Networks and Communications
Module aims
In this module you will have the opportunity to:
- Study the principles of computer networking
- Analyse and discuss the OSI & TCP/IP models
- Demonstrate how a network is designed based on specific requirements
- Familiarise yourself with the basic principles of computer security
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
- define and classify the major concepts of Computer Networking
- design a computer network based on given requirements
- calculate important network metrics
- identify and analyse potential security risks
Module syllabus
- Introduction to Networking Concepts
- The Application/Presentation/Session Layer
- The Transport Layer
- Network Security
- Practical Applications
- The Network Layer
- The Data Link Layer
- The Physical Layer
- Client/Server Programming
- Future Directions
Teaching methods
The lectures will follow a Q&A approach, with the help of tools such as Mentimeter, which will allow you to participate actively during the classroom sessions. The module is backed up with unassessed, formative exercises, where you get to test your understanding of the material as it is taught.
One entire week is dedicated to practical applications of networking, with a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) lab that takes place in-class, as well as an impromptu team exercise. You will also be given a variety of external resources, in addition to the official reading list, which will give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge beyond the core material taught.
An online service will be used as a discussion forum for the module.
Assessments
There will be one coursework that contributes 20% of the mark for the module, plus a final written exam that contributes the remaining 80% of the marks.
Part of the feedback comes from the in-class discussions and mentimeter Q&A. You will also receive electronic feedback on your coursework submission, approximately two weeks after submission.
Reading list
Core
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Computer networking : a top-down approach
Eighth edition.; Global edition., Pearson
-
Computer networks.
Sixth edition /; Global edition., Pearson
Supplementary
-
Computer networks : a systems approach
Sixth edition., Morgan Kaufmann Publishers
-
Network security essentials : applications and standards
Global, sixth edition., Pearson
-
Data and computer communications
Tent edition., Pearson
-
Data and computer communications
10th, Pearson Education
Background
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Computer networking and the Internet
5th ed., Harlow : Addison-Wesley
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Networks for computer scientists and engineers
New York ; Oxford : Oxford University Press
-
Guide to OSI and TCP/IP Models
Cham : Springer
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Guide to Computer Network Security [electronic resource]
5th ed. 2020., Springer International Publishing ; Imprint Springer
-
Guide to Computer Network Security
4 ed., Springer International Publishing AG
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Guide to Computer Network Security [electronic resource]
3rd ed. 2015., Springer London ; Imprint Springer
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Guide to computer network security
Third edition., Springer
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Understanding TCP/IP : a clear and comprehensive guide to TCP/IP protocols
Birmingham, England : Packt Pub.
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Gray hat hacking : the ethical hacker's handbook /
Fourth edition., McGraw-Hill Osborne,
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TCP/IP illustrated / Vol.1, The protocols
Reading, Mass ; Wokingham : Addison-Wesley
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TCP/IP illustrated. Vol.2, The implementation
Reading, Mass. ; Wokingham : Addison-Wesley
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TCP/IP illustrated. Vol.3, TCP for transactions, HTTP, NNTP, and the UNIX domain protocols
Reading, Mass. ; Wokingham : Addison-Wesley
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Where wizards stay up late : the origins of the Internet
London : Pocket