Computer Networks

Advanced

Advanced Computer Networks

Although computers can carry out their intended function in isolation, there are many instances where the exchange of information with other computers in a distributed computer environment is desirable. As more applications move to data intensive GUI formats, bandwidth is readily consumed and faster communications are demanded. In this module, we will look at the theory of data communications and computer networks. Practical sessions will underpin the lectures, helping you to put some of the theories into practice.

So what will we learn?

We will briefly re-examine the material you learnt in the second year. We will look at the basics of data communications and computer networks. We will look at how radio networks operate and how they have evolved. We will also examine WAP technology. We will see how Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communications work and appreciate the advantages of integrating local and wide area technologies. We will examine the architectures and protocols used for internetworking. In particular, we will examine some of the various protocols used by the Internet.

Resources

Whilst these the lectures and labs contain essential information (and you must attend), you must also be proactive in your learning. Practice what youve learnt. If youve been given an equation or a method, try putting together your own examples and then solve them. If youve been taught how to write Perl script, try writing your own scripts. Read around the subject. Recommended books are:
Halsall F (1996) Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open Systems., 4th Ed., Addison Wesley. Tanenbaum A S (1996) Computer Networks., 3rd Ed., Prentice Hall.

Resources

Look on the Internet. The best way to find out more about computer networks is to get information from the biggest network of them all. In particular, look out for RFCs (Request for Comments). Go to the library. There are lots of books in the library about computer networks. You will find them in the Central library at the Coleraine Campus. Read journals. In the library you will also find research journals. Some of these contain papers describing the latest research on networks.

Theyre worth taking a look at although some of them can be quite hard to read.

Assessment

This course will be assess by Course Assessments and an Exam. For ordinary degree students, 40% of the marks are allocated for course assessments and 60% for the exam. For honours degree students, 20% of the marks are allocated for course assessments ad 80% for the exam. You can find exam papers for previous years in the South Building library. Try working through some of these papers.

Logbook

Throughout the course, you will be asked to maintain a logbook of your work. Your logbook will hold all the work you do throughout this course (except for the CAs). The logbook should be in the form of a cardboard folder containing the pages of work. On the outside of the folder you should have the title COM548C2 Log book, your full name, your student ID number and your user name (the name you use to log onto the Informatics computer network) clearly displayed. Keep your logbook up-to-date since I may ask for you to hand them in for marking at anytime during the course.

Some Points To Note

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Do not be tempted to copy work from each other or attempt to pass off other peoples work as your own. Course Assessments must be submitted on time. Any CA submitted after the final deadline will receive zero
(unless there are acceptable medical reasons for being late).

Be courteous to demonstrators. If they ask you to leave a lab because of other classes - please do so without complaint.

Times

Lectures will usually be held:

Monday 12.15-1.05 in LT11 Monday 2.15-3.05 in LT11 Thursday 11.15-12.05 in LT11

Practicals will be held in labs D072 & D075:

Tuesday 11.15-1.05

First lab: 13th February 2001

Good luck.