Course Catalogue

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This course introduces the basic concepts and theories of communication networks based on the OSI 7-layer model, mainly covering physical layer, data link layer, media access sub-layer, network layer, transport layer and application layer. It combines the basic principles and experimental implementations of network layers, and the rapidly developed network technologies in recent years, such as the Internet and mobile communications.

Course will be delivered continuously in the traditional manner at UESTCHN.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

None

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

None

None

Assessment

Total (100%) = coursework (15%) + lab assessment (10%) + final exam (75%).

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

Due to the nature of the coursework and sequencing of courses, it is not possible to reassess the coursework laboratory and/or projects.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Due to the nature of the coursework and sequencing of courses, it is not possible to reassess the coursework laboratory and/or project.

The initial grade on coursework laboratories will be used when calculating the resit grade.

This course aims to help students build up the basic concepts and theories of network architecture, packet switching, protocols and routing technologies and appreciate the evolution of networking technologies. It also helps students considate a foundation for further study in communication technologies, networking, Internet of Things and information technology.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain the high level concepts in computer networks and network models, and recognise network components and structures, network types and architectures, and application models;

■ describe the principle of packet transmission over a network, list the requirements of a packet's structure, illustrate packet routing, and contrast connective and connectionless communication;

■ summarize the services provided by Data link layer and the main protocols;

■ recognise the characteristics of shared channel networks, differentiate current methods of collision detection, avoidance and recovery, and compute channel efficiency for simple (ALOHA) and more complex (CSMA/CD) approaches for dealing with channel contention;

■ state the functions of the network layer and recognise concepts such as hosts, routers, packet switching, forwarding tables, links, subnets and addressing;

■ apply the distance vector routing algorithm to realistic routing problems;

■ describe the transport service and protocol models, and the typical requirements of reliable transport and describe how network and transport layer concepts apply to the TCP/IP protocol;

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. In addition, students must submit work for assessment for the course laboratory or a grade of credit withheld will be given.

Students must attend the timetabled laboratory classes.

Note that these are minimum requirements: good students will achieve far higher participation/submission rates. Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.