202 (IT2201 old code)

Equivalent Courses: Nil

Booklist:

Essential Reading 

Fred Halsall, Data Communications, Computer Networks, and Open Systems, 4th edition, Addison-Wesley, 1996. 

Reference Books 

William Stallings, Data and Computer Communications, 6th edition, Prentice Hall, 1997. 

Andrew S Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, 2003. 

Douglas E Comer, Computer Networks and Internets, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, 2001.

Related Links
Department of Electronic Engineering