Accessibility statement

Computer & Mobile Networks - COM00147M

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Dawn Wood
  • Credit value: 15 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

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

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Online Teaching Window 5 2023-24

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

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report with an executive summary		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report with an executive summary		 N/A 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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.