Computer & Mobile Networks - COM00147M

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Module summary

A sound understanding of internet architecture, protocols and technologies and their real-world applications forms the core of this module. Discussions around networks and the internet, network architecture, communication protocols and their design principles, wireless and mobile networks, network security issues and networking standards feature. The module also covers related social, privacy and copyright issues.

Related modules

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Online Teaching Period 3 2022-23

Module aims

The module aims to provide a sound understanding of the Internet architecture, protocols and technologies. This includes discussion of modern computer networks and the Internet, network architectures, communication protocols and their design principles, the components and layers of the TCP/IP network model used on the Internet from the physical layer to applications, wireless and mobile networks; network security issues and networking standards. These are presented together with their real-world applications. The module will also cover the social, privacy and copyright issues related to computer networks and the Internet.

Module learning outcomes

Be able to

1. Critically analyse the core concepts in modern computer networks such as LANs and WANs, network architecture, communication protocols and their design principles, the layered organization of computer networks, and mobile networks,

2. Apply network concepts and design principles, design/communicate and implement a networked application, 

3. Critically evaluate and apply tools for  computer network performance analysis,

4. Critically evaluate network security techniques,

5. Critically evaluate the legal and ethical impact of computer networks and Internet.

Module content

Topics:

1. Computer Networks and their applications

2. The physical layer and data link layer, LAN and WAN

3. The network layer and IP

4. The transport layer and TCP

5. The application layer, DNS, email, and FTP

6. Wireless and mobile networks

7. Network security

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

This will be given in line with University policy.

Indicative reading

James Kurose & Keith Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 7th Edition, Pearson, 2017.