Module Code: H6DCN
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: David McCarthy
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Lecturer preferably with Master’s degree or PHD in a computing or cognate discipline. May have industry experience also.

Proposed Lecturer: Dr. Paul Hayes. Dr. Sachin Sharma

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
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

See section 4.2 Entry procedures and criteria for the programme including procedures recognition of prior learning.

 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Data Communication
• Data Communication. • Data versus Information. • Centralised and Distributed Processing. • Client-Server and Cloud Computing. • Categories of networks. • The Internet Protocols and standards • Emergent technologies
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
• 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 •(Vertical and Horizontal) Integrity Enhancement Features 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 • Virtual LANs
TCP/IP Network Layer Part 1
• IP Addressing • Subnetworking • Internetworking • IP Versions • Transition from IPv4 to IPv6
TCP/IP Network Layer Part 2
• Address Mapping • ARP, RARP and BOOTP • DHCP • ICMP and IGMP
Transport Layer
• Introduction to Transport Layer • Process-to-Process Communications • Transport Layer Ports • Connectionless versus Connection-Oriented • Introduction to Transport Layer Protocols (e.g. TCP, UDP etc.
Application Layer
• Introduction to Application Layer • Application Layer Protocols (e.g. DNS, HTTP, FTP etc.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Assessment60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
Ongoing independent and group class activities and feedback.
Assessment Type: CA 1 (0380) % of total: 40
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students may be assessed through continuous assessments, including at least 2 summative tests, that fosus on student understanding of the course material.
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:
Written proctored end of semester examination to access all the learning outcomes.
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.
Reassessment Description
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. Learners who fail this module will be required to sit a repeat module assessment where all learning outcomes will be examined.

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 24 Per Semester 2.00
Tutorial No Description 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Per Semester 7.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 24 Per Semester 2.00
Tutorial No Description 12 Every Week 12.00
Independent Learning No Description 89 Per Semester 7.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 14.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Julia Panko and Raymond R. Panko. (2015), Business Data Networks and Security, 10th Edition. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 1292075414].
  • Andrew S Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall. (2013), Computer Networks, 5th Edition. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 1292024224].
  • James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross. (2012), Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6th Edition. Pearson Education, p.864, [ISBN: 0273768964].
  • Behrouz Forouzan. (2013), Data Communications and Networking, 5th Edition. McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math, p.1264, [ISBN: 0073376221].
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: