Year
2020
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 2-hour lecture weekly
1 x 2-hour computer lab weekly
Prerequisites
^ = may be enrolled concurrently
1 1 of ENGR8762, COMP8701, COMP8802
2 ^ COMP8702 - Computer Programming 1 GE
3 Admission into MITNCS-Master of Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems)
4 ENGR8762 - Networks and Cybersecurity GE
5 Admission into GDPDSC-Graduate Diploma in Data Science
5a Admission into MDSC-Master of Data Science
5b Admission into MCS-Master of Computer Science
5c Admission into MCSAI-Master of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
Must Satisfy: ((1 and 2) or (3 and 4) or ((5 or 5a or 5b or 5c)))
Enrolment not permitted
1 of ENGR2782, ENGR2881, ENGR8782 has been successfully completed
Topic description
This topic introduces the fundamentals, standards, protocols and techniques for designing, building and managing computer networks. The topic will present the OSI model, data transmission protocols, circuit, packet and switching fundamentals, network topologies, network and data security, network design, optimisation, performance monitoring and measurement and an overview of the issues involved in the design and implementation of such systems. The topic will present the general principles of networked systems with contemporary examples such as web based multimedia content, portable and distributed computing, and how networked communications and devices are informing business practice.
Educational aims
This topic aims to:

  1. Introduce students to the fundamentals of the networked systems they use
  2. Illustrate the relationship between operating systems and network management
  3. Demonstrate the fundamentals of network security requirements
  4. Provide students with a working knowledge of network configuration and management
  5. Provide students with a good understanding of how networked systems work to facilitate the functionality of computing technologies
  6. Provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate an ability to design and implement network control and monitoring programs
Expected learning outcomes
At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

  1. Understand computer network terminology and topologies, functions and architectures of computer networks
  2. Demonstrate the design and implementation of simple process and network level programs
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the various layers which make up networks and how they are used to form complex, reliable and secure communication mediums
  4. Understand and be able to articulate the structure and function of the major types of networks in common use
  5. Understand aspects of the internet, including various associated protocols IP, UDP, TCP, IP addressing, header fields and the operation of servers / clients
  6. Appreciate the real-time nature of networked devices and communications and demonstrate an understanding of current and emerging methods for secure information transfer