Module Code: H06DCN
Long Title Data Communications and Networking
Title Data Communications and Networking
Module Level: LEVEL 6
EQF Level: 5
EHEA Level: Short Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: PAUL HAYES
Module Author: PAUL HAYES
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the theory, concepts and principles of data communications
LO2 Define terms used in data communications and networking
LO3 Identify and describe the types and uses of networks and data communications technology issues, including the use of cryptography
LO4 Transfer and apply theoretical concepts to problem solving in a range of data communications and networking contexts in the ‘real world’
LO5 Illustrate the functions of the TCP/IP layers and their application to the Internet
LO6 Identify current and future data communications and networking trends
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Data Communication
• Data Communication. • Data versus Information. • Centralised and Distributed Processing. • Client-Server and Cloud Computing. • Network criteria. • Physical structures. • Categories of networks. • The Internet Protocols and standards • Emergent technologies/languages
Network Models
• Layered architecture. • Encapsulation Peer-to-peer processes. • The OSI model. • Layers in the OSI model TCP/IP protocol suite TCP/IP versions
Digital and Analog Transmission
• Analog and digital signals. • Bandwidth Transmission Impairment. • Analog-to-digital conversion. • Transmission Mode
Multiplexing and Switching
• Frequency-division multiplexing. • Time-division multiplexing. • Wavelength-division multiplexing. • Circuit switching. • Packet switching. • Datagram approach Virtual circuit approach
Transmission Media
• Characteristics of Guided media Twisted-Pair cable Co-axial Cable Fibre-optic cable Characteristics of Unguided media Radio waves Microwaves Infrared
Local Area Networks
• Multiple Access Protocols. • Traditional Ethernet CSMA/CD. • Switched Ethernet. • Fast Ethernet • Gigabit Ethernet • Wireless LAN • CSMA/CA
Connecting LANs and Backbone Networks
• Repeater • Hub • Switch • Router • Backbone networks
TCP/IP Network and Transport Layer
• IP Addressing • Internetworking • Transition from IPv4 to IPv6 • Address Mapping • ICMP and IGMP • UDP and TCP • Application Layer
Cryptography
• Principles of Cryptography • Symmetric Key Cryptography • Public Key Encryption • RSA • Digital Signatures
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Assessment60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: CA 1 (0380) % of total: 20
Assessment Date: Week 6 Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students may be assessed through continuous assessment, including a mid-term test, that contain a number of questions which examine the student’s ability to explain the theory, concepts and principles of data communications.
Assessment Type: CA 2 (0390) % of total: 20
Assessment Date: Week 12 Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students may be assessed through continuous assessment, including a mid-term test, that contain a number of questions which examine the student’s ability to explain the theory, concepts and principles of data communications.
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 60
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
End-of-Semester Final Examination
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 7.5 Once per semester 0.63
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Every Week 24.00
Independent Learning No Description 101 Once per semester 8.42
Tutorial No Description 12 Every Week 12.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 36.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Behrouz Forouzan. (2013), Data Communications and Networking, 5th Edition. McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math, p.1264, [ISBN: 0073376221].
  • James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross. (2012), Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6th Edition. Pearson Education, p.864, [ISBN: 0273768964].
  • Andrew S Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall. (2013), Computer Networks, 5th Edition. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 1292024224].
  • Julia Panko and Raymond R. Panko. (2015), Business Data Networks and Security, 10th Edition. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 1292075414].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • William Stallings. (2013), Data and Computer Communications, 10th Edition. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 1292014385].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: